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VintageSilvertones.com
@vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
1.3K followers 2.8K following 830 posts
VintageSilvertones.com is a curated collection of electric guitars chosen for their unique tone, design, and significance in electric guitar history from approximately 1950-1980. This collection approaches electric guitars from the underdog perspective.
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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · Jun 3
We spotlight the underdogs of guitar history—mass-market instruments by bold makers who pushed tone, design, and creativity. Featuring alt materials, unique tunings, and inventive, budget-friendly builds, this collection celebrates true innovation.

#VintageGuitars #guitar #Danelectro #Silvertone
VintageSilvertones.com offers a curated collection of electric guitars from roughly 1950–1980, selected for their distinctive tone, design, and historical significance. Focusing on the underdogs of guitar history, we highlight instruments built for the masses by luthiers and manufacturers who pushed the limits of tone, quality, and creativity. Design is central to the collection, showcasing guitars that use alternative materials, inventive tuning systems, and innovative, cost-effective production methods. These instruments reflect a bold spirit of experimentation and accessibility, making them as unique as they are inspiring.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
When I was a kid I hated The Ramones. I was a serious Deadhead. They were the opposite of that. But one of my college roommates turned me onto them and I was hooked. Unfortunately, I never saw them live. I did meet DeeDee a few times. But, that's a story for another day.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Interesting, I've never considered that we might be compensating while playing with headphones on. Good point.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Yeah, I'm in the same boat. Don't want to piss off the neighbors here in NYC.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Thanks. Yup, an Epiphone Wilshire, if I recall correctly.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Thanks. It's really hard to find these guitars in good condition.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
That's really great! What did they send you?
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
i truly hate when that happens!
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Thanks for that link. It's really helpful. I saw Hunter a few times. Once at CBGB's, which I'd swear was in the 1980s but that shows it as 1997. I noticed a Red Creek show in Rochester 1982 had no set list. I'll have to dig out my tickets, it's possible I wrote down the songs for that show.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
just has to be said, one of the greatest albums ever made! RIP Chris Bell.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
What guitar is Fred playing there? An Epiphone?
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
The Ramones were pretty stripped down, at least early in their career. I think that simplicity is part of what makes their sound so unique. Plus, it's much easier to set up and take down for a show.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Drool....i want that guitar so bad! The Airline Lafayette has been on my want list for 20+ years. Their prices went through the roof once Jack White started playing them. It's interesting his lost the Airline logo on the headstock.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
I love her's and Travolta's dance scene SO MUCH in Pulp Fiction. Thurman's in the new season of Dexter. She's kinda great in it. I'm working my way through the series now.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
The "Jimmy Reed" guitar - a Kay Thin Twin:

bsky.app/profile/vint...
vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · Aug 24
KAY THIN TWIN K161 electric guitar, 2pu, natural, ohsc, 1955.

Big Boss Man Jimmy Reed model, mega dynamic range on pickups, classic looks that will shine Brights Lights on you in the Big City! Sold.

www.vintagesilvertones.com/product/kay-...

#VintageGuitar #Guitar #Silvertone #Kay #ThinTwin
This is a Kay K161 (Thin Twin: Jimmy Reed model), natural front and back with black sides, semi-hollow body, electric guitar made by Kay of Chicago, IL circa1955. The “Thin Twin” models were offered between 1953 and 1960 in the Kay catalogs. The 1953-57 models had the tortoise-shell style pickguard. The 1958-1960 models have the black pickguard. So this guitar is from the earlier run. The earliest models had the engraved Kay crest. This is simplified design with the raised logo hence the circa 1955 date estimate. Its nickname comes from the two very thin pickups. The guitar is regularly referred to as the Jimmy Reed model since he frequently used it. It comes with an original two-tone case which is in very good condition. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Excellent song. BIG STAR RULEZ!
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Absolutely! It goes without saying that tone is a 2 or 3-part formula--the guitar sound, the amp sound, & if effects are added. I was listening to The Ramones this week & thinking how amazing Johnny's guitar sounds w/nothing but his Mosrite & amp. That raw sound is so gritty & biting.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
SILVERTONE-KAY 1460L2 - 2pu electric guitar black ohsc Chicago 1960. For sale.

(Final Kay repost) Gothic black & white lines, neck pu is warm/round, bridge is clean/tight for Jazz to Rock, rare in orig condition.

www.vintagesilvertones.com/product/silv...

#VintageGuitar #Guitar #Silvertone #Kay
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d
Beautiful!
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
For years, I played a Kay Speed Demon on the couch. It projected surprisingly well. Of course, not like an actual acoustic but enough to satisfy me and not piss off the neighbors. So it's one of those things I consider when buying a guitar.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
it would shine for you. these pickups aren't quite as dramatic as the Kleenex Box Kay pickups. they're a little more muted tonally. But, still have a nice range.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
When you described the guitar, that's the style I had in mind. Those were the low-end acoustics. They made a lot of them. How many survived is another story.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
Interestingly enough, Kay made a few variations on this guitar with different headstocks for the various department stores that sold them. I forgot which store got blank headstocks but may have been a smaller Mid-West chain.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
Yeah, it's def more clean and simple looking. But, def nice playing.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
Super cool guitar. We've tried to get one for years. Seen a few really messed up and others were way expensive. There's a guy in Upstate New York that bought up the bodies/parts and produced a few of his own tributes to Dan. I think there's still some on ebay.
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vintagesilvertones.bsky.social
VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d
This wasn't the first but def one of the most memorable: Nina Simone.
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