December 2011

1/10

Alright, with 2012 already 1/36 over...  time to close things out, and open things up!

Delightful December... In December 2011, we reported on nearly 300 auctions totaling just over $84,962! That's FIVE GRAND better than December 2010 totals, or the price that a chunk of undeveloped land in Winterville, Geogria will cost ya.

The highest dollar amount we tracked was $2500 for a fine Buck Owens 'American model. However, since not technically a Silvertone, we'll let you know the biggest chunk of change for a Silvertone branded instrument was $1475 for an excellent "closet stored" 1446, the so-called 'Chris Isaak' model. As far as amps go, it was a rare and rockin' and very clean, 1464 that took the top spot at $979. The least amount  of credits transferred was $10 for a simple, clean, "How To Care For Your Guitar" pamphlet.

1/3

Puttin' 2011 to bed is taking longer than I thought. What a year! Speaking of which, look for a 2011 recap in a few days... for some reason, the year really doesn't get going for me until Elvis's birthday, January 8th.

Rockin' the very rare 1326: single pickup, 'walnut shaded,' available for only a single catalog listing, Spring/Summer 1959.

1326 Harmony SSEG VG $300 Clean, light wear, logo strong, NS knobs, playing wear to neck, tone contour switch broken



The rarity continues with this Italian-made 698 acoustic. Look at that thing! Looks nearly exactly like the very popular Harmony-made 600 series guitar. I have zero knowledge of EKO's relationship with Sears, but clearly, something had to exist. Were these the same type of guitars that Harmony was making (that Sears was selling the most of, apparently) but built by EKO (the savings in transport must have been well worth it) and churned out for the European market?

698 EKO FTAC w/ C VG $128 Clean, light wear, surprisingly light checking, unique script logo strong, 'Made in Italy' stamp strong, 'Steel Reinforced Neck' print strong



The guitar is common enough, but the triangular case was most unusual! I've only see them illustrated in one catalog, Spring/Summer 1965.

621 Harmony FTAC w/ OC VG $200 Clean, light wear, pickguard missing, logo strong but has a smudge at last 'e,' NS bridge? Stamped FA-63 LK 


1381 Kay HBEG w/ C VG $899 Clean, light wear, light checking, pickguard and headstock designs strong


1405 MIJ SBEG E $200 Clean, minimal wear, chrome and finish shiny, logo strong


1440 Teisco SBEG w/ OC VG $139 Clean, light wear, whammy bar missing, logo intact, bridge cover in place (!)


617 Harmony FTAC G $46 Some edge and surface wear, logo strong, big gouge in bass bottom side


602 Harmony FTAC w/ C VG $77 Clean, light wear, logo strong, hardware dull but not rusty, stamped S-56 GM


1484 Dano tube amp only MOD $249 Clean, holes/plugs in control face,  NS power tubes, 1/4" speaker jackmod, seller says "This amplifier has had the tubes replaced and was updated with new capacitors two years ago. It was purchased from an auction from the Indigo Ranch."

1465 Dano solid state amp only VG $150 Needs a good cleaning, seller says "IT IS IN GOOD WORKING ORDER AND SOUNDS GREAT. IT HAS ANALOGUE REVERB AND SEISMIC TREMOLO. ORIGINAL 2-PRONG PLUG. ALL CONTROLS ARE INTACT AND ARE OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE FACEPLATE IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE. TOLEX IS FULLY INTACT AND HAS IT'S ORIGINAL HANDLE."


1448 Dano tube amp in case only $65 Clean, surface edge wear to covering/grille, corner wear, handle capture pulled out/side damage (capture incl.), seller says "The amp does power up all the tubes light up and the system hums, but we have no way to test it further."


1481 Dano tube amp $158 Clean, light wear, square speaker cutout, knob inserts worn/discolored seller says "I PLUGGED THE AMP IN 2 TUBE LIGHTS UP BUT ONE GLOWS BLUE, ONE TUBE DID NOT LIGHT UP, THE AMP WOULD NOT WORK, NO SOUND"


1481 Dano tube amp G $295 Could use a cleaning, light wear, round speaker cutout, knob inserts discolored, aluminum chassis shows oxidation/wear, seller says "New grounded chord added. This has had a complete check out and anything out of spec. was repaired/replaced. NOS tubes replaced, speaker sounds great."



Unusual to see a 'tremlo' misspell and a square speaker cutout on the 1482.

1482 Dano tube amp G $425 Could use a cleaning, light grille staining, square speaker cutout, early 'tremlo' misspelling, 3-prong AC mod, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "great working amp"




1454 Harmony HBEG neck/body $325 No guts or hardware, truss rod cover still in place, significant fret board wear, tuner holes have been enlarged


1429 Harmony HBEGbody only $179 Pickguard/bracket/screws incl., come finish flaking & wear, neck screws incl., stamped F-60, serial #4074H1429


12/29

Alright, y'all... enjoy this holiday tray full of Silvertonium... I'll be visiting back with you in 2012!

1438 Teisco SBEG Bass w/ OC VG $595 Clean, light wear, a couple of edge dings, some light scratches to back, silk-screened logo on headstock 'tab' strong


1440 Teisco SBEG w/ OC VG $248 Clean, light wear, whammy bar missing, logo intact w/ some oxidation


1457 Dano SSEG and (2) tube ampincases  G $500 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcases, logos strong, nice figuring to fretboard grain, crack along tuner line, rust to case hardware, tremolo functional on both, chewed-up footswitch incl., stamping (on one amp, anyway) indicates Spring 1964 build



Coolest accompanying graphic goes to...

1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $499 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, chrome shiny, case hardware clean, some glitter loss on bass side top, guitar knob inserts discolored


1477 Harmony SBEG w/ OC VG $297 Clean, light wear, logo strong


658 Kay FHAC w/ OC VG $203 Clean, light wear, logo strong, neck's been re-set, dot markers signify post-'66 model, headstock model label signifies end of the run ('68ish)


688 Kay FHAC G $163 Clean, some edge/surface wear, 'wind chime' logo strong, NS bridge, tailpiece re-screwed, bottom strap button missing, neck looks to have had a 'screw-through repair'


657 Harmony Classical $100 Clean, light wear, poor photos, seller says "APPEARS TO BE REFINISHED, YOU BE THE JUDGE."


1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet  VG $750 Clean, light wear, recently serviced, some NS tubes installed, rev/trem unmentioned, footswitch incl., stamping indicates Summer 1965 build


853 Harmony Ukulele VG $67 Needs a dusting, light wear, logo strong, vintage uke books incl.




1484 Dano footswitch $95 Some grunge to panel, apparently untested, sold as-is

12/28

Even during the upside-down holi-daze, Wednesdays are still the slowest!

1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet  VG $700 Clean, light wear, some rust dots to faceplate, NS power tubes, rev/trem functional, stamping indicates Summer 1967 build


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $800 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, treble side of pickup cover may be split, guitar logo shows slight smear at 'ne,' guitar knobs show some wear/adhesive seep, chrome shiny, strap button, jack nut and case hardware has some rust


619 Kay FHAC w/ OC VG $164 Clean, light wear, logo strong, stamped  L1343


661 Kay FHAC w/ C F $75 Wear all over, checking/flaking, crack on top at treble side bridge, pickguard missing, 'wind chime' logo shows some wear, NS tuners, back separating, neck pulling


1207 Harmony FTAC G $31 Looks OK in single picture provided, playing wear to fretboard, sticker near block logo, one tuner button missing


1482 Dano tube amp $219 Could use a cleaning, rust to handle captures, tape residue on top panel and control face, (1) knob missing, (1) NS 'chicken head,' NS Mobile Authority speak, stamping indicates early 1966 build, AC cord cut, untested


2574 Oscar Schmidt Autoharp w/ OC VG $104 Clean, light wear, (1) chord button missing, some top and back separation, tuning wrench, pitch pipe and paperwork incl.




1484 Dano footswitch $77 Tested functional, some side damage to thick covering, much like a Dano-branded DS-100's covering

12/27

We've got a great big holiday haul!

1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  G $450 Edge wear to guitar and some damage to ampcase, some sidewall damage, logos strong, lamination line showing at headstock, some knob insert discoloration, amp chassis shows some rust spots, guitars knobs/sidewalls need a cleaning, neck volume stuck on full, fretboard recently dressed,  tremolo functional, footswitch incl. Eloise Clyde of Tyler, Texas (apparently the same Eloise Clyde that was crowned Texas Rose Queen of 1974) left her ID sticker on the amp chassis.


1423 Harmony SSEG w/ OC VG $525 Clean, light wear, logo worn, NS 'chicken head' selector, (2) NS knobs, pickguard print strong, pots date-stamped late 1963


1478 Harmony SBEG  G $261 Could use a cleaning, light wear, whammy and (3) knobs missing, screw crack on upper bass horn, logo shamed, seller says "Got this guy over the weekend from an attic cleanout I was doing here in NJ."


1442 Dano SSEG Bass w/ OC VG $409 Clean, some playing wear, some light checking, logo intact, light rust to triangular neck plate


1300 Dano SSEG G $500 Playing wear front and back and neck, logo worn, NS klnobs, remnants of a monogram on top bass bout


1304 Dano SSEG G $355 Clean, playing wear all over, logo worn, pickguard missing, top strap button missing,  tuner buttons yellowed, some rust to tuner plates and all screws, saddle carved/shimmed


1304 Dano SSEG F $478 Clean, playing wear all over, logo worn/shamed, sidewalls painted/missing, rust to tuner plates, slots in several frets, pots date to late 1958


1445 Teisco MIJ SBEG G $203 Clean, bound version, whammy bar and bridge missing, logo intact, pickups metered as good, but guitar not tested 'strung up'


1491 MIJ SBEG Bass VG $149 Clean, light wear, some checking, coupla dings, diffraction 'Space Dot' looks good, tailpiece cover and finger rest missing, seller says "The electronics are all original, but there has been a little re-soldering and some copper shielding has been added to the underneath of the pickguard."


1482 Dano tube amp $252 Could use a cleaning, light wear, round speaker cutout, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "Needs some work everything works but the microphone side. Has a good sound."


1483 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet VG $510 Clean, light wear, light rust to handle captures, NS casters on spkr cab, stamping indicates Spring 1964 build, seller says "New Electrolytic Capacitors! Connectors and Pots Sprayed, Cleaned and Lubed with De-Oxit! "



I have come to believe that the very earliest 1420 amps were made by Danelectro.

1420 Dano tube amp G $120 Clean, some edge/panel wear, NS knobs, rust to control face and back chassis panel, pots dated late 1967 (!!!)


1422 Sears tube amp G $249 Wear all over, control panel 're-labeled,' piece of grille missing near bottom, rev/trem unmentioned, seller says "In great working condition, sounds great."


1484 Dano tube amp only $202 Rough, no knobs, sold as project, seller says "this has loose tube sockets, no chassis screws, missing knobs, and a replaced strength pot."


644/649 Kay FHAC w/ OC VG $795 Clean, light wear, logo and pickguard decoration strong,


702 Harmony FHAC VG $280 Clean, light wear, logo strong, stamped S-54-T, serial #949H1214, seller says "Action a bit high"


621 Harmony FTAC $77 Clean, logo barely visible in photos provided, bridge repaired, seller says "Great Condition!"


600 series Harmony FTAC $49 Sold as project, 'deco' logo worn, playing wear to fingerboard, bridge poorly repaired, fret markers missing, (2) tuner posts missing


604 Harmony FTAC G $42 Clean, some edge/surface wear, logo has some wear at 'o,' back shows rippling, some paint drip inside soundhole

605 Harmony FTAC G $25  Clean, some surface/edge  wear, chrome shiny, 'deco' logo strong, long crack on back center, serial #8534H605



619 Kay FHAC VG $319 Clean, light wear, logo strong, chrome shiny, nice figuring to fretboard, neck pulling slightly, stamped N4


619 Kay FHAC $71 Clean, light wear, needs bridge and neck re-set


660/1230 Kay FTAC Classical VG $60 Clean, light wear, wear to fingerboard


1236 Harmony FTAC Classical F $32 Clean, edge/surface wear all over, block logo shamed, inner label 'nylon strings only' warning marked out, strung with steel strings


758 Kay Mandolin w/ C G $200 Venetian model, clean, light wear, light checking, 'wind chime' logo strong on scalloped headstock, neck sloppily re-glued, crack in top, some rust to tailpiece, stamped P4


856 Harmony Baritone Ukulele F $53 Damaged at soundhole, wear all over NS tuners, logo not pictured, split in back




710 Harmony FHAC neck/body $50 Missing nut bridge tailpiece and tuners, neck heel needs major surgery, serial #1941H1215. Relisted from earlier in month.


1477 Harmony SBEG pickguard/electronics/pickups/knobs $191 Stamped Jan 17, 1966, seller says "The pickups have not been used in 30 years. They were in perfect condition when the guitar was taken apart to restore."


1446 Harmony Pickguard $89 Some grunge underneath, bracket incl.-


4249 UNK Speaker Cabinet $51 Could use a cleaning, label a bit worn, 6x9 speaker

12/23

Here's a treat, Silvertonians: thanks to the magic of Google, we've got access to vintage newspaper ads from several newspapers across the country. We found a nice collection of Sears/Silvertone adverts, and formatted them for easy perusal and enjoyment. So... peruse and enjoy!



A Harmonious beginning to our Festivus report, with four fine strummers from the famous Chi-town instrument concern.

1219 Harmony FTAC w/ OC VG $2500 Clean, light wear, logo laminate in good shape, stamped F-70


1352 Harmony HBEG VG $435 Clean, minimal wear, light checking, logo strong, chrome and finish shiny, NS Gotoh tuners, seller relates "It was originally played in and around New Orleans and on the Chitlin' Circuit."


1478 Harmony SBEG  VG $430 Clean, light wear, whammy missing, chrome shiny, logo worn, lamination line showing, screw crack at upper bass horn


1429 Harmony HBEG w/ C MOD $600 Refinished, re-pickupped, re-logo'd, re-knobbed, re-pickguarded, seller details "Neck has been repainted in original style Nitro finish and new Headstock logo. Body was touched up and re-cleared in Nitro finish. Pickups have been replaced with Eastwood Airline Diamond Single Coil Pickups and the Pickguard and covers replaced with vintage style custom covers and plates."



Someone got an awesome holiday bargain on this early 1448 setup!

1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $150 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, crack at nut, latches on case broken, NS speaker, transitional/early model;oval-buttoned strip tuners, two-bolt neck, triangle knob inserts, WHITE guitar knobs (!)


1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  VG $441 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, knob inserts show discoloration, speaker missing, footswitch incl., amp tested functional with external speaker, tremolo unmentioned


1444 Dano SSEG Bass w/ OC VG $455 Clean, light wear, logo a bit jumbled


1482 Dano tube amp VG $250 Clean, light wear, round speaker cutout, tremolo functional, 3-prong AC mod


1482 Dano tube amp MOD $255 Could use a cleaning, light wear, square speaker cutout, NS speaker, rust to jack nuts, tremolo functional, control face looks good, stamping indicates Summer 1965 build



If the buyer of this amp is reading this, please send me a scan of the paperwork that came with this amp. I mean, there's a 1333 schematic out there, but this is a totally different (looks hand-drawn) version!

1333 Dano tube amp G $390 Clean, some edge/corner wear, handle worn/broken, some scratching to control/jack face, logoplate needs cleaning,  input/output mod on back, tremolo unmentioned, original manual/schematic incl., stamping/pot dates indicate 1955 build, seller says "Note that while this amp is indeed in working condition, and does pass a nice sounding signal at volume, there is a buzz present, most likely the result of dead or dying filter caps - an easy and inexpensive fix."


660/1230 Kay FTAC Classical w/ OC VG $125 Clean, light wear


604 Harmony FTAC VG $145 Clean, light wear, logo strong, playing wear to fingerboard, stamped F-61 HB, serial #3221H604


605 Harmony FTAC VG $78  Clean, light wear, chrome shiny, logo strong, tuners 'tough to turn'




Dano footswitch $100


13XX Kay HBEG pickguard $79

 

12/22

If we only had a Gretsch-built 714 (a very uncommon occurrence), we'd have the entire acoustic lineup for Fall/Winter 1946 as our first up today. Why were those pages so lightly populated? Well, World War II had just ended, and things were just starting to get back to normal in the U.S. after being on a 'wartime footing' for many years. Some Sears catalogs from the mid-40s have an asterisk by the listing for "Guitar" in the catalog index indicating "Not Available."

712 Kay FHAC w/ OC VG $520 Clean, light wear, logo laminate looks good, NS or modified pickguard, nice grain figuring to back and sides


761 Kay Banjo w/ C VG $128 Clean, light wear, 'chimeless' logo strong,  no bridge, tuner buttons deteriorating, seller says "I bought it from a lady who told me her Great Great Grandfather bought it new in 1930-1931." Well, her memory has to  be a dozen or so years off.


641 Harmony FTAC F $40 Clean, finish looks sun faded, checking/flaking, logo strong, front and back pulling away at places


1202 Harmony FTAC w/ C G $70 Wear all over, repaired crack at bass side of tailpiece, logo strong, rust to tuner plates


602 Harmony FTAC G $53 Clean, light wear, logo strong, crack from bridge to soundhole, neck lifting


604 Harmony FTAC VG $55 Clean, light wear, logo strong, high 'E' tuner post missing, stamped S-67


619 Kay FHAC VG $113 Clean, light wear, pickguard missing, logo strong, stamped N-7


619 Kay FHAC MOD $149 Clean, light wear, logo strong, NS DeArmond electronics, some binding at heel sloppily re-glued, neck needs a re-set


1410 Kay SBEG VG $480 Clean, light wear, logo strong, some wear to knobs, 'cheese grater' pickup cover looks good, tailpiece cover a bit dull


1436 Teisco SBEG w/ C VG $192 Clean, light wear, NS whammy, rare silkscreened logo shows some wear, playing wear to neck, serial #121486


1441 Teisco MIJ SBEG G $179 Could use a cleaning, some edge wear, some chrome flaking, NS whammy, diffraction 'Space Dot' gone, some crud on headstock, NS tuners, headstock cracked at tuner line both sides


1448 Dano tube amp in case only VG $220 Clean, light wear inside and out, knob missing



Even though I trust my catalogs, it's always nice to get 'boxtop' confirmation of a model number.

853 Harmony Ukulele E $178 Clean, minimal wear, logo strong, original box and vinyl gig bag incl.




1478 Harmony SBEG pickup $110 Some pitting to chrome


1478 Harmony SBEG whammy tailpiece $20 Some pitting to chrome, comes with screws, no whammy bar


1478 Harmony SBEG body only $30


1478 Harmony SBEG body only $34 No knobs, some pot shafts split, tamped December 15, 1966

12/21

Happy Solstice, y'all! It feels more like April here in central North Carolina, but Festivus is still coming towards us at full speed. Hmmm... what we got here midweek, though, is... Dano A Go-Go! Nothing but Dano-built products today!

1302 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $799 Clean, light wear, cool NS graphic pickguard, looks like some cord melt (or maybe some good ol' buckle rash) on back, logo strong


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $450 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, some case rubs to sidewalls, transitional/early model; triangle knob inserts, oval-buttoned strip tuners, cross-hatch vinyl sidewalls, two-bolt neck, seller says "AMP DID NOT WORK WHEN I BOUGHT SO I TOOK IT TO LOCAL ELECTRIC REPAIR SHOP THEY PUT IN A NEW DIODE. IT HAS WORKED EVER SINCE BUT SOMETIMES HAVE TO INSERT THE CORD A COUPLE OF TIMES TO GET IT TO WORK. "


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case G $675 Clean, surface wear and some scratches to guitar, pickup cover split, some covering wear and hardware oxidation to ampcase, guitar logo worn, NS tuners, headstock has been repaired, amp lights up but produces no sound, date stamp indicates Fall 1964 build


1448 Dano SSEG guitar only (even tough amp is pictured) VG $210 Clean, light wear, logo strong, NS tuners, extra holes drilled at neck/body joint, transitional/early model; triangle knob inserts, 'star' vinyl sidewalls, two-bolt neck


1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  VG $850 Clean, light wear to guitar, a few rips to covering on ampcase and some hardboard damage, NS Realistic speaker, name written on inside felt of ampcase, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "The amp works fine."


1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  VG $407 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, logos strong, some sidewall rubs that go all the way through, grille bezel oxidized, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "Amplifier works fine. Foot Pedal is included."



"Despite my outward appearance, I shall try to run a neat inn." I thought of that quote from the Peanuts character 'Pig Pen' from 'A Charlie Brown Christmas.' Despite the filthy condition of this 1452 setup (hard to tell, but it is really dirty close-up), I still gave it a 'Good' rating - everything's there, and like the sad tree that Charlie Brown picked, this setup just needs a little love.

1452 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  G $431 Needs a major cleaning, speaker missing, logo worn at second 'e,' lamination line showing, seller says "The [guitar] electronics are working but they are sporadic and will definitely need attention. The amp powers on and the tubes light up but I couldn't get any sound out." (Um... seller... there's no speaker... )


1444 Dano SSEG Bass G $226 Edge/surface wear, logo in sad shape, looks like pickup cover is split; hard to judge from poor-quality photos, seller says "This was given to me many, many years ago by my great-grandfather. The tuners, and the back plate aren't original."


1484 Dano tube amp only VG $325 Clean, light wear, 1/4" speaker jack mod x2 (the one closest to the UL symbol doesn't work), rev/trem functional, scratchy pots



Ya know, I've never noticed that the amp cabinet handle capture covers have a slight angle on the ends!

1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet  VG $525 Clean, light wear, light rust dots to face plate, light rust to amp handle captures, 1/4" speaker jack mod to cab back panel x2, rev/trem functional, stamping indicates early 1966 build


1484 Dano tube amp only VG $600 Clean, light wear, light rust dots to face plate, light rust to amp handle captures, grille tight, rust to xformers, footswitch incl., speaker stamping indicates 1966 build, seller says "...recently been tuned up by my amp tech. Power is loud and tone luscious and creamy as these are known for when working right. The reverb and tremolo are not currently working, but that is because I chose not to have them repaired as my preference is for outboard effects. All inputs and both channels work strong. "


1482 Dano tube amp $200 Clean, light wear, square speaker cutout, NS knobs, can't tell much more from two blurry photos, tremolo unmentioned



1481 Dano tube amp G $200 Clean, light wear, square speaker cutout, logoplate shows a little oxidation, knob inserts discolored, top panel a bit warped, 3-prong AC mod


1463 Dano Solid State amp only $51 Clean, wear to back panel, some oxidation to front panel, worn spot on bottom, NS knobs, rust to handle captures, lights up; otherwise untested



1448 Dano SSEG Pickguard $29, pickup (with screws) $125, tuners (with screws and ferrules) $46



12/20

I'm an old cowhand, from the Rio Grande... and I play a guitar called the Melody Ranch... well, I paraphrased the famous Sons of the Pioneers song (track 40 at the archive.org link), but it's the song I think of every time I see a Gene Autry-endorsed "Melody Ranch" guitar. It was available from Sears right around the time that the Silvertone name began to be applied to gee-tars, and this is an especially fine example, found in its original box.

216 Harmony FTAC NM $365 Clean, minimal wear, logo and stencil strong, original cord 'strap' incl., original box incl., serial #2568H216, seller says "I got this guitar from the original owners son. So, the story goes it was purchased by his father in 1942, shipping label is still on the box but no year on it, father was killed a year or two after he bought the guitar and it has been stored and unplayed in a closet for almost 70 years. It had to have been in good dry storage because even the box is in mint condition. This guitar is in almost perfect new condition. Still has the original strings on it."



Best red 'shark fin' 1437 I've ever seen! Even the 'Steel Reinforced Neck' sticker is still shiny!

1437 Teisco SBEG w/ C E $640 Clean, minimal wear, chrome shiny, serial #257152


1449 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase VG $580 Clean, 'cord keeper' in place, light wear to guitar and ampcase, rhythm pickup cover may be split, case hardware shiny, handle capture missing, logos strong, tremolo functional, no footswitch, stamping indicates late 1963 build


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case MOD $349 Light wear to ampcase and guitar, knob insert discoloration on guitar, headstock modified to receive NS tuners, untested by seller but assured by its owner it's in working order


1446 Harmony HBEG MOD $599 Pin-striped/flamed, logo missing from re-decorated headstock, NS tuners, NS bridge, pickguard missing


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ C MOD $760 Clean, light wear, logo strong


1429 Harmony HBEG w/ C G $700 Clean, some surface wear, some flaking/checking, logo missing 'S,' stress cracks at jack


1423 Harmony SSEG G $306 Clean, some surface/edge wear, some checking, logo missing 'rtone,' some loose binding, (2) knobs missing, pickguard print strong, side cracked at output jack, truss rod cover missing, fretboard wear, tailpiece dull


1420 Harmony SSEG G $218 Could use a good cleaning, edge/surface wear, logo strong, (1) knob missing, (1) pickup not working (seller didn't specify)


1396 Dano tube amp $425 Clean, light wear, logo looks good, NS back panel, seller sys "The amp is listed as a project because it has a loud hum at idle. The amp has been sitting for a couple of years and when I plugged it in this past week it was the first time that I heard a loud hum. This amp makes a ticking sound when there in no foot switch plugged in. The cable in the footswitch jack in the photos is a dummy footswitch cable (not hooked to anything). Other than that it is loud and powerful with with excellent tone. The amp is in working condition but it will need servicing to get in tip top shape. The power caps have been replaced a while back (see pictures) and a grounded power cord has been installed. The speakers have been replaced with a strong vintage set of 8 ohm Rola Alnico speakers. The power tubes are JJ tubes. The feet have been replaced with new feet from Home Depot. The back panel is a home made copy with silver Rustoleum finish. It comes with a Fender Twin cover for cosmetic protection."


1484 Dano tube amp only $255 Clean, light wear, holes at speaker output, rev/trem mentioned but operational status unknown


1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet MOD $550 Covering to both painted black, logoplate on spkr cab missing, 1/4" speaker jack mod, 3-prong AC mod, 1/4" input mod to cab, NS MESA tubes, rev/trem working, speakers date-stamped 1965


1484 Dano tube amp only $203 Clean, oxidation to front face, seller says "The perfect project piece, this has loose tube sockets, no chassis screws, and a missing power plug. Sold as-is."



Next, a run of sad 604 family guitars...

604 Harmony FTAC $24 Needs cleaning, wear all over, no bridge, 'D' tuner post damaged, logo strong, sold as 'for repair'


604 Harmony FTAC $20 Needs cleaning, wear all over, pickguard missing, bridge broken, logo strong, NS strap button at heel


604 Harmony FTAC MOD $52 Needs cleaning, wear all over, NS pickguard, NS bridge, logo strong, wear to fingerboard, rust to tuner plates, serial #2240H604



At last! A NICE one! Well, it was found in its original box, so it had that going for it...

1204 Harmony FTAC VG $70 Clean, minimal wear, logo strong, (1) tuning post/gear missing, original 'Strings that Sing' box incl., stamped F-68 MN


1319 Harmony Lap Steel MOD $150 Clean, surface/edge wear, 'deco' logo strong, shiny chrome with some oxidation, NS knobs, 1/4" jack mod



I've never seen any Silvertone Autoharp with this prominent figuring to the wood of the top... sweet!

2574 Oscar Schmidt Autoharp w/ OC VG $56 Clean, light wear, tuning wrench and paperwork incl., unique figuring to top

 

12/19

December is a funny time, auction-wise. Some stuff goes crazy, other stuff goes bargain, and some stuff just don't go.

1427 Harmony HBEG VG $750 Clean, light wear, some fingerboard wear, logo intact, stamped S-60, serial #3233H1427



I usually stick the 'unknowns' down near the bottom, but this Valco/National/Supro-derived Silvertone 'Artist' is certainly known to us, we've just never been able to find a model number or catalog listing for it.

UNK Valco SBEG w/ C G $405 Clean, pickguard logo worn, neck cracked below nut, logo plate looks good, tuner buttons shrinking, some paint touchups to finish, NS knobs, replacement tuner buttons, some wear/oxidation to pickup cover. This guitar is based on the Supro Rhythm Tone. There were a lot of guitars in this family, but the Rhythm Tone seems closest in looks and appointments.


1478 Harmony SBEG  G $235 Clean, light wear, whammy present, (1) knob missing, some rust to chrome and screws, screw crack on bass upper horn, logo shows light wear, lamination line showing at headstock, pickguard date stamped March 1966


1214 Harmony FTAC VG $60 Clean, edge/surface wear, logo strong, tuner plates shiny


1482 Dano tube amp E $500 Clean, minimal wear, square speaker cutout, light pitting to handle captures, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "Sounds awesome!"



Alright, I just need to clear the boards on all these ampcase guitars. Here we go:

1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case


VG $305 Clean, light wear, some picking marks on upper treble pickguard, knob inserts discolored, seller says "decades in proper storage"
VG $279 Clean, light wear, logo strong, pull-chain power switch mod (pictured above), NS tuners, transitional model; triangle knob inserts, 3-bolt neck
VG $243 Clean, light wear, logo strong
VG $365 Clean, light wear, logo strong, playing wear to neck, some rust to tuner and speaker cage
G $263 Clean, edge/surface wear, logo strong, some sidewall damage and some finish weirdness on back (both pictured above)
$376 Hard to tell much from single blurry, dark photo. Seller says "I JUST PLUGGED IT IN AND IT STILL WORKS.. NEEDS SOME CLEANING AND TUNING. HASN'T BEEN USED IN OVER 20 YRS."

Guitar only:
VG $275 Clean, light wear, logo strong, missing knob inserts
MOD $126 Clean, surface wear, logo strong, missing knob inserts, string-through mod, NS compensated bridge
G $150 Could use a good cleaning, light wear, logo strong, knob inserts discolored, high 'E' tuner post missing

1457 Dano SSEG guitar only VG $450 Clean, light wear, logo strong, sidewall rub, neck stamped late 1965

12/16

He puzzled and puzzed 'til his puzzler was sore... And I've been googling a bit, too... but I cannot find any reference to this Buck Owens 'American' wannabe, the cryptically labeled FG-34. "Flag Guitar"? 3/4 size? Who knows. The label is in one of those weird fonts that we often see from our guitar-making friends in Japan, and the lone number stamped inside (10617) is of no help either. The headstock detail more closely resembles the original Moseley-designed guitar that appeared for a couple of years on "Hee Haw" before production on the Harmony American began. Could this be the guitar that pushed Buck into patenting his 'American' design and striking a deal to have them produced and sold?  How about it, y'all... can we help Silvertonian Dustin out with this baby? Any ideas?


1202 Harmony FTAC F $25 Wear all over, finish checking, bridge has some chips out of it it, cracked near soundhole, rust to tuners plates, logo strong


1441 Teisco MIJ SBEG VG $228 Clean, light wear, whammy present, diffraction 'Space Dot' gone, chrome and finish shiny, bridge cover present (!), (1) NS knob, NS whammy spring


1476 Harmony SBEG G $191 Surface/edge wear, some pitting to tailpiece, logo strong, (2) knobs missing, 1st fret marker missing, looks repainted along bottom edge, pickguard screw-cracked at bass side p/u surrounds


1472 Dano tube amp $163 Could use a good cleaning, edge/corner wear, square speaker cutout, scratching to front panel, rust to xformers, red border control panel with proper 'tremolo' spelling, powers up; otherwise untested, seller says "Unit powers up, has a low end hum, some static with all controls. All vacuum tubes glow. All controls turn freely."


1419 Sears tube amp $66 Clean, some edge/surface wear, "WORKS" written on top (it's a lie), some grille picks, seller says "Powers up but no sound."


758 Kay Mandolin VG $109 Venetian model, clean, light wear, light checking, logo strong, repair crack along tuner/lamination line treble side headstock, late era model; thin script logo, peaked headstock, block markers


853 Harmony Ukulele VG $61 Clean, light wear, logo strong, NS tuners mounted then taken off then replaced by uke tuners, 'Mahogany' sticker gone




Dano footswitch $49

12/15

The Kay-built 619 came in many different configurations: different number of fret dots, glue-in neck, bolt-neck (rare), thick and thin logos, with and without truss rods, model stamped, random-number Kay stamped, back of headstock model number stamped... but this one (and this example in particular) is the rarest. It's the flat-topped headstock with the aluminum logoplate (other 'plated' examples have an arc'd or peaked headstock design). This aluminum triangle-topped variation never appeared in any catalog in any configuration.

619 Kay FHAC G $128 Clean, light wear, logo plate strong, neck lifting, pickguard missing



Speaking of guitars with different appearances, the 623 switched over from dot markers to painted-on block markers in late 1960.

623 Harmony FHAC VG $114 Clean, light wear, logo strong, long scratch on back, NS tuners, stamped S-61-HB


1420 Harmony SSEG w/ OC E $390 Clean, minimal wear, logo strong


1420 Harmony SSEG w/ OC VG $355 Clean, light wear, some checking, logo strong, chip in pickguard, selector switch tip missing


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ C VG $864 Clean, light wear, light buckle rash, logo strong


1413 Kay SBEG VG $260 Clean, light wear, logo strong, 'arrow' design strong on tailpiece and pickup covers, bottom screws missing from truss rod cover


605 Harmony FTAC w/ OC NM $82  Clean, minimal wear, chrome shiny, 'deco' logo strong, original 'cowboy case' incl., stamped S-56-T, serial #3343H605, seller says "appears it's has been in its case its whole life." That would be fifty-five years. Just sayin'...


604 Harmony FTAC VG $111 Clean, light wear, some fretboard wear in 'cowboy chord' area, logo strong, original box incl.


604 Harmony FTAC VG $51 Could use a dusting, light wear, logo strong, original box incl.


604 Harmony FTAC w/ C G $36 Clean, some edge wear and scratches, logo strong, stamped S-64 HB


621 Harmony FTAC F $39 Clean, logo strong,  some wear and scratches, side has a crack, logo strong, 'D' tuner bent, high 'E' peg missing, (1) bridge pin missing, interesting graining to top, serial  #4726H621


1391 Dano tube amp G $99 Clean, grille and edge/corner wear, logoplate has some tarnish, 3-prong AC mod, speakers date to 1957


1483 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet $300 Clean, some surface wear, some chipping to knobs, NS brass corner protectors to amp and cab, 1/4" speaker jack mod to amp and cab, extra hole cut in speaker cabinet at some point, tubes light up; otherwise untested


2574 Oscar Schmidt Autoharp G $55 Clean, light wear, keys yellow, looks like a crack/scratch in the back, no case or accessories



Best example I've seen of this mid-50s 'mother of diner counter' covered Valco-built lap steel.

1307 Valco Lap Steel w/ OC E $340 Clean, minimal wear, logoplate looks good, tuner buttons deteriorating (unavoidable; that's why it still got an E rating), serial #X84269




I believe this is a 1940s era model, but the absence of binding or decorative striping is throwing my search into disarray.

UNK Kay FHAC VG $91 Clean, some playing wear to top, 'wind chime' logo strong




1448 Dano SSEG neck $40 Modified for bass use, date stamped 1964


710 Harmony FHAC neck/body $76 Missing nut bridge tailpiece and tuners, neck heel needs major surgery, serial #1941H1215. Relisted.


1446 Harmony HBEG body/neck $280 No guts or hardware, nut and truss rod cover present, logo shamed

 

12/14

If we make it through December...  just let me make it through this WEEK! The rest of the year will be a piece of cake. Parties, plays, inventory at work, dinners, more parties, more plays, some more shopping... YARG! Anyhoo, enough of MY troubles. Let's get this mid-week report going in style with this awesome and rare Kay-made 290 from the early 40s.

290 Kay FHAC w/ OC VG $449 Clean, 'wind chime' logo strong, playing wear, some checking, chrome worn from bass side of tailpiece, music-note pickguard present, original cord 'strap' present, EZ-method book and pick incl. For a big hi-res gallery, head here.



Here's that crazy (and totally rare) 'reverse stencil' 1212 from last month.

1212 Harmony FTAC w/ OC VG $112 Clean, light wear, 'Space Dot' strong. Relisted from November.


600 series Harmony FTAC F $75 Playing wear to top, logo worn, bridge lifting


643 Harmony FTAC P $23 Wear, back busted, bridge broken, rust to tuner plates


1436 Teisco SBEG VG $291 Clean, whammy bar present, light wear to logo tag, some dings on bottom, lead pickup not working


1413 Univox SBEG VG $255 Clean, light wear, 'Space Dot'  missing, NS whammy bar, light checking, couple of dings


1444 Dano SSEG Bass G $650 Clean, edge/surface wear, logo missing, neck/headstock refinished, jack repaired/reinforced, buckle rash. Relisted from November.


1300 Valco tube amp G $574 Edge/surface wear, handle in good shape, inside label schematic intact, metal grille missing, AC cord needs replacing, stiff pots


1482 Dano tube amp VG $281 Clean, light wear, handle captures show light rust, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "THIS AMP WORKS GREAT AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION."


1482 Dano tube amp MOD $215 Covering painted black, light oxidation to front face, round speaker cutout, NS speaker, back panel cutout to accommodate speaker, tremolo unmentioned


1463 Dano Solid State amp only $38 Could use a dusting, can't tell much more from one photo, functional

12/12

Ho! Ho! WHOA! What an astounding weekend! From a near as perfect as you're likely to find 1457 ampincase setup, to a nifty  Harmony Frankentone 1420, to a very complete autoharp setup, to what seems like a truckload of 'Chris Isaaks' and 1448 ampcases... we've got a sleighful of early holiday treats. Go ahead... rip the paper!

1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  NM $1099 Clean, minimal wear to guitar and ampcase, grille bezel looks like a mirror, original shipping box, footswitch and 'how to play' 45 record incl., tremolo unmentioned, seller says "This guitar was recently discovered in a closet where it had been stored for 45 yrs. It was still in the original shipping box and the guitar hadn't been touched or played since Christmas of 1966."


1415 Dano SSEG w/ OC VG $575 Clean, some playing wear to neck / bass side lower bout , logo broken at 'S'


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ C E $1137 Clean, light wear, logo strong, finish shiny, NS Grover tuners, fretboard looks great


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ OC VG $986 Clean, light wear, logo strong, some finish checking, screw crack at truss rod cover tip, some wear to tuner buttons, repro pickguard


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ C G $699 Clean, edge/surface wear, some paint loss, logo strong, repair to jack area, bindingbezels yellowed, binding damaged on bass side of neck, truss rod replaced, fret wear at 12th fret treble side


1446 Harmony HBEG MOD $338 Refinished in blue, neck stripped, pickguard missing, headstock modified, logo gone, NS tuners, bottom strap button missing


1478 Harmony SBEG w/ OC  VG $575 Clean, light wear, logo shows light wear, lamination line showing at headstock


1488 Harmony SBEG w/ OC VG $675 Clean, light wear, a ding or two, logo strong, whammy bar present, chrome shiny


1420 Harmony SSEG MOD $600 Clean, light wear, logo strong, playing wear to neck, pickups shiny, NS Bigsby, NS Gretsch metal compensated bridge, repaired crack in side, pickups stamped 1960, seller says "A custom made riser has been added to bring the bridge to optimum height with plenty of room for adjustment. Custom pickup risers were also fabricated to bring the neck and bridge pickups closer to the strings to balance the output. "


1423 Harmony SSEG w/ OC VG $456 Clean, light wear, logo intact, picking wear at lead pickup treble side



An oddball to start off the 1448s this go-round... unusual component dating as these weren't available until 1962.

1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $475 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, ampcase has hand-sized hole below grille and NS knob, original cord incl., early model; round-buttoned strip tuners, 'star' vinyl sidewalls, two-bolt neck,  pots dated late 1961, neck and speaker stamp date-stamped 1962


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case G $299 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, rust to speaker cage and case hardware, grille yellowed, knob insert missing, sticker or ID plate on amp above log; can't quite read it... looks like... Adam ? Alan? Adrian?


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $375 Clean, light wear to ampcase and guitar, logos strong, adhesive seep to knob inserts, transitional model; oval-buttoned strip tuners


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case MOD $321 Clean, light wear, 1457 pickguard, extra Jerry Jones pickup added, NS knobs to guitar and amp, NS selector switch, grille a bit wavy


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $359 Looks good in single photo provided, cord keeper present


1448 Dano tube amp in case only VG $198 Clean, light wear, rust to case hardware, knob missing


1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet VG $580 Clean, light wear, light rust dots to face, 1/4" jack mods to speaker cab and amp, NS speakers, 3-prong AC mod, tremolo functional, reverb unmentioned, seller pedigrees this amp with "This amp was formerly owned by a professional for many years who played with names like Buddy Guy and others."


1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet VG $610 Could use a good cleaning, light wear, rev/trem unmentioned, seller is second owner, seller says "...powers up and sounds just fine. This thing has basically just sat for the last 40 plus years I know of and has not been moved around much."


1484 Dano tube amp and speaker cabinet $400 Edge/corner wear, grille painted black, lights up; otherwise untested, speakers not connected, stamping indicates mid-1963 build


1444 Dano SSEG Bass VG $550 Clean, light wear, logo intact but worn, string circle at low 'E,' NS access cover


1453 Harmony HBEG G $215 Could use a good cleaning, some surface/edge wear, knobs missing, logo gone, scratchy pots, pitting to tailpiece/whammy/pickup covers


615 Harmony FTAC w/ OC E $300 Clean, minimal wear, logo strong, best I've seen


658 Kay FHAC VG $329 Needs a cleaning, light wear, logo strong, buckle rash, block markers indicate pre-1966 model


619 Kay FHAC G $128 Clean, light wear, logo strong, action high; neck needs reset, stamped 57-619


670/672 Kay FHAC G $154 Clean, pickguard missing, logo laminate has turned brown and finish darkened (refinished?), fret markers look good, repaired damage to top above bridge, screw 'repair' through heel


698 EKO FTAC VG $210 Clean, light wear, logo worn, 'Made in Italy' clean, typical checking


623 Harmony FHAC VG $195 Clean, light wear, logo strong, finish shows fading/wear just above bridge (or it may just be some interesting graining)


604 Harmony FTAC VG $25 Clean, light wear, logo strong, some fretboard wear, light rust to tuner plates


604 Harmony FTAC F $56 (for both) Surface wear, logo strong, pickguard broken, crack in back, tuners missing, serial #4120H604, dated 1961, sold in two-fer deal with a Harmony Stella


625 Harmony FTAC $29 Bridge and pickguard missing, logo strong, playing wear, finish checking


856 Harmony Baritone Ukulele w/ OC VG $179 Clean, light wear, logo strong, small crack in fretboard at nut on treble side, frets could use a cleaning


2574 Oscar Schmidt Autoharp w/ OC E $202 Clean, light wear, pitch pipe incl., tuning wrench and all original paperwork and Mother Maybelle record incl.


802 Kay 5-string Banjo G $77 Wear all over, headstock in sad shape, logo strong, resonator finish shows checking/flaking, hardware dull/tarnished, seller says "still plays well"



Here's the body from those 1448 parts that went on the 6th

1448 Dano SSEG body only $40 Refinished, NS modded Tele bridge


1448 Dano SSEG hardware kit $128


1446 Harmony/Gibson pickup $235 Patent number sticker

12/9

R.I.P. Hubert Sumlin. The bluesman who created some of the greatest electric blues riffs ever passed away this week at the age of 80. Look below and you'll see Hubert recently cradlin' a Silvertone 1446, a vintage shot of him with a Kay-branded 'Thin Twin,' and rockin' that custom Bartolini with the Wolf through a Silvertone 1484 or 1485 amp. Seems appropriate that Mick and Keef are picking up the tab for his funeral. Check the video below and see if you can pick up a few tips from Mr. Sumlin as he tries to put across the finer points of that famous "Smokestack Lightnin' " riff.



Here's a couple of fine examples of the amp-in-case models.

1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case VG $440 Clean, minimal wear to ampcase and guitar, sidewall peeling on treble side, some knob insert discoloration, logos strong, chrome shiny, rust to (1) neck screw / bridge screws / strap button,  stamping indicates 1965 build


1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  E $890 Clean, minimal wear to guitar and ampcase, logos strong, chrome shiny, light adhesive seep to amp knob inserts, tremolo functional, footswitch incl.


1412 MIJ SBEG w/ C VG $156 Clean, light wear, a ding or three, block logo strong, whammy bar missing,


1482 Dano tube amp VG $382 Clean, light wear, round speaker cutout, some control panel scratches, stains to back panel, tremolo functional, seller says "I tried it through a different speaker and it was considerably louder. The back panel had a hole where an external speaker jack was wired, which I removed and put a chassis hole cover in it (see picture). "


1316 Harmony Lap Steel G $199 Clean, surface/edge wear, 'deco' logo shows wear, some playing wear to pickup/control area, (1) NS knob



This is actually a remote/extension speaker from the 'Hi-Fi' department at Sears, but they frequently get pressed into guitar usage. Very similar design to the less rare 9075; if we had the back cover we'd know the actual model number. If stamping conventions are similar to Dano's, this one was built in 1964. No clue as to who made them... any ideas?
UNK UNK Tube amp G $95 Wear to cabinet, insides look good, schematic intact, chassis number 528.59400. Relisted from November.



1484 Dano speaker cabinet grille cloth only $59 Badge included. Relisted from November.

 

12/8

Start the day off with the very first acoustic 'Aristocrat.'

712 Kay FHAC w/ C VG $610 Clean, surface wear/checking, logo laminate looks good, some shrinkage of inlays, original cord 'strap' incl., rust to tuner assemblies



Ukes really seemed to enjoy a comeback in 2011. Eddie Vedder put out an entire album consisting of (and titled) Ukulele Songs, there's festivals, a magazine, I have a friend who plays out frequently with hers, and there's even Hello Kitty ukes available. Here's a couple from Sears, the Harmony-made plastic-fretboarded 'skier' model was available in the late 50s, and the block logo'd MIJ 1255 was the first uke from the Land of the Rising Sun to be sold at Sears.

851 Harmony Ukulele VG $90 Could use a cleaning, light wear, logo and skier stencil strong


1255 MIJ Ukulele VG $62 Clean, light wear, block logo shows some wear, inner label looks good, bridge has been re-glued/re-screwed in place


1460 Teisco MIJ HBEG VG $425 Clean, minimal wear, whammy bar and pickguard missing, binding tight, binding chip to back bass horn tip


1455 Teisco MIJ HBEG G $214 Clean, some edge wear and a few small cracks, nut missing, logo strong, pickguard missing, whammy bar present, NS knobs


1449 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase VG $663 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, skate key tuners, logos strong, pickup covers split, tremolo status unmentioned, no footswitch, stamping indicates late 1964 build although pots date to late '63


290 Kay FHAC $250 Clean, light wear, some checking, pickguard missing, playing wear to neck, 'wind chime' logo strong, tuners need to be installed, bridge incl., tailpiece missing


619 Kay FHAC F $53 Plenty of wear, checking/flaking, logo worn, late-era model with truss rod and back of headstock model stamping


696 Kay FHAC VG $164 Clean, checking/flaking, interesting graining, 'wind chime' logo strong, bottom strap button missing, stamped 696 6531 and P4


605 Harmony FTAC VG $80  Clean, some surface wear, 'deco' logo strong, stamped S-56



OK, after my recent discovery that the other 1459 amp (see listing for the 6th) is a re-labeled 1432, I'm working on new pages for both 1459 amps.

1459 Sears tube amp VG $179 Clean, front face shiny with some wear around jacks and power switch, light wear to covering, grille clean, some oxidation to amp chassis, light rust to handle captures


1422 Sears tube amp VG $295 Clean, minimal wear, control panel looks good, NS Jensen speaker, rev/trem functional, seller says "The only work that's been done to the amp is the removal of the death cap, the addition of a heavy duty grounded cord and the replacement of one resistor. "


1465 Dano solid state amp only VG $136 Clean, light wear, rev/trem functional


1304 Dano tube amp VG $310 Clean, light wear, re-grilled or grille painted, NS handle, some NS tubes (originals incl.), stamping indicates late 1949 build, tremolo unmentioned but seller says "...this amp works perfectly and sounds great."



UNK Kay FHAC G $96 Could use a good cleaning, 'wind chime' logo strong, tuner buttons shrinking, bridge amusingly out of place



1448 Dano neck  with finish sanded off and screws incl.$35, wiring harness and shielding, pots date to 1965 $30, speakerless ampcase $80, seller has the rest of the guitar (the body has a Tele-type bridge/tailpiece) individuallly up on ebay with a buy it now.

12/7

 

If you were watching Letterman the other night, you might have noticed the guitar Ryan Adams was playing; a nicely mellowed (and modernized with a pickup) Buck Owens 'American.'

1429 Harmony HBEG w/ OC E $1450 Clean, minimal wear, logo intact


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ OC E $1475 Clean, minimal wear, logo strong, serial #4680H1446, seller says "Guitar has been sitting in it's original case in my closet over the years."


1446 Harmony HBEG w/ C VG $700 Clean, light wear, logo strong


1417 Dano SSEG VG $625 Clean, light wear, logo broken at 'S,' sold with Danelectro 'Cadet'


1457 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase  VG $500 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, logos strong, one knob oddly discolored, hole drilled in neck at third fret, original cord with 'cord keeper attached incl., tremolo functional


1448 Dano SSEG and tube amp in case MOD $139 Refinished, NS pickup, NS bridge/tailpiece, NS tuners, NS knobs, ampcase worn but unmolested, untested



Someone got an AWESOME deal on this beautiful 1482 on a 'Buy It Now' auction. I bet they couldn't click the mouse fast enough!

1482 Dano tube amp E $199 Clean, minimal wear, square speaker cutout, tremolo unmentioned, seller says "Works Perfectly."


1484 Dano tube amp only G $330 Clean, some edge/surface wear, some oxidation and dents to front face, rev/trem unmentioned, 1/4" speaker jack mod


1484 Dano tube amp only $375 Both in need of repair


1464 Dano solid state amp only VG $979 Clean, light wear, rev/trem status unmentioned, seller says "Looks sharp, sounds killer."


1431 Dano tube amp G $106 Clean, some grille wear,  worn/broken handle, NS back panel, NS chicken head knobs


1421 Sears tube amp MOD $300 Clean, light wear to covering, some wear/picks to grille, light rust to handle captures, lot of NS components; seller says "I hand selected the tubes based on the sound I wanted and with the most touch dynamics possible. I tried Telefunkens thru Mullard and this combination works and sounds the best. The capacitors were changed out to NOS Mullard/Phillips "Mustard caps" , "tropical fish", a "Bumblebee" and a couple of new Sozo's on the .022uF capacitors, cosmetically balanced with the mustard caps (Budrocs). The input filter capacitor is original but retained the best vintage tone and touch dynamics compared to a new one... it is still quiet at idle."


1420 Sears tube amp $89 Clean, light wear, label missing


1301 Valco tube amp G $199 Edge wear, NS knob, (1) NS tube


9075 Sears tube amp VG $81 Clean, light wear, schematic intact, cover included


2574 Oscar Schmidt Autoharp w/ OC VG $123 Clean, light wear, tuning wrench/picks incl.



1448 Danotube amp in case parts $137 Seller says "THE SPEAKERS WORK BUT NEED TO BE REPAIRED. ONE HAS SMALL HOLE...AND BOTH MAKE NOISE WHEN BASS NOTES ARE PLAYED THROUGH THEM. ONE AMP SHOULD WORK...MY BROTHER REPAIRS ELECTRONIC AND WORKED TO MAKE ONE GOOD AMP FROM THE PARTS OF TWO. HE DID NOT COMPLETE THE PROJECT. ONE AMP THE PLASTIC IS CRACKED AROUND THE JACK. THE CASE IS IN GOOD TO FAIR CONDITION. TWO HINGES ARE NOT ORIGINAL. GRILL CLOTH LOOKS DIRTY."



I wonder how many millions of copies of the humble 2L-148C were printed?

Sears Manual $10 Smooth and clean, very little wear

12/6

1485 Harmony HBEG w/ C VG $578 Clean, light wear, logo strong, (2) knobs missing, serial #1507H14541


1415 Kay neck G $282 Clean, light edge wear, some flaking, tailpiece cover missing, logo strong on 'paddle' head, nut looks worn, NS knobs


1444 Dano SSEG Bass w/ OC VG $750 Clean, light wear, logo intact and lightly worn, NS access cover


1451 Dano SSEG and tube ampincase VG $325 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, logos strong, NS Kustom speaker



These pop up every now and then... it's the earliest version of the pickguardless 605 guitars, with a thick script logo in yellow!

605 Harmony FTAC G $90  Clean, light wear, tuner buttons shrinking, neck lifting a bit, logo strong, original cord 'strap' incl., stamped "E0"


658 Kay FHAC G $330 Clean, light wear, some finish checking, logo shamed, pickguard missing, block markers indicate pre-1966 model



OK, these amps don't come up very often, and this one had weird crinkles at both jacks, making me look harder at the control panel... I had never noticed that the control panel of these amps received a sticker 'overlay.' It actually looks like contact paper with the Silvertone info silkscreened onto it (that would be right in line with the budget-minded head of Danelectro, Nat Daniel). Look at the the wood grain pattern!  Hmmmmm... I wonder what secrets are UNDER that label? Well, after a little further investigation, I see that the chassis ID numbers for the popular 1432 and the 1459 are identical (185.10201)! So, for reasons unknown, the 1392 was re-designated the 1459, slapped with a woodgrained label and a different logoplate, and sold in a combo with a Kay Value Leader based guitar in 1960. I love surprises!

1459 Dano tube amp VG $275 Clean, some edge/corner wear, handle worn, tremolo functional


1481 Dano tube amp MOD $200 Clean, light wear, square speaker cutout, speaker extension mod, 3-prong AC mod


1481 Dano tube amp VG $190 Clean, light wear, square speaker cutout


1471 Dano tube amp G $260 Clean, some edge/corner wear, light rust to handle captures, some loose piping, some grille staining, logoplate missing, NS chicken head knobs, back panel missing


1472 Dano tube amp $163 Clean, edge/corner wear, square speaker cutout, smudges/oxidation to front panel, rust to xformers, red border control panel with proper 'tremolo' spelling, NS back panel made of paneling, no plug on AC cord, non-functional when stored 10 years ago, untested


853 Harmony Ukulele w/ OC VG $146 Clean, light wear, logo strong, one photo provided


750 Kay Mandolin w/ OC VG $130 Clean, light wear, 'wind chime' logo strong, some buckle rash, neck lifting (?), original cord 'strap' incl., seller says "Mandolin plays and sounds great. Recent pro set-up with action adjustment and new strings."




1457 Dano pickup $105 Chrome chows some wear, probably from that 1457 body/neck last month


Dano bass tailpiece $25 No saddle or screws

 

12/2

Twelfth Month... 1200 dollars... Thin Twin on the 2nd... sounds like a good fit! Check this Bigsby-ized, DANO-ized 'Jimmy Reed' that just came over the wire...

1381 Kay HBEG MOD $1200 Clean, light wear, playing wear to neck, pickguard and headstock laminate designs strong, NS Bigsby,  NS bridge, NS lipstick tube pickups, last pic is STOCK pickup and bridge for comparison


Just so ya know, here's a peek 'under the hood' of a stock 1381, showing the cutout underneath the pickguard, and the hefty magnets hiding under the blades that come through the pickguard. According to vintage catalog descriptions, the 'Thin' is the body, and the 'Twin' is the pickups.


1417/1419 Dano SSEG w/ C MOD $305 Refinished, logo intact, nice grain to fretboard, seller says "This guitar was literally found in a chicken shack in Northern Harford County, MD." Relisted from November.


1448 Dano SSEG with tube amp in case VG $489 Clean, light wear to guitar and ampcase, logos strong, knob insert wear/discoloration all around, sidewalls white, finish shint


1448 Dano tube ampincase only $129 Light wear, rust to speaker and case hardware, sold as project, seller says "...has some electronic challenges, as well. Both latches work but one is weak. I have replaced the plug end of the cord. I have plugged in and here are a number of things that have happened:
Tubes ALWAYS light up and warm up.
Tubes on with loud hum then suddenly no sound.
Lastly tubes on with no sound."


1482 Dano tube amp VG $530 Clean, light wear, light rust to handle captures, square speaker cutout, tremolo unmentioned, footswitch incl.


1451 Dano tube amp G $135 Clean, edge/corner/grille edge/handle wear


1434 Dano tube amp G $315 Could use a good cleaning, light wear, scratchy pots, some tape on edges, guide marks painted on knobs/control panel, front panel shows some oxidation, back panel shows some scuffing and general grunge, grille surprisingly clean, rev/trem status unknown, stamping indicates Summer 1962 build



Dano footswitch $75

 

12/1

Nebulous November... In November 2011, we reported on nearly 300 auctions totaling just over $72,000! That's FIFTEEN GRAND down from November 2010 totals, and the price that a bustier from Madonna auctioned for recently.

Our big money went for a nice 'Thin Twin' 1381 model that brought in $1350. The lowest-priced item was $11 for a sad 1212 'Space Dot' acoustic.

If you haven't visited November 2011, head on over... it was a great month!
 

You'll be grinnin' while you're pickin' with our exclusive new Silvertone World Custom Picks! Head over to the Pick Store and grab a dozen or two in the bulk pack for some serious Silvertone-flavored strummin', all at great prices and free shipping on US orders.

MODEL # / MANUFACTURER / INSTRUMENT TYPE / CONDITION / PRICE / NOTES

Abbreviations: M-Mint, NM - Near Mint, E- Excellent, VG- Very Good, G- Good , F-Fair, P-Poor, NS- Non-Stock, HBEG- Hollow Body Electric, FHAC- F-Hole Acoustic, FTAC- Flat-Top Acoustic, SBEG- Solid Body Electric, SSEG- Semi-Sold Electric, MIJ- Made In Japan, MOD - Modified significantly from stock, w/ O/C Original / Case, DNS - Did Not Sell; used mainly to show an item of interest whether it sold or not.

Unless otherwise noted, I'm rating them by what I see in the pictures and read in the description.

The items depicted on this page are not for sale by Silvertone World. These are reviews of items from completed ebay auctions on or around the date specified.

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