Silvertone Guitar

Offered at auction is a superb all original first generation Silvertone Model 1445 semi-hollow body electric guitar with original hardshell case and accessories in exceptional overall condition. This is a remarkable example of the first 1445 series, manufactured in the USA by Kay guitars from 1961 until 1963.  This guitar was acquired from the estate of the original owner having seen only the most limited use and is all original and has never been altered, modified, or tampered with in any way. Not to be confused with the later (I believe 1969) Model 1445 made by Teisco in Japan, this is the much more desirable early model Made in America. This Silvertone 1445 is similar to Models sold as Trutone, and under the Kay brand name, with better overall finish and more features (such as the inlay work) than even models such as the popular Kay model K-573 Speed Demon.
  Please Note: Although I have spent many decades in the music business as a (now retired) recording studio service/calibration tech, I know embarrassingly little about vintage guitars. I have consulted an old friend, long time guitarist, and lifetime collector/ restorer for his knowledge about this Silvertone. I believe the information given in this description is true as best we could determine. On his advice, this guitar is being offered in as found condition, with no attempt to refinish, refurbish, or set the guitar up, leaving it in the original condition it was stored in for many years.
  This classic top of the line, Silvertone guitar is finished in tiger maple with only minor, very even checking, as would be expected, and only a single slight buckle scuff to the back. The three bolt neck is equally fine with again, a single rough area of the finish about half way down the neck. The neck is straight with no torsional or radial misalignment, and has slight curving from being stored with the strings tight. This I'm told, is normal, very minor, and not an issue. It can easily be corrected by careful re-tensioning of the neck torsion rod. The neck itself is otherwise immaculate, indicating that this unit was played very little in its life. All inlays, frets, fingerboard, etc. are very nice, showing no wear or damage of any kind. The wood adjustable bridge is perfect and like new. All original brass inset knobs and the original white pick guard are very nice and undamaged.  Because of the dry West Texas history of this unit, There is no moisture related damage of any kind to the guitar or hardware. The original Klusen Deluxe tuners, original trapeze tailpiece, and all mounting hardware have no oxidation, no corrosion, and no rust. All three of the (speed bump) pick ups are working beautifully, and amazingly, all control potentiometers and the selector switch work smoothly and noise free, indicating no internal corrosion or aging problems of any kind to the components or wiring harness. The only real cosmetic issues are some finish loss to the edges of the headstock above the tuners, and minor abrasion to the nickle plated selector knob.
 Included in this auction is the original black and white Tolex covered fitted case, original cable, and I believe the original leather strap purchased new with the guitar. The edges of case (as shown in the photos) have some damage where the lid fits tightly down when closed. All clasp, hinges, and handle hardware work securely with no damage and no corrosion. The Red lining of the case is near new in appearance, and the case overall is still usable and more than presentable. This 1445 will be shipped with the ancient strings as shown, which are, I am told, "If not the original, are at the very least, of the same vintage, amateurishly wound."  This is a nice classic guitar, which I'm told, when restrung, intonated, and properly set up, should both play well and sound glorious.
  For the collector, professional stage or studio musician, or anyone who has held out for an original example of these increasingly rare Silvertone models, in obviously finer condition than most, here perhaps is an equally rare opportunity. I am selling this excellent Model 1445 with NO RESERVE, at an opening price only a fraction of that normally demanded.  This unit will be very carefully packed, using proven methods, to assure shipping integrity at NO COST to the buyer. Only the actual shipping charges, will be added to the final bid price to be paid by the high bidder.  Due to the size and weight of the components I usually sell I do not offer combined shipping.

As with any Vintage electronics I must sell AS IS with no warranty either stated or implied. All sales are final, with no returns or refunds. Winning bidder to prepay with PayPal. Payment will be expected within seven days from end of auction. Buyer to pay actual shipping charges (no packing or handling charges). I must reject bids from users with hidden, private, recent, or excessive negative feedback.  I reserve the right to cancel bids from bidders with problematic feedback history.  Also, because of recurrent problems with 0 feedback bidders, I must ask that bidders with less than 4 positive feedbacks contact me well before bidding, or your bid will be canceled, and invalid. Will Ship to the LOWER 48 UNITED STATES only. Please do not bid if you are uncomfortable with these auction conditions, but please also check my feedback and feel free to e-mail with any questions. Thank you and happy bidding.