Silvertone (brand)

Silvertone was the brand name used by Sears, Roebuck and Company for its line of sound equipment from 1915 to 1972.^[1] A hand-cranked phonograph was introduced under the Silvertone brand by Sears in 1915.^[1] Beginning in the 1920s, the brand was expanded to include Silvertone radios and again in the 1930s, superseding the Supertone branding on musical instruments.^[1]

Probably best known for their line of well-made yet inexpensive guitars, the brand became popular with novice musicians. Jerry Garcia, Rudy Sarzo, Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, David Lindley, Garry Nutt, John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Joan Jett, Jack White, Mikee Plastik, James Hetfield, Dave Grohl, Phil Keaggy,Matt Alexander, Mark Knopfler, Brad Paisley, Dr. SETI, Joe Walsh, and countless others had a Silvertone for their first electric, bass, or acoustic guitar. The Canadian band Chad Allan and The Silvertones, which would go on to become The Guess Who, took its name from this line of instruments. Pete Townshend used them in live performance with The Who for the purpose of smashing them (after he'd played them.) Jack White of The White Stripes frequently uses vintage Silvertone amplifiers. Singer-songwriter Beck's main guitar is a Silvertone. Bon Iver used one in making For Emma, Forever Ago.

The Silvertone name adorned guitars from several different manufacturers over the years, including Danelectro, National, Harmony, Kay and Teisco.

The guitars—especially the 1960s models—are frequently prized by collectors today. One of the best-known Silvertone offerings is the Danelectro Silvertone 1448, made in the early to mid-1960s. The guitar's case had a small built-in amplifier and the guitar itself had a very short-scale 18-fret neck, which proved popular with beginners. Beck's main guitar is the 1448, stickered with an old Rush sticker, and a sticker that says: "I &heart; Country Music." Other notable 1448 enthusiasts through the years have included Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Melissa Etheridge and many others. Many later imported Silvertone guitars, especially nowadays, are recognizable by a curved hook shape at the end of their heads. Ironically, these inexpensive guitars of 45 years ago remain in the 'stables' of many professional musicians today, who even today bring them out onstage on occasion for their distinctive bluesy sound.

Today, Silvertone is a brand name used by Samick Music Corporation and was endorsed by Paul Stanley of KISS from 2003 to 2006.

Silvertone is also the name of a model of harmonica made by Huang Harmonicas.