Up for sale, a 1962 Silvertone Stratotone Jupiter in exceptional condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original chipboard case and 100% original save for a replacement tuner set. Manufactured by Harmony in the USA and virtually identical to their "H49 Stratotone," this Silvertone model 1423 has a Black Sparkle finish that was exclusive to the Silvertone-branded version of this guitar, available via Sears. This model was only offered from Winter 1959-63, and was one of Silvertone's more expensive offerings.

The pickups have strong output and the clear, percussive quality that you only get from a DeArmond Gold Foil (this particular iteration of the gold foil design has silver diamond covers). The tone is full and dynamically responsive, with a distinctive woody bite when picked with authority, and a glassy clarity in every pickup position. The body is fully hollow, which adds a certain richness and soft attack to the notes, distinct from what can be achieved with a solidbody instrument. Featherweight at 5lbs 3oz, this Silvertone has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 11-49 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Maple
-Shape: “Baseball bat” chunky C, full shoulders, measuring .900” 1st fret, .920” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Bound dyed maple, block inlay
-Frets: Slender, very faint wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-4
-Scale Length: 24 1/4”
-Nut: 1 3/4”, bone
-Tuners: Waverly-style open-gear, Gotoh-made (modern)

Body Specs:

-Wood: Maple
-Pickups: DeArmond "gold foil" x2, Aug 31, 1962 date stamps and Rowe Industries stickers on baseplates
-Harness: CTS pots date to 23rd week of ‘62, untouched solder
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Blend knob, Three-way rotary pickup selector
-Hardware: Trapeze tailpiece, floating Brazilian rosewood bridge
-Plastics: DeArmond bell knobs, pickguard with pristine silkscreened text

The nitro lacquer Black Sparkle finish has densely packed sparkles and light vertical lacquer checking. Cosmetic wear is limited to light buckle rash on the back, faint scuffing on top along the strum path, a few tiny chips on the top and back, and a subtle reaction in the clear coat central to the back, likely from extended contact with a strap or cable. The neck profile retains its matching nitro gloss, free of palm wear.

The original two-tone chipboard case is included.