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VintageSilvertones.com

@vintagesilvertones.bsky.social

1.2K followers 2.8K following 810 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.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

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.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

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.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

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.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

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.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

Yeah, it's def more clean and simple looking. But, def nice playing.

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 15h

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.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 16h

This wasn't the first but def one of the most memorable: Nina Simone.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 16h

SILVERTONE-KAY 1445L SPEEDSTER - 3pu, electric guitar, natural, ohsc, Chicago 1960. Sold.

Kay made w/3 dynamic pickups, gorgeous details in the binding & inlays, plays great plugged in & acoustically with low production numbers.

www.vintagesilvertones.com

#VintageGuitar #Guitar #Silvertone #Kay

Silvertone Speedster 1445 electric guitar 3 pu blond black. This is an early 1960's Silvertone 1445 Speedster made by Kay of Chicago. It is a hollow body, three pickup, single cutaway guitar with a blond, natural finish on the front and back and black sides. The body is made of laminated, carefully selected maple. The fingerboard is oval rosewood with six hand inlaid pearlette, rectangular fret markers. The whole guitar is bound with white celluloid. The back and top are bound with extra wide white celluloid, with a nice black and white inlay on the top. The 1445 also features an adjustable, rosewood bridge and gorgeous classic trapeze-style tailpiece. It is 100% original and in good condition. The guitar feels great to play, the action is fast and the tone is terrific. The 1445 sounds great plugged-in and when played acoustically. Don't miss getting your chance to own one now. Description from VintageSilvertones.com

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 16h

Four of the most important records ever made (there are many more.) No way I can pick a fav.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

10-15 years ago, I rewatched most of the series. It was amazing seeing all the stars of the day.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Definitely a lot going on there. It's amazing all the different potential sound combinations with the 4pu selector switch and the tone/volume knobs.

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Yeah, that sounds like a low-end model. Lots of them out there. I've seen a few turned into electrics. It's always a bit jarring but kinda cute.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Very cool she dug The Kinks. They were a classic band. It's funny how our musical tastes are influenced by our parents. My parents had a lot of Johnny Mathis; which I hated back then. Now I totally dig him.

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Ah, thanks for the background. I vaguely recall that now you mention it. But, it's been a long strange trip since then! cheers

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Was it the same note logo from the Kay Speen Demon pickguard we posted today?

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Check out some episodes of the Johnny Cash show. He had some amazing guests including Dylan when they played Girl From The North Country.

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

WOW! very cool to have that as 45!

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

I'm confused, is this really the Grateful Dead? Why are they billed as The Warlocks?

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

I was going to say it looks like a Burns...good reason for that, eh. Def interesting look.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Gene Parsons and Clarence White (The Byrds) came up with the b-bender concept. Gene still makes them today:

stringbender.com

stringbender.com

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Theyre probably 50+ years old. By the late 1970s cassette were more popular. Plus that annoying glitch sound between or even in the middle of a song was maddening. It's a cool look into her musical tastes..nice!

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

Excellent album!!!

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 1d

KAY SPEED DEMON K573 - 3pu, electric guitar, tobaccoburst, hollowbody, Chicago 1962. For sale.

(Kay repost) Lightweight, plays great unplugged on couch, 4 position pu selector (all or each pu) & broad tonal range.

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

#VintageGuitar #Guitar #Silvertone #Kay

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VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d

The pickups are strong and there's room to raise the poles if desired. They have 3 distinct tones & when combined with the volume/tone controls have a broad range of sound.

VintageSilvertones.com @vintagesilvertones.bsky.social · 2d

The bottom line is if you're good w/making electronics work its a good project. The neck is basically straight. The frets show minor wear but don't need redoing. There's 60+ years worth of dings/wear. If you're interested in it drop me a note on our site & I'd be glad to send more/higher res images.

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