Draggin' Guitars
1955 Silvertone 1425 Aristocrat
1955 Silvertone 1425 Aristocrat
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Here is a very rare and unusual Silvertone model 1425 Aristocrat produced in 1955, at the Kay guitar factory in Chicago Illinois U.S.A. This model was produced for a few years-but only a select few had the large 'batwing' pickguard and White overlay with blue shield on the headstock. This one also has the large pearloid block position markers with binding on the neck and double binding on the body. There are no splits, breaks or repairs. It is 100% original and very solid.
This guitar is in amazing condition and has been very well cared for its entire life. The cherry sunburst is very vibrant and has an excellent pattern. The construction features a carved solid Spruce Top with 17" wide lower bout. The sides and back are maple and the backside has some vibrant flaming in the grain pattern-see photos. There is handling evidence here and there-mostly small pock marks and an occasional line scratch. There is some rub wear along some of the edges around the heel and backside of the neck-see photos. The body is incredibly solid with no creaks or other issues. it is common for many of these large arch-top Kays to require a neck reset from over-tensioning or poor storage or whatever-this one does not. The neck joint is solid and the neck angle is excellent. The neck itself is straight with no issues. The neck has a large vintage C-shape and measures .974" deep at the 1st fret and 1.25" deep at the 12th fret! That is a serious profile. The nut width is a whopping 1.798" wide (1 3/4"). The single line kluson tuners are the same type found on early Gibson Les Paul Specials and Juniors. The buttons are in good condition and the guitar stays in tune. The headstock overlay and logo display excellent-the metallic gold print and royal blue shield colors are very nice. The action is set low for an easy playing experience. The string height is .010" at the 1st fret and .050" at the 12th fret. It plays like butter up and down the fingerboard with no dead spots. The Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard is clean and has an excellent feel. The frets are near new condition-they are cleaned and polished and super nice-see photos.
The original De Armond "speed bump" pickups both have an excellent signal and clear tone. The neck position measures 7.69 ohms and the bridge position measures 7.41 ohms. The original Switchcraft 1452 3-way switch functions flawlessly. It is the same switch that Fender uses on early 1950's Stratocasters and Telecasters. The Stackpole potentiometers all function smoothly as well and they date to late 1954. They are the same potentiometers as used by Gibson in 1950's Les Pauls. Given the skyrocketing value of 1950's Les Pauls, Stratocasters and Telecasters-The original Switches, Potentiometers and Tuners on these Aristocrat guitars are often missing. This baby is virgin and retains ALL of its original pieces-including the knobs-which also carry a hefty value. These circumstances greatly increase the value of this top of the line model Silvertone guitar.
The guitar is super lightweight and checks in at only 6.34 lbs. It is really comfortable and feels right at home in your lap.
I do have a 1950's Lifton hard case in excellent condition that can be purchased separately. It is a good fit and provides great protection-just contact us via email or call the Draggin' Guitars hotline @ 785-766-8906
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