NAMM 2026: Silvertone, a brand with its roots in the beginnings of affordable electrified guitar playing, has revived its 1446 semi-hollow electric, one it humbly calls “one of the most recognizable guitar models in rock history.”
Chris Isaak, Elvis Costello, and Chicago blues stalwart Hubert Sumlin are just three high-profile players to have had love affairs with the semi-hollow, and here it returns, for the first time in decades, with “every detail that made the original a legend,” and some choice, modern-minded thoughtfulness.
The guitar was first available to order from the Sears catalog – where Paul Gilbert, Steve Cropper, and Bootsy Collins began their journeys – between 1961 and ’67. Now, its original “2×4 lumber” neck profile has been re-engineered, delivering a modern-taper soft C-shape, while a chambered center-block maple body improves sustain, reduces feedback, and bolsters its dynamic range.
Built to a 24.75” scale length, the newly sculpted necks are made with mahogany and capped with rosewood fingerboards with “state-of-the-art Semi-Hemispherical frets,” said to offer a smoother-than-ever playability
Reflecting its older specs, there are two versions being introduced. The 1446V, given a smart Black colorway, has a genuine Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece and TOM bridge with roller saddles. The 1446T, meanwhile, which gets Black and Tobacco Sunburst finishes, has a Trapeze tailpiece.
But, where modern changes have been understandably employed, its electronics pay tribute to the original guitar’s “vintage mojo.”
Its P19 mini humbuckers were designed exclusively for Silvertone by Seth Lover, the man behind some of Gibson’s most famous ’buckers. They featured a three-by-three pole piece design and a lower-wind voice, and that legacy has been carefully reprised with the help of Trev Wilkinson this time around. So, expect clarity, warmth, and “harmonic glide” from these revived instruments.
“Wilkinson’s R Series mini-humbuckers are exacting, era-specific recreations featuring custom tooling, period-correct Alnico V magnets, and carefully matched winding,” says Silvertone Product Manager, Rick Taylor.
“When you pick up this guitar, you immediately understand why the original became such a cult classic,” he adds.
“We set out to deliver the soul of the ’60s 1446, but with the playability and reliability modern musicians expect. Whether you’re chasing that famously haunting Wicked Game intro or carving out a completely new sound, the new 1446 gives you inspiration from the moment you plug in.”
In keeping with the guitar's heritage, they're not bank-breakers either. The 1446T models are priced at $799, with the Bigsby-laden 1446V bumping up to $999.
Check out Silvertone Guitars for more.
