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What I found today (lots of pics)

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by KrisH, Jan 13, 2009.

  1. Jan 13, 2009 #1
    KrisH

    KrisH

    Nov 6, 2007
    New Jersey
    I don't make a habit of trash picking, but when I see something interesting sitting on the curb -- well, I just gotta look. On my way home from the supermarket this evening I spotted this laying on top of a few matresses on a neighborhood curb:

    th_top.jpg

    A little small for a guitar, so I glanced inside, then scooped it up and threw it in the trunk. I looked at it more closely when I got it home. The bottom of the case looks like this:

    th_back.jpg

    Intrigued? Here's the inside:

    th_inside.jpg

    It's an old amplifier in a case! More specifically, a three-tube Silvertone:

    th_amp1.jpg

    It still has the original tubes:

    th_tube.jpg

    It is intended to be opened wide and stood on end:

    th_back-standing.jpg

    Ultimately, I couldn't resist, and after it had warmed up to room temperature, I plugged it in -- and watched all the tubes slowly light up. Plugged my strat into it, and it sung out in all its 3-watt glory! Well, there's no danger of deafening anyone, but it sounds -- interesting. Lots of tube sound, for sure.

    I did some research on the internet and tracked down the Model 1448. Ok, it's not a bass amp specifically. It was sold in the early 60s as a package, the case amp with a 3/4 size black and white Danelectro guitar. Alas, the guitar must have been separated long ago, and the case just put in closet to sit for 45+ years. It's in incredibly good shape, just a scuff on one corner. And musty dust on the ouside that I want to clean off. Any ideas?

    There was a manual for the thing inside, too. Note the description on adjusting the neck on the last page. Kind of advanced, eh?

    th_manual-front.jpg
    th_manual--inside.jpg
    th_manual--back.jpg

    :bassist:
     
  2. Jan 13, 2009 #2
    Crabby

    Crabby

    Dec 22, 2004
    Wow! That is an amazing find. very cool.
     
  3. Jan 13, 2009 #3
    wvbass

    wvbass Supporting Member

    Mar 1, 2004
    West Virginia
    You win all of today's cool points. Well, most of them. You plugged your strat in first? Really? And told talkbass that?
     
  4. Jan 13, 2009 #4
    Slaine01

    Slaine01

    Jul 29, 2001
    Sydney - Australia
    Nostradamus predicted 3 questions would open the box to begin the "End of Days".
    1) What?......
    2) What?......
    3) What?......

    Sounds kinda like 3 watts to me - OMG what have you done! :bag: :p
     
  5. Jan 13, 2009 #5
    KrisH

    KrisH

    Nov 6, 2007
    New Jersey
    LOL! Well, I wasn't sure what would happen when I plugged something into it, so I used the strat instead of something more -- keepable . . . :D
     
  6. Jan 13, 2009 #6
    thobbinghotrod

    thobbinghotrod

    Dec 31, 2006
    Minneapolis
    I just saw one of these in a guitar shop yesterday. I didn't look at the price though.
     
  7. Jan 13, 2009 #7
    Rockbobmel

    Rockbobmel

    Feb 14, 2002
    Greenfield, MA(Nowheres'ville)
    They had these terrible Sears masonite guitars with a lipstick pickup. The amp was terrible also, but they may be collectable. Research it and someone with the fitting guitar may pay you a pretty penny for it. Prolly on ebay.
     
  8. Jan 13, 2009 #8
    KUNGfuSHERIFF

    KUNGfuSHERIFF

    Feb 8, 2002
    Upstate NY
    They're worth something. Cruise by a bookstore and peruse a Blue Book.
     
  9. Jan 13, 2009 #9
    David Jayne

    David Jayne

    Jan 16, 2006
    Brookfield, CT
    Dude, forget the naysayers. That is utterly, completely awesome. The fact that it works is incredible. Absolutely the coolest thing today. Maybe all week.
    Definitely plug your bass in. Might be interesting for recording.
     
  10. Jan 13, 2009 #10
    dean owens

    dean owens

    Sep 23, 2008
    pittsboro, nc
    before the "bad economy" they could go for $200.00 on ebay. personally, i wouldn't play that one until you got an isolation transformer. that is one of those... could kill you amps... that doesn't have a power tranny and just takes the juice straight from the wall.

    good find. if you don't want it... i'll pay the cost of shipping to my house :D
     
  11. Jan 13, 2009 #11
    Honk'n_down-low

    Honk'n_down-low

    Feb 22, 2008
    New England
    Definitely cool and your still a Trash Picker no matter how you try to smooth it over with the curiosity thing. :bag:
     
  12. Jan 13, 2009 #12
    henryjurstin13

    henryjurstin13 Supporting Member

    Jun 5, 2005
    NWAR - 72764
    :eyebrow:
    Trash picker......
    :rolleyes:







    :scowl:
    Strat player.....
    :rollno:




















    NICE SCORE!!!!!! Very cool story, thanks for sharing!!
    :p
     
  13. Jan 13, 2009 #13
    Rattman

    Rattman

    Jul 3, 2006
    Orange County, Ca. USA
    Whoa... what a stroke of luck you had today.. Seems like the owner somehow knew exactly when to abandon that Silvertone amp... so that a musician specifically who would appreciate it also happened to find it. Kool and fortunate. . :cool:
     
  14. Jan 13, 2009 #14
    rbonner

    rbonner

    Sep 25, 2008
    Nothing like a good old SLIVERTOON amp. Look its a great device, you could go into the coffee shop and put on a concert, fold it up and go home. Don't forget a bucket or hat for tips, as the case has to stand up.

    Oh BTW, it is now probably reported stolen with your local cops. Yeah Officer, I put my Marshall stack out front and remembered I forgot my wallet, I ran back inside and as I came back out saw somebody in a white van speed away.

    Yeah I have insurance, really? No I dont have serial numbers.. Better call them right away... BOB

    PS. Be glad it wasn't an IED