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Silvertone Silhouette 1488 1965 w/ Original Case - $1,000 (Chico)
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This example is in beautiful shape, and it plays really well too. The frets show light wear and they feel great. The neck is killer - no humpy issues as you see on some of these guitars and we easily got it set up really well with room in the truss rod for future neck relief adjustments. There are no changes, repairs, or issues. The original case is in really nice shape too.
Featuring the classic offset Silhouette body, triple pickups, and the distinctive offset styling, the 1488 delivers that unmistakable bright, jangly, and slightly gritty tone that defined everything from ’60s garage rock to modern indie recordings.
The lightweight poplar construction gives the guitar its signature resonance and fast attack. The pickups provide chimey cleans, snappy rhythm tones, and an expressive, microphonic charm that only vintage Danelectro-built instruments offer. Paired with the comfortable C-shaped neck and classic Silvertone vibrato tailpiece, the 1488 plays effortlessly and feels authentically “1960s” in every way.
Players praise these guitars for their uniqueness and character: “The pickups are magic—pure vintage sparkle” (The Gear Page), “Silhouettes cut beautifully in a mix” (Reddit r/Guitar), “Light, resonant, and quirky in the best way” (Harmony Central), “A sleeper collectible from the Danelectro factory” (Vintage Guitar Forum), and “The 1488 vibrato is surprisingly smooth” (MyLesPaul Forum).
Used by modern retro-rock players and prized by collectors, Silvertone 1488 models have become increasingly desirable for their tone, style, and rarity.
Color: Red
Weight: 6lbs 14oz
Body: Poplar
Neck: Maple
Neck Profile: "Chunky, rounded" C
Neck Date/Code:
Fretboard: Brazilian Rosewood
Inlays: Pearl Block
Frets: Original
Fret Count: 20
Nut: Original
Nut width: 1-3/4"
Radius: 9.5"
Scale: 24"
Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .99"
Neck thickness at 12th Fret: 1.95"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
Total length: 39-1/4"
Lower bout: 13-1/4"
Waist: 8-3/8"
Upper bout: 11-1/8"
Body depth/thickness outside edge: 1-1/2"
String gauge: 9-42
Hardware Color: Nickel/Chrome
Bridge Pickup/Brand: DeArmond Silver Foil
Pickup Reading: 11.43k
Original?: Yes
Middle Pickup/Brand: DeArmond Silver Foil
Pickup Reading: 12.51k
Original?: Yes
Neck Pickup/Brand: DeArmond Silver Foil
Pickup Reading: 11.42k
Original?: Yes
Bridge: Original Rosewood
Tuners: Original
Knobs: Original
Switch: 3 Individual pickup on/off
Pots/Codes: Original
Case: Original Chippy w/ safety strap
G-2016