1960s Silvertone 658 “Tuxedo” Archtop Acoustic Guitar by Kay – “The Wolf”

Instant badass: just add Silvertone “Tuxedo” guitar! Meet “The Wolf”, a mid-60s Silvertone archtop, built by Kay in Chicago and sold through the Sears & Roebuck catalog to kids who wanted to look dangerous before they even knew how to play.

The Silvertone 658 is one of the hottest-looking archtop acoustics ever made. This example dates to the pre-1966 run, confirmed by the block inlays before Silvertone later switched to dot markers. Finished in painted black lacquer with sharp white striping, it has all the attitude of a back-alley jazz box, greaser garage guitar, and pawnshop blues machine rolled into one.

The headstock bears the classic 1960s Silvertone script logo. Internal factory stamps include “57 658” (x3) and “N-15.”

Condition is strong and honest throughout. The finish shows normal age and handling wear, including a patch of buckle rash on the center back from decades of real-world use. There is a small wrinkle in the top ply near the lower f-hole – difficult to notice unless viewed up close, and difficult to photograph, but documented as clearly as possible. One tuning key is slightly bent. There is minor evidence of heel separation cosmetically, but the neck joint itself remains solid and stable.

Currently strung with Martin MA535 Custom Light (.011–.052) strings. Action measures approximately 3mm at the 12th fret on the bass side. It tunes up well, plays comfortably, and has that dry, punchy old archtop voice these Kay-built guitars do so well.

A strong, honest player with all the right attitude. And visually? Total hotness.

This Wolf’s got some bite.

SPECS

Make: Silvertone 658 Archtop  

Nickname: “The Wolf” 

Year: 1963-65 

Color: Black w/ white pick guard, white painted racing stripes 

Serial No.: None 

Made: Kay Musical Instrument Company, Chicago, IL, USA 

Scale: 25-5/8”  

Frets: 19 

Body: Black lacquered maple 3-ply 

Neck: Maple w/non-adjustable rod 

Fingerboard: Ebonized rosewood 

Markers: Painted blocks 

Nut: White synthetic 

Nut width: 1-11/16" 

Tuners: Kluson 3x3 single line 

Bridge: Nickel-plated trapeze tailpiece, rosewood adjustable floating saddle 

Overall length: 41" 

Body length: 20" 

Depth: 3-1/2" 

Upper bout: 11-1/4" 

Lower bout: 15-1/2"  

Case: No 

Strings: Martin MA535 Custom Light phosphor bronze – .011, .015, .022, .032, .042, .052 

Note: This is a vintage instrument and shows normal wear consistent with age. Please refer to the listing photos for the cosmetic condition of each individual item prior to clicking the “Gimme!” button. Items are sold “as is”, no returns. Thank you for respecting that. 

Feel free to reach out with any questions, and have a Fun Time kinda day.