SILVERTONE

To those inclined (musically or visually) towards a more mid century aesthetic, there are few guitars cooler than a Silvertone Aristocrat.  Built in Chicago until the early 1970s, Silvertone was a house brand for the Sears and Roebuck Company, built by local manufacturers such as Harmony and Kay.  The Aristocrat name itself was associated with various models over the years, and most often denoted an instrument in the upper echelon of production, hence one will find “Aristocrats” under various models, 742, 712, 1356, and so on.   This particular 1425 from 1955 (which according to the original catalogue listing, would have retailed for a mere $99.95!) is a fine example of what makes these instruments special.

With a large body, and Deep “C” Neck, the 1425 feels formidable in the hands, yet still is a nimble player, more than capable of keeping up with your favorite T-Bone Walker or Tiny Grimes licks.  The original “speed bump” pickups have been previously swapped for a set of Lindy Fralin P-90s, which give this piece the exact kind of snap and attitude a more modern player would crave.

Paired with a tube amp on the edge of breakup, this guitar shines its brightest, with all three pickups positions bringing differently enjoyable artifacts to light.  The neck pickup, while robust and bass forward, is seldom muddy making it a natural choice for jazz and blues.  The middle position provides a defined mid range scoop, almost evocative of a telecaster, and as such would be right at home in numerous applications.  The bridge position naturally has the most bite, and is a true joy to utilize with an overdriven amp, suitable for more rough and tumble styles like punk and metal. 

This Aristocrat would be a fine choice for players of many styles looking for a unique, vibe heavy piece that will not break the bank, but will be rewarding every time you plug it in.

Cosmetic Condition:

This guitar has definitely seen its fair share of action in its long life, and sports all the normal playwear one would expect of a piece of this vintage, in that it has various dings and finish imperfections throughout.  That said, even given its advanced age we would consider this instrument to be in VERY GOOD condition

• Single Cutaway Hollowbody Shape
• Carved Solid Spruce Top
• Maple Back and Sides
• Cream Binding
• Red to Gold Sunburst Finish
• Hardwood Neck
• Steel Rod Reinforced Neck
• Rosewood Fingerboard
• Large Perloid Block Fingerboard Inlays
• Silvertone Blue Shield Headstock Decal
• Deep “C” Neck Carve
• Gloss Neck Finish
• Non Original Fralin P-90 Pickups
• 3 Way Toggle Switch
• Trapeze Tailpiece
• Nickel Hardware
• Kluson 3-on-Plate Tuners with Cream Buttons
• Off White “Batwing” Pickguard
• Bone Nut
• 1 11/16” Nut Width
• 25 ¾” Scale Length
• Hardshell Case Included
• 17” Lower Bout
• 6.4 Lbs