1958 Silvertone Model 57 1373L Baritone Bass Guitar black

Very Good condition, 7/10, Made in USA, worn back of neck, replaced tuners (modern Kluson style), has an internal stamped number 4048 and both pots are numbered 137812 (12th week of 1958), including hardcase, This model was only produced from mid 1958 thru mid 1959. more info: "Appeals to both players and collectors. Fairly rare model. A 6-string guitar with extra long neck and fingerboard, extra long strings, Twenty-four frets, two full octaves on each string, total range of four octaves, Neck joins body at 17th fret. **Tuning is the same as on a regular guitar, but one octave lower. Since the bottom four strings are tuned exactly the same as a big string bass, this instrument makes a perfect bass, except for bowing. Total range is much greater than that of a conventional bass, so that the playing of melody, chords and riffs can be accomplished as on regular guitar. It is possible to produce melody and bass accompaniment so complete musically, that only large keyboard instruments can compare. This instrument is terrific for rhythm and for melody, and simply cannot be beat for combining both. Measure of comparison is the conventional 4-string electric base. The Danelectro bass has six strings, giving much greater range; double pickup instead of single; 3-way switch; softer action; non-warp neck slimmer and stronger; fully adjustable bridge; solid center body. If you are a professional guitarist, this instrument means more demand for your services, because with it you can do more things. You can play guitar and double on bass with one instrument. If you are a teacher or school operator, this instrument will round out your ensembles. It will supply the missing depth. If you are a student, you can master this instrument as easily as regular guitar, but with it you will stand out from the crowd." (Doug Tulloch. Neptune Bound. The Ultimate Danelectro Guitar Guide. pp. 160 and 265). "The 1373 6-string bass was offered for only 3 catalog cycles, so barely a year and a half before it was gone, replaced by the 4-string 'dolphin nose' 1444. Sometimes referred to as a baritone guitar, the 1373 was targeted in the catalog write-ups towards being played as guitar or bass, albeit an octave lower. Players argue constantly over the best way to tune these, many prefer E-E, some come up with other variations. Introduced: Spring/Summer 1958 Retired: Spring/Summer 1959" (Silvertone World) - with .014, .018, .028, .038, .050 & .064 wound baritone strings. We have tuned the guitar to a standard baritone tuning of B,E,A,D,F#,B.