Silvertone 1425 Hollowbody 1950s – Sunburst

The Silvertone 1425 is a vintage jewel, famously known as the "Aristocrat" model, built for Sears by the legendary Kay of Chicago. Designed for players seeking a rich, versatile sound, this dual-pickup cutaway archtop is celebrated for its beautiful in tone and looks. The instrument is equipped with two original single-coil "Speedbump" pickups that deliver a powerful signal, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities from twangy to smooth. The stunning Sunburst finish and gleaming hand-polished appeal, combined with its distinctive jumbo-sized hollow body, make it a true standout for any collector or player.

Key Features:

• Body Construction: Full hollow body Archtop design with a Hardwood (often Spruce) top and Maple back and sides, creating a resonant and vibrant tone.
• Body Size & Feel: Jumbo-sized 17" or 18" Master body with a thin profile, which was noted in the original catalog as being easier to hold while playing.
• Pickups: Two great original single-coil "Speedbump" pickups, capable of producing a smooth, round, thick, clean tone from the neck and a clean and bright tone from the bridge, perfect for jazz, rock, and blues.
• Electronics: Two volume and two tone controls (one of each for both pickups) paired with a three-way toggle switch for extra versatility and a broad tonal palette.
• Neck & Fretboard: Glued-on, bound, straight neck reinforced with a steel rod for stability, featuring a Rosewood fretboard with classic rectangular or mother-of-pearl inlays and 19 frets.
• Neck Profile & Playability: Features a slim neck design and a Large Vintage Thick "C" neck profile, ensuring comfortable and easy fingering; the action is described as being set fast and playing really well.
• Scale Length: 26" scale for optimal string tension and tonal balance.
• Nut Width: 1.75" nut width for a comfortable and precise playing feel.
• Hardware: Features a Floating Rosewood or four-way adjustable bridge, a Trapeze style tailpiece, and Kluson Deluxe tuners.

The Silvertone 1425 Aristocrat is a must-have for those who appreciate true vintage craftsmanship and a distinctly expressive tonal palette. Its construction, featuring a durable hardwood/spruce top and maple back and sides, paired with its powerful dual pickups, ensures a sound that is both authentic to the '50s and surprisingly versatile for a myriad of styles. Combining the eye-catching Sunburst finish with the comfort of its slim, reinforced neck, this instrument perfectly captures the innovation and aesthetic appeal that defined Kay's work for Silvertone in this classic era.

Why buy from Ernie Williamson Music?

Ernie Williamson Music is a full-line music store offering sales, service, rentals and the best lesson programs in the area. We are a "Best of the Ozarks" award winner, ranked in the top 100 music stores in the US, the number one Taylor Guitar dealer in Missouri, and a top 20 Taylor Guitar dealer in the US. We're a locally owned store with friendly, knowledgeable staff—but we make sure our prices compete with the big box stores. Whether you shop online or come by one of our four regional locations, you'll get excellent service, quality gear, and low prices.