Fiesta Red
Doctor of Teleocity
Through a series of unlikely events, I ended up with a 1960's Silvertone 1483 Bass Amplifier Head.
For the uninitiated, this was made by the Danelectro corporation and labelled as "Silvertone" brand to be sold at Sears. Danelectro also made electric guitars and amps for Montgomery Wards, which were sold under the "Airline" moniker.
It would have been awesome if it had the original speaker cabinet, with the built-in shelf for storing and transporting the amp head unit, but for the very, very low price I paid, I'm happy.
Even though these were designed as and marketed as a bass amp, it would not be a great live bass amp, unless it were mic'd through a PA system--it's just a little too quiet and would get lost in the mix...even then, it's a bit fuzzy and overdriven, which is cool if that's what you are looking to do.
It could work as an in-studio bass amp, but with that fuzzy overdriven sound, it would not be a great choice for any kind of clean bass tone.
It shines when used as an electric guitar. It's rated at 23 watts, with two identical channels...adding an A/B pedal would make it great for a guitarist who switches between rhythm and lead lines.
Lo-fi, funky and ripping--the esteemed Mr. Auerbach of the Black Keys would be pleased to use this amp. (It's reported that Jack White, Beck Hansen and some other Lo-Fi Aficionados have used these amps live and in studio...I get a RL Burnside/Junior Kimbrough feel out of it).
I tested it with my #1 Telecaster, "Big Tex", and my modified AVRI '62-reissue Stratocaster...fat, funky and chunky--this thing is killer, especially on the neck pickup of either of those guitars.
It overdrives easily, even with the efficient contingent of a Celestion and a Tone Tubby loudspeakers. It is loud but not blaring (louder than a Fender Princeton Reverb...comparable to a Fender Deluxe Reverb). It could easily be used for a gig if the drummer is even-handed. Right now, I'm playing it through a closed-back 2x12 cabinet (made by a friend), which makes it a bit too bassy for guitar unless the Bass tone control is turned way down. Some speaker cabinet experimentation is forthcoming.
It really sounds good--almost great. I think combined with the right speaker cab, it would be amazing.
It's in really good shape, for a 50-year-old amp. There's some light patina, but it just makes it look better, IMHO.
The previous owner had the original two-pronged power cord replaced with a grounded three-prong, so I feel safer getting close to a microphone while I'm singing (I don't want to pull a Keith Relf). It's got either the original preamp tubes or a set of vintage preamp tubes in it...I can't identify the power tubes...
It's a tiny bit buzzy/hummy with single coils, but isn't that the way single coils are supposed to sound? (Just kidding--I'll probably get a cap job done on it soon).
For the uninitiated, this was made by the Danelectro corporation and labelled as "Silvertone" brand to be sold at Sears. Danelectro also made electric guitars and amps for Montgomery Wards, which were sold under the "Airline" moniker.
It would have been awesome if it had the original speaker cabinet, with the built-in shelf for storing and transporting the amp head unit, but for the very, very low price I paid, I'm happy.
Even though these were designed as and marketed as a bass amp, it would not be a great live bass amp, unless it were mic'd through a PA system--it's just a little too quiet and would get lost in the mix...even then, it's a bit fuzzy and overdriven, which is cool if that's what you are looking to do.
It could work as an in-studio bass amp, but with that fuzzy overdriven sound, it would not be a great choice for any kind of clean bass tone.
It shines when used as an electric guitar. It's rated at 23 watts, with two identical channels...adding an A/B pedal would make it great for a guitarist who switches between rhythm and lead lines.
Lo-fi, funky and ripping--the esteemed Mr. Auerbach of the Black Keys would be pleased to use this amp. (It's reported that Jack White, Beck Hansen and some other Lo-Fi Aficionados have used these amps live and in studio...I get a RL Burnside/Junior Kimbrough feel out of it).
I tested it with my #1 Telecaster, "Big Tex", and my modified AVRI '62-reissue Stratocaster...fat, funky and chunky--this thing is killer, especially on the neck pickup of either of those guitars.
It overdrives easily, even with the efficient contingent of a Celestion and a Tone Tubby loudspeakers. It is loud but not blaring (louder than a Fender Princeton Reverb...comparable to a Fender Deluxe Reverb). It could easily be used for a gig if the drummer is even-handed. Right now, I'm playing it through a closed-back 2x12 cabinet (made by a friend), which makes it a bit too bassy for guitar unless the Bass tone control is turned way down. Some speaker cabinet experimentation is forthcoming.
It really sounds good--almost great. I think combined with the right speaker cab, it would be amazing.
It's in really good shape, for a 50-year-old amp. There's some light patina, but it just makes it look better, IMHO.
The previous owner had the original two-pronged power cord replaced with a grounded three-prong, so I feel safer getting close to a microphone while I'm singing (I don't want to pull a Keith Relf). It's got either the original preamp tubes or a set of vintage preamp tubes in it...I can't identify the power tubes...
It's a tiny bit buzzy/hummy with single coils, but isn't that the way single coils are supposed to sound? (Just kidding--I'll probably get a cap job done on it soon).
