Experimental & Special Models

Silver Street Experimental & Special Models

Photos

The TAXI Bass Story
In 1981, Bruce Hardy designed the Silver Street TAXI; a small-bodied, full-scale guitar easily transported in a city cab. Five prototypes built by luthier Richard Schneider included four TAXI guitars and one TAXI Bass with a 32″ scale. TAXI guitar production flourished and led to the eventual debut of the Spitfire, Cobra, MX, Nightwing, Tommy Shaw and Elite models.
The TAXI Bass was not put into production; the prototype is the only example. Originally yellow, it was later refinished in red. The Bass was seen on the 1983 CBS “Happy New Year America” telecast, played by The Pointer Sisters bassist. In the mid-1980s, the Bass prototype came home to Bruce and stayed with him until 2014. It is a pristine “time capsule” survivor complete with original Dimarzio pickups, Sperzel tuners, Badass bridge, brass nut and Bourns pots. It is truly a one-of-a-kind instrument.
Taxi model beside prototype Taxi Bass
Amazing Silver Street photo! This gorgeous instrument is the only Strat-scale guitar built in the Shelby, MI factory. It features a mahogany body with maple cap, bolt-on mahogany neck, humbucker and two single coils by Barcus Berry, master volume and tone controls with three on-off switches and a Schaller hardtail bridge. Owner and builder Dan used this beauty as his road guitar while working as a full time musician. Many thanks, Dan!
A unique, one-of-a-kind experimental model that was never put into production. The sole prototype is owned by Mike in Missouri, a former Silver Street employee who has provided a treasure trove of information for this website. Thank you, Mike!
Two luthier-built custom guitars located in Indiana. They were created from left-over, unfinished stock after Silver Street ceased production. Prospective purchasers should contact Info@SilverStreetGuitars.com to be connected with the owner/builder.
One of two Michigan-shaped models, current whereabouts unknown. Note the diamond in the Shelby location. Originally sold by Smith Music in Portland, MI.
The first of two Nightwing Rising Sun models. This one was produced for a NAMM show in Chicago. It featured a tremolo bridge plus a built-in pre-amp and Nady wireless system. Current whereabouts unknown.
Former Silver Street (Shelby) designer, builder and still-active musician Dan created this custom nylon-stringed guitar. He says: “The neck is 1 7/8″ to give the proper clearance between strings and leave a margin at the edge of the fingerboard. The tuners are custom Sperzel nylon string machines. I used Graph Tech Ghost saddles and preamp. It sounds fantastic, with the comfort and playability of a Strat.”
Two luthier-built custom guitars located in Indiana. They were created from left-over, unfinished stock after Silver Street ceased production. Prospective purchasers should contact Info@SilverStreetGuitars.com to be connected with the owner/builder.
Lovely and rare Silver Street “Michigan” model owned by Don in Grand Rapids, MI.
Michigan Map model was shown at NAMM 1985. Image from Guitar Player, April 1985
What a trio! Custom Tommy Shaw with non-offset fretboard position markers, lovely TAXI and unique and gorgeous double-cut Elite. Owned by Troy.
Dark image of TAXI and prototype TAXI BASS, Guitar Player, October 1981
Did you know there were two, slightly different Michigan Map body designs? Compare the two photos above very carefully.
Side-by-side comparison of the two similar, but slightly different, Nightwing Rising Sun guitars.
One of two Nightwing Rising Sun guitars. This hardtail version is owned by Marty in MI.