Silvertone Model 1445 Mosrite Style 1960s MIJ w/ original case

No sales tax for US customers outside California.

The Silvertone 1445 is one of the more genuinely interesting department-store guitars to come out of the 1960s Japanese guitar boom. Built by Kawai (with heavy Teisco DNA throughout), the 1445 is essentially a budget-priced surf machine that punches well above its weight. 

The Mosrite-influenced offset body shape, the German carve edge bevel, and the three-pickup tremolo setup put this guitar squarely in the same aesthetic and functional territory as far more expensive contemporary instruments. The flamed maple top over basswood body with celluloid binding gives it a legitimately handsome appearance, and the 13-7/8" lower bout with a tight 9-1/4" waist makes it comfortable and well-balanced at 8 lbs 3.5 oz. The 25.5" scale length and a fairly flat 14" fretboard radius on the Brazilian rosewood board — yes, actual Brazilian rosewood — give it a feel that's more modern and playable than most players expect from a guitar in this class.

The three Teisco "Hound Dog" single-coil pickups are the heart of the tone here, reading 6.94k at the bridge, 6.10k at the middle, and 6.15k at the neck. The Teisco adjustable roller bridge and tremolo with its original arm are fully functional. The neck is a comfortable C profile maple neck, slim and fast at .853" at the first fret and .892" at the twelfth, with 22 frets plus a zero fret and pearloid block inlays. Action is set up well at 2/32" on both the first and sixth strings at the twelfth fret. The tuners are vintage Kluson-style replacements, and a bone nut replacement has been fitted. The original tortoiseshell pickguard, chrome knobs (4), and black-tipped switch are all present and in good shape.

Condition throughout is very good for a guitar of its age. The original sunburst finish shows honest wear but no structural issues, and the celluloid binding is holding up well. The body, neck, and original electronics are all intact. It comes with what appears to be its original case in fair condition. This is a fully playable, gig-ready vintage instrument with real tonal character — an ideal choice for the player who wants a genuine piece of mid-century Japanese guitar craft without the Mosrite price tag.

Specifications:

• Brand: Silvertone
• Model: 1445
• Era: 1960s
• Manufacturer: Kawai / Teisco
• Weight: 8 lbs 3.5 oz
• Overall Length: 40-3/4"
• Color: Sunburst
• Body Material: Flamed maple top over basswood with German carve
• Body Binding: Celluloid bound
• Body Length: 19-1/2"
• Lower Bout: 13-7/8"
• Waist: 9-1/4"
• Upper Bout: 12-1/4"
• Body Depth: 1-3/8"
• Body Finish: Original, good condition
• Body Condition: Very good
• Pickguard: Tortoiseshell, original, good condition
• Strap Buttons: Original
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Neck Material: Maple
• Neck Profile: C
• Neck Thickness at 1st Fret: .853"
• Neck Thickness at 12th Fret: .892"
• Neck Finish: Original
• Neck Condition: Good
• Neck Repairs: None
• Neck Plate: Chrome metal, original
• Fretboard Material: Brazilian rosewood
• Fretboard Radius: 14"
• Fretboard Condition: Very good
• Fret Count: 22 + zero fret
• Fret Condition: Good
• Inlays: Pearloid block
• Nut Material: Bone (replaced)
• Nut Width: 1-5/8"
• Action at 12th Fret (1st string): 2/32"
• Action at 12th Fret (6th string): 2/32"
• Pickups: 3x Teisco "Hound Dog" single-coil, original
• Pickup Readings: Bridge 6.94k, Middle 6.10k, Neck 6.15k
• Pickup Condition: Very good
• Pickup Cover Color: Black/chrome
• Knobs: 4x chrome, original, very good condition
• Switch: Original, good condition, black tip
• Output Jack: Original, nickel plate, good condition
• Bridge: Teisco adjustable roller bridge, no cover, original
• Tremolo: Teisco tremolo, original arm included
• Saddles: Metal, original
• String Spacing at Bridge: 1.9405"
• Bridge Condition: Very good
• Tailpiece: Teisco, chrome/black, original, very good condition
• Tuners: Vintage Kluson-style replacements (headstock modded for longer screws)
• Tuner Condition: Good
• Case: Appears original, fair condition
• Documentation: None
• Accessories: None

Excerpts from real online end-user reviews:

"It sported a rather Mosrite-y shape, very much like the groovy Teisco/Univox/Kawai strummers of the same era. With three pickups, a whammy setup, a fancy edge bevel, and a fancy finish..." - Silvertone World
"The fast, low-profile solid Maple neck with Rosewood fingerboard sports medium to low action and is easy to play." - Tone Gems

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