Silvertone 1446 VBK Semi-Hollow Electric Guitar in Gloss Black with Bigsby

The Silvertone 1446 VBK is a faithful reimagining of one of the most coveted catalogue guitars of the 1960s, now finished in a sleek Gloss Black and fitted with a genuine Bigsby B70 vibrato. With its chambered semi-hollow maple body, era-correct mini humbuckers and refined modern neck profile, it delivers the unmistakable chime, snap and warmth that defined countless classic recordings, while offering the tuning stability and playability demanded by todays players.

Originally sold through the Sears catalogue between 1961 and 1967, the 1446 earned cult status among artists and collectors alike. This modern version honours that legacy with meticulous attention to detail, from its single-cut arched body and vintage style Cupcake knobs to its period-inspired Wilkinson R Series pickups. At the same time, upgrades such as Semi-Hemispherical frets, a soft C neck carve and a roller-saddle bridge make it a far more forgiving and expressive instrument for regular gigging and studio work.

Whether you are chasing smoky, reverb-drenched leads, jangly rhythm parts or articulate blues lines, the 1446 VBK offers a wide dynamic range and impressive feedback control thanks to its centre block construction. The 24 ¾ inch scale mahogany neck and 12 inch radius rosewood fingerboard feel instantly familiar, encouraging fluid bends, comfortable chord work and effortless vibrato. Paired with the Bigsby B70, it invites expressive pitch shimmers without sacrificing tuning stability.

At the heart of the sound are the Wilkinson R Series mini humbuckers, painstakingly modelled on the rare original P19 units designed by Seth Lover. Using period-correct Alnico V magnets and matched windings, they capture the clear, harmonically rich voice that made the original 1446 such a studio secret weapon. From sparkling cleans to driven amp tones that retain definition, this is a guitar that sits beautifully in a mix and rewards a nuanced touch.

Vintage Icon, Modern Performance

The 1446 VBK stays true to the look and spirit of the original while quietly upgrading the playing experience. The redesigned soft C neck profile and Semi-Hemispherical frets make it far more comfortable and precise than the 1960s versions, so you get all the vintage vibe without the quirks and compromises.

Chambered Semi-Hollow Versatility

A chambered, arched maple body with a solid centre block gives you the airy resonance of a semi-hollow with the focus and feedback resistance of a solidbody. This combination enhances sustain, widens the dynamic range and keeps things controllable at higher stage volumes.

Authentic Wilkinson R Series Mini Humbuckers

The Wilkinson R Series mini humbuckers are built with custom tooling and Alnico V magnets to replicate the character of the original P19 pickups. They deliver a clear, articulate tone with plenty of warmth and harmonic detail, ideal for everything from rootsy rock and roll to atmospheric indie and blues.

Bigsby B70 Expressive Vibrato

A genuine Bigsby B70 vibrato tailpiece, working in tandem with a Tune-o-matic style bridge and roller saddles, offers smooth, musical pitch modulation while helping maintain tuning stability. Subtle warbles, surfy dips and expressive chord shimmers are all on tap without fighting the hardware.

• Chambered Arched Maple Body with Centre Block - The single-cut semi-hollow construction blends resonance and sustain, giving you a lively acoustic response that stays controlled under gain. The centre block helps tame feedback, making this an ideal choice for louder stages and driven amp tones.
• Wilkinson R Series Mini Humbucking Pickups - Era-specific mini humbuckers inspired by the original P19 design provide a bright yet full voice with excellent note separation. Their balanced output and harmonic richness make it easy to cut through a mix without sounding harsh.
• Comfortable 24 ¾ Inch Soft C Mahogany Neck - The updated neck profile replaces the chunky vintage feel with a more ergonomic soft C taper. Combined with a 12 inch radius rosewood fingerboard and 20 Easy Feel ball end frets, it offers smooth bends, fast runs and comfortable chord shapes across the entire neck.
• Bigsby B70 with Roller Saddle Bridge - The pairing of a Bigsby B70 vibrato and Tune-o-matic style bridge with roller saddles delivers classic vibrato feel with improved tuning stability. The rollers reduce friction at the bridge, so the strings return to pitch more reliably after using the arm.

Body

• Body Type: Semi hollow with centre block
• Construction: Single cutaway, arched top
• Body Wood: Maple
• Pickguard: Single ply cream
• Colour: Gloss Black

Neck

• Neck Wood: Mahogany
• Neck Shape: Soft C
• Scale Length: 24 ¾ inch
• Fingerboard: Rosewood
• Fingerboard Radius: 12 inch
• Frets: 20 Silvertone Easy Feel ball end frets
• Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid block

Hardware

• Bridge: Tune-o-matic style with roller saddles
• Tailpiece: Bigsby B70 vibrato
• Hardware Finish: Chrome
• Control Knobs: Vintage spec Cupcake style

Electronics

• Pickups: Wilkinson R Series original spec mini humbuckers
• Controls: Two volume, two tone
• Switching: 3 way lever switch