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Could we be seeing new Silvertone guitars soon?
A new global distribution deal marks the first major activity from the brand since 2016.
Silvertone, the iconic American instrument brand whose early instruments have become highly collectible, could be introducing new models in the near future.
A freshly inked deal sees Rhythm Band Instruments appointed the new limited exclusive global distributor of Silvertone brand instruments and accessories. It marks the first major activity from the brand since 2015.
“RBI Music already distributes a number of high-value brands globally, including Boomwhackers, Toca, Grover Pro Percussion and the Big Joe Stompbox brand of guitar accessories,” Samick Music executive director William Park said in a statement. “We believe they will prove an excellent fit for growing the Silvertone brand.”
Brad Kirkpatrick, president of Rhythm Band Instruments added: “We are thrilled to represent this iconic brand on a worldwide basis. Jimi Hendrix and Brad Paisley are reputed to have learned on Silvertone guitars,” he said. “Jimmy Page, Pete Townshend, Chris Isaacs, Paul Stanley, Jack White and Tom Petty – many of the greatest guitarists and musicians of their generations – famously played Silvertone.”
Silvertone, first created by American department store chain Sears in 1916, was acquired by South Korean brand Samick Music in 2001.
Although the brand has remained under the radar in recent years, Silvertone electric guitars shot to prominence among novice musicians in the 1960s. This was largely due to their ubiquity in Sears department stores and catalogues.
Those same electric guitar models – manufactured originally by brands such as Danelectro, Harmony and Teisco – have gone on to become coveted instruments for collectors today.
Similarly, the 1484 “Twin Twelve” guitar amplifier, introduced as a student model in 1963, has gained a more recent cult following. It has been popularised by modern rock giants such as Jack White and Beck.
Silvertone’s last major release happened back in 2015 when Samick launched reissues of six acoustic guitar models, including the 955, 955CE, 600, “Sovereign” 633 and the 604.
Rhythm Band, in addition to working with several educational music products, also distributes several guitar-based brands such as Vintage and Fret-King.
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