Silvertone 1484 Twin-Twelve

1964 silvertone twin twelve
two channels, reverb, tremelo, volume, treble, bass on channel two
volume, treble, bass on channel one.
two 12" jensen fender designed replacement speakers (about 1968)
40-50 watts
this amp is lacking in features when compared to alot of other amps, but i like it that way. alot of stuff on the amp just kind of frustates me. i like to dial in my sound more with pedals, so this is perfect for me. i just dont like on board distortion etc. cos then you can choose your own sound via pedals rather than bein stuck with what is on your amp. this thing sounds so good, it doesnt need any more controls anyway.

i dont use a 10 litely like alot of people seem to on this site. i play bluesy, jazzy, indie "punk" (like black keys meets make-up meets the minutemen), and i couldnt ask for a more perfect sound. i play a 1965 fender jazzmaster and 1963 silvertone "amp in case" model (for slide) and they sound fantastic through it. mine was rebuilt a bit by my amp tech, and i havent hear any other ones, so i dont know if its just what he did, but i think thats only a small part of it.
its quiet, not alot of variety in sound but i dont need it cos the sound i get out of it is so perfect i need nothing more.
such excellent sounding distortion when pushed and faily clean at low volumes. its one of those amps that once you get above like 1-2 o'clock on the volume it just increases the overdrive, not really the volume, which i think is really nice.
i just cant say enough how much i love this sound. i'd pay $2,000 for this amp if it was the asking price. its the best sounding amp i've ever heard. and the really nice thing is you dont have to pay $2,000 for that vintage sound and look(i forgot to mention its really cool looking too) like 200-500 $$. (and its so very worth it. a steal)
for me its the perfect sound, and the sound could also work perfectly for alot of different styles. blues, indie, punk, rock, almost all except like black or death metal, or any kind of metal, especially the hidious neu metal. if your into that crap stay away from this or any vintage amp. you dont deserve it.
my only complaint is the reverb. its ok, but kinda cheezy sounding. i'm saving up for a 64 fender reverb tank, and i think one of those will make this amp complete and spectacular.

it hasent messed up on me at all. i worry, though, cos its not very strongly built. i havent taken it gigging (i'm still trying to get a band going) but i will someday. i'd really like to get a nice custom built hard case to take it in. i wish it was a little stronger built, but i've read some other reviews on this site with people saying they've taken it on the road and it was ok.
i'd suggest having an amp tech take you through it and show you how to fix it if it messes up. apparently they're really easy to work on, so it would be a good thing to know. i'm getting apprentenced working on tube amps right now, so i'm not too worried.
as cheap as they are, i'd also suggest buying two. if you needed more volume, you could run two of the together and have parts of a back up. i'm bidding right now on another one on ebay, with the original jensens, which are apparently great.

the original danelectro went out of buisness in the late 60's. as with any vintage amp, find a good amp tech. the companies will just laugh at you, or if they did fix it, they'd leave you feeling violated with the bill, i'm sure.

i've been playing on and off for 13 years. i also played drums and bass, but became dedicated to the guitar about 4 years ago.
i also own a 1965 fender jazzmaster (which is my favorite guitar ever. i think jazzmasters are the best guitars fender ever made) and a 1963 silvertone amp in case model(the single pick-up model) which i love too, and use it mainly for slide tuned to open D.
both compliment this amp wonderfully.
again, i'm so in love. i was getting frustrated trying to find the sound i was looking for. i have to admit, i first became curious about these cos jack white from the white stripes uses them (and gave them very high praise, saying its his main amp). then i found one in my favorite shop, my amp tech had rebuilt alot of it, and i plugged in, and i was blown away. i begged him right then and there to trade with me for my 78 fender pro reverb, which i was really sick of, and he did it, and also threw in a 1963 silvertone "amp in case" model which i also really wanted and is a great piece too, so it was a great trade.
i wouldnt change a thing about it, except the reverb, but i think fender made the best reverb, and i dont think danelectro could have touched them even if there was a better unit in it. but, the reverb still is ok and i use it, but like i said i'm saving for a vintage fender reverb unit, and after that, i will have my ultimate dream sound.
if it were stolen, i'd kill the thief, and i'd get another for sure.
i'm bidding right now on another one, completely original, though i'll probably take it to my tech and have him do some mods to match the mods he made on the one i have(sorry i dont know what they were)
PUT A 3 PRONG POWER CORD ON IT!!!! this is important! it will shock the sh%& out of you very easily with out it. this is a must, if it hasnt already been done.
i've tried most of the fender vintage models and i think this amp is better. i'm thinking about getting a fender "super reverb" or "tremolux" (early 60's fender electric of course)to run with it though, cos i do love the fender sound, and i think one of the former models would match up with it perfectly.
if you havent heard one, check them out. you'll be surprised. like i said, if they cost $2,000; i'd pay it. but at $200-$500 you cant go wrong.
i dont give 10's litely. infact this is the only piece of equipment i'd give a 10, cos the package for the price is just unbelievable. if you cant find one; listen to the white stripes of mudhoney. they're good examples of the sound this amp gives out.
wonderful, fantastic, unbelievable.

Made back in the Sixties, before I was born. Looks it too. A very stright forward no BS amp. Two channels, two knobs for bass and treble for each, as well as a volume knob. It also features a reverb and tremolo. Each channel has two 1/4" inputs. Why? I don't know, I guess back in the 60's everyone just plugged into one amp. This one. Lets see, oh, a stand by switch, which is conveinent and a ground switch because there is no ground conductor on the plug. This amp is old! I love it because of all its simplicity and minimal setup. Its a plug and play amp, which in my opinion, is the best kind. I record and play shows with this amp. The head fis inside the back of the 2x12 cabinet. This seems like a good idea up until you have to through it in the back of the van. I would buy a hard shell flight case for it if you plan on playing out with it. It cranks with 100 watts, very Fender twin like. She's all tube and has point to point wiring.

Lush tone, full body, complete gratification. The sustian alone is fantastic. The reverb is overwleming at times but available from light hints to space city. Same with the tremelo, it goes very far and the quality is great. I play indie-pop and this makes my day. I have a 70's fender twin as well and although the twin is great, this amp really shines through. Its very responsive to your playing. I has a very natural clarity that isn't harsh or brillinat. It shows a bit of compressin when you really push it and breaks up just enough. I feel very comfortable with this amp. As I said, it responds nicely to your dynamics. In stand-by its very quite. When pushed it stil is very quite. I sounds fantastic, no lie.

This is the one downfall but what do you expect? This amp is about 40 years old! Just the fact that its still making noise is something to behold. Keep it clean, don't through it down the stairs, and keep the head in a flight case when it travels and it will last a long time. God knows what this amp has seen over the years......but its still solid.

I've never tried...never needed too.

I'm 27, been playing scince I was thirteen. I've played them all. Ampegs, Marshalls, Orange, Hiwatt, Fender, Mesa, etc. and although these companies make great amps you have to understand that they are all copies of this amp and this era's technology. If you want the real thing, the real tone, the real, sound of the real all tube amplifers, this is a great one to get. especially for $400.00 bugs. I guess the only thing I'd like it to have is a cover over the back of the head. the tubes are left open. But, you can always fabricate something very easily. One last thing, it looks hip as hell!

Modified Silvertone 1484 Twin Twelve
2 channels (normal/tremolo and reverb)
2 6l6gc output tubes in push pull configuration running @ 30 watts rms clean and 60 watts full distortion.
original silvertone branded tubes except for Fender branded Sovetek 6L6GC output tubes.
Mods:
3 prong power cord
self grounding input jacks
switch to brige the inputs of both channels together
master volume after the phase inverter section

I usualy use this amp with a 1989 USA Squire strat or a cheap les paul copy.
This amp is great for clasic rock and blues.
adding grounded input jacks eliminated almost all of the background hiss that the amp normaly makes.
when the volume on each channel is set below 3 it doesn't have much low end response. from 3-5 clean with good low end and the volume can be set by the post PI master volume. above 5 bluesy distortion
With both channels bridged the distortion starts a little earlier.
when the master volume is wide open and the preamps bridged and set over 6 it has a smooth power tube distortion.Don't forget your Ear Plugs. This amp is _LOUD_ It is easily as loud as a friends 120watt solid state Peavey head.

this amp has seen regular use sense it was new in 1966 and it has only recently needed the power tubes replaced. it still has the original capacitors. I recently went through the amp myself and everything is still within spec after 37 years. The "tolex" covering on the outside of the case is thin and prone to tearing out on the corners though. Just don't get the particle board case wet or it will disinigrate.

The warranty expired in 1967
the schematic is avalible for free on the internet.
one place is at:
http://www.schematicheaven.com
click on bargain bin amps
any decent amp tech shouldn't have any trouble with this amp.

master volume mod:
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/%7Eehn/1484/

If it were stolen I would try to find another 1484 or maybe a 1485 (same as 1484 but with 2 pairs of 6L6GC output tubes and a pair of output transformers and _SIX_ 10inch Jensen speakers 60 watts clean 120watts max volume.)

as simple as they come...but who needs massive features out of a primal tube machine like this? its got 2 channels total...and 2 inputs for each. one channel is clean and the other is reverb/tremolo. the reverb is trippy...but in a weird, muffled sort of way. but hey...you might be able to find some use for it. it didnt come with the footswitch...but finding one for it shouldnt be hard. its got seperate treble and bass knobs for each channel too.

i play blues and rock styled stuff anywhere from howlin wolf and the velvet underground to the white stripes and the gun club. this thing can cover it all. very raw and edgy at high volumes...but can also be very clean at about 4. it overdrives wonderfully. it gives just enough breakup at around 8 and beyond. i play through it using a 1968 harmony bobkat and a silvertone amp-in-case 2 pickup model. i use multiple effects pedals including a DOD overdrive preamp, a big muff, a vox reissue wah, and a boss flanger.

ive had this amp for about 6 months now and i havent had any problems with it. i would definetly gig it without a backup. its pretty sturdy. im not worried about a thing...despite its age.

heh...good luck. im sure sears quit dealing with the silvertone products 20 years ago.

ive been playing for about 2 years now. i only own one other amp...which a small kent i use mainly because of its mobility. if my silvertone was lost or stolen...i would be very very upset. i would probably look into a fender twin or a similar model...but you really cant beat this baby for the price alone. ive heard quite a few of its rivals...and it definetly holds its own with the best of them. poorman's twin is right...but its much more than that. this is the real vintage deal.

The Twin Twelve has 2-12'' Jensen's(ceremic)and 2 channels. Just like old Fenders.A normal and a vibrato & Reverb.It also has a utility plug for a adapter plug and a foot switch plug.Mine is the 50 watt w/2-6l6's and 4-12ax7 and 2-6cg7 tubes.

I use a Gibson Special w/ 2- p-100's .I play some black man's blues and some white man's blues and classic and southern rock.This amp has a normal blow noise but no hum or buzz.I love this amp because I have paid over a thousand dollars for Fender Deluxe tweeds and this amp sounds just like them but has what Deluxes lack. A lot more volume.
And tremolo plus a reverb. If you use the 12ax7's in all the tubes position like it say's you get a nice natural overdrive with this amp that is very satifying. It sustains well like a cathode bias amp should. Although I'am not sure if it is a cathode bias amp. But sure sounds like it .I like that I have a choice of a bass and treble knob instead of just a tone knob. With old Deluxes you would have to mic up to get enough volume or have a tech fix the speaker out into a Direct out and go into the P.A.. I've alway's found that P.A. sounds bad with overdrive because of the tweeters or horns used with them . With the Silvertone you have more than enough power to play loud.But, the smaller amp is'nt as hard to get to the gig! This amp is kinda handy in this area also because the head tucks away in the bottom(in back)of the speaker cab.

These amps were sold to kid's in the sixties as starter amps.Maybe to rich kid's. Because I remember them being in Sears when I was a kid and at that time they seemed expensive.I felt that since they were sold at Sears that they were probably not a good amp.Back then tubes amp's a tube radio would bite ya if they was'nt of a good quility brand. Ouch!!!!!Now that I'am 45 years old and own one of these 40 year amps that are still working like new I would have to say in this category that I think this amp is going to make it!

N/A

I've been playing a long time.I have mostly all vintage Fender and magnatones,Gibson type amps.I would buy this amp again and have.I love the way this amp hangs in there with true overdrive with out getting muddy or farting out the speakers and how I can really hit the low E string on my guitar and it sounds perfect!This amp has a great cathode bias sustain thing going at a price the normal working man can efford.There's not really anything I can say that I don't like . It's a all around good amp for Blues, and portability.It's a delight to play through and I think as soon as I get off this computer I'am going to jam!!!!

I think mine was made in '66. All hardwired, all tube. I bought the head and cabinet at a garage sale, and at 50 bucks, it's a great deal. Two channels, one with reverb/tremolo, the other without. If you have one or your thinking about buying one but the amp doesn't have the footswitch, no problem. Practically any 2-button footswitch will operate the reverb and tremolo. For me, this amp's place is in the studio, I have Mesa and Fender amps to take out. It has plenty of power for the applications that I'm using it for, and a truly unique sound that I really appreciate.

USA Jackson, Gibson and USA Fender guitars are my main choices. All sound really nice on this amp. Each guitar has it's own distinct characteristics, as it should. My playing style varies from jazz to modern rock, and the amp does well. Nice tone, and I'm a tone freak. When I need overdrive and distortion I use stomp boxes to get the sound I need. My Twin Twelve is no noisier that any other tube amp.

The elderly lady that sold me my amp was getting rid of the last of her late husbands equipment. The amp looked as though it had been collecting dust for 20 years. I took it home and cleaned it up to a nice vintange appeal. It still has the original tubes in there and I'm not changing them until one goes bad. I don't want to mess with the vibe. Wouldn't be surprised if it outlasted me too.

I've played guitar for 25 years and have owned some great amps. They all have their place, including this one. If it were stolen I would send blood hounds out after the theif! The thing I like most about this amp is the unique tone, and for the price it's fantastic. I'm not saying that I would select this amp over my Mesa or Fender amps for the same price by any means, but for $50, come on.....

my father gave me this amp in '78 or '79 and he bought it new, probably around '63-'66. it is a 1484 twin twelve with 2 channels both have two inputs(i don't know why) but i put them all to good use in the early '80s plugging in all of my electronic drums,synths and guitars(it actually worked).it has depth, strength and speed control.i used to love to turn up the depth all the way and trip out on the sound .i would beat the top of it with my fist and make crazy thunder sounds you could hear two blocks away with the original cabinet.now i use this amp at home, clean with a guitar and no crappy effects(fortunately i realized in the late 80's they make mixers and pa systems for multiple instruments).it is perfect for what it was made for,clean warm tones.

i have used every combination of pickups, effects, and played every type of music imaginable through this baby(strats, tele, active, passive, acoustic, everything sounds good.this amp plays clean at any volume, if you can handle it

writing this review made me go and hook it up and guess what... it works as good as the day my dad gave it to me.i've never done any work on it.i've only abused it, beat it, cranked it, hauled it, moved it, burnt it etc.... and all she's ever given me is love.

never needed it

i've been playing for a long time and should play alot better than i do but i play for fun so who cares!! i currently own a '76 kramer(no, not eddie van halen, a real g350 with aluminum neck) a yamaha 12, and a 5-string fender jazz, ampeg vl-502 and a computer with lots of samples. if it(the amp) were lost or stolen i would have to let it go because it would hurt to bad,it has sentimental value and could not be replaced not even with the same model,i don't want to even think about this its making me sad. i can't compare it to anything because it's in world and time of its own.i wish i had the original pedal that came with it. yeah, you could say i love this amp like a sister. there's nothing like hot tubes glowing red in the dark it really used to freak my neighbors out when i'd play at night they would see it through the window and couldn't figure out what the hell was going on their noses pressed up against their window, just about that time i'd crank it up then there was no mistaking it, the silvertone had spoken with a roar they would not soon forget!

mine is from 66 approx. it is the 2 channel 2 6L6 head and matched 2x 12 cabinet. the reverb really isn't one and with this amp you don't really need a reverb. tremelo works fine

i play a 91 flatiron artist a5 mandolin with a standard fishman mandolin bridge pickup. i play channel 2 with the volume and bass at 12 oclock and the treble at 1 oclock. the distortion has depth and much character, enough to warm up even a mandolin.

it's like teeth. take it to the shop once a year for a cleaning
amp fixers love this amp because it's simple

.

ive been playing electric mandolin for about 10 years.i've played it through princeton reverbs,ampeg rockets,boogies,peaveys(ouch). The Twin Twelve is my allround Favorite

2 channels, reverb, tremelo, cool little red light. I think it's a '64. It's got every thing a 40 yoear old amp should. 100 watts but over the years it's volume has been decreasing. still loud enough for small parks though.

I use a Danelectro 59-DC sonuds great with this amp. perfect for blues and classic rock. It's fairly quiet but if i turn the treble up past 4 I get a 60-cycle hum, but with the lipstik pickups on my Dano I don't need much treble out of the amp.

It's 40 years old and still works! I'd say it reliable. It's even got the original silvertone tubes.

Yeah, right!

This is my main amp, I love the sounds I get out of it and It's got that cool retro look. I'd probably cry if it were stolen.

The Silvertone I have came with Black Plate RCA'S(6L6)and the original
blue back Jensen C12Q's that date to 1963.It has two channels. Like Fenders.I like the simplicity of the amp and would'nt change a thing.
I think(not positive)that this amp came with a 100 watt or 50 watt head. This one reads 100 watts.All point to point and all tube with
reverb and tremelo.

I own two guitars at the moment.2000 S.G reissue Maestro (57 classic
Humbuckers)and a 1965 Epiphone Riviera(original mini Hums)The amp sounds best with the Epi.This amp is not noisy but does have the uaual
blow noise.I play Classic Clapton and Lonnie Mack,Classic and blues stuff. I love this amp!!!!!!

It's been around for 40 years and still kickin. So, for reliability,
I would say that I think it's going to make it!!!

Amp Tech would be your only help here.

I've been playing all my life and really can't remember when I started playing. I'am 43 young, years old . I own a 1965 Fender Deluxe Reverb,1966 Bassman & cab,1965 Princeton reverb,Gibson Invader,Peavey
classic 30,1977 Vibro Champ and the 1484 Sivertone is the one I plug into the most.This amp has a smooth overdrive and enough power to wake the dead.It's one of the best amps I've ever play'd and It's a shame that it was the last amp I purchased. I could have save myself a whole lot of money!!!!!!!!