In the early 1960s, Silvertone, Danelectro, or Sears & Roebuck (it is unknown whose idea it was), decided to capitalize on the increasing popularity of guitars and began offering an all-in-one package for the entry-level guitarist. The package included a guitar, a case with a built-in amplifier, cord, pick, chord charts, and a howto- play 45 rpm record—everything a beginner would need to get started! Five different variations of this package were available, including options for single- or double-pickup guitars, 3- or 5-watt amplifiers, and onboard tremolo.
This '60s Silvertone 1457 was built by Danelectro and came with a case that featured a 5-watt tube amp powering an 8" speaker. To use the amp, you had to open the case and stand it on its end. Owning one of these surely made any guitarist the life of the party
$861.36