Silvertone Model 1457 Amp-In-Case Model Semi-Hollow Body Electric Guitar, made by Danelectro (1965), made in Neptune, NJ, serial # 1085, red/black sunburst with sparkles finish, Masonite and pine body, poplar neck with rosewood fingerboard, masonite case, original Amp-case case.
This is a played-in but original example of the classic Danelectro-made Silvertone 1457 guitar, sold exclusively through Sears, Roebuck & Co. as a ready-to-rock set with the tremolo equipped, all-tube amplifier amazingly contained in the Masonite case. This model was a huge hit for Sears and became the original equipment for thousands of teen combos and garage bands across the nation in the mid-1960s.
The guitar is one of Danelectro's most stylish Masonite miracles. The double cutaway asymmetrical body is built om a poplar frame with sharp curling "horns," with a Masonite top and back. It is finished in a red sunburst finish with overlaid sparkles; Sears' buyer was convinced "Kids love sparkles". This is topped with a white Masonite pickguard and carries two great-sounding Dan-O lipstick pickups controlled by concentric control tone/volume pots, with the traditional Dan-O chrome plate bridge with rosewood saddle. The neck is topped with a Silvertone logo "paddle" headstock and Danelectro's in-house skate key-style tuners.
The tremolo-equipped amp/case combination is actually surprisingly good-sounding, louder than one might reasonably expect although not entirely practical for most gigging situations! There are two inputs (for you and a buddy to jam) and the tremolo is actually quite effective. The guitar shows a code stamp indicating the neck was fabricated the 10th week of 1965, so this set was being assembled just as the Beatle-inspired guitar boom was peaking in the US which made the electric guitar every kid's dream! This great-sounding and playing little guitar is still mated to the amp-case, a complete set as it came in 1965. these remain not only a cool piece of fretted nostalgia but one of the best bargains in an American-made vintage guitar still going.
Overall length is 37 1/2 in. (95.2 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 5/8 in. (4.1 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 25 1/2 in. (648 mm.). Width of nut is 1 13/16 in. (46 mm.).
This is a lightly worn-in original set with both pieces showing some wear but functionally well-preserved. The guitar is an excellent player, completely unmodified and original but has been played over the last six decades. There are dings and chips to the finish overall, a larger chip to the Masonite on the top edge and the vinyl edging is a bit dirty and torn in places. The screws have some corrosion but all hardware remains original. Even the little plastic cord holder near the jack is intact. The neck is nice and straight, original frets have been polished out and playability is excellent (for a Danelectro anyway).
The amp case is a bit cleaner than the guitar but shows some wear inside and out, mostly externally to the case at the corners. The amp unit itself has been checked out but remains original and still works well. This package includes a period but non-original wooden trem pedal. Overall this is a fine playing example of this classic garage band combo, not the cleanest we have had but a fun player with vibe to spare. Overall Very Good + Condition.
