In 1968, when representatives from
Ampeg, the iconic bass-amp company,
came to famed New York City session
player/guitar repairman Dan Armstrong for
advice on a line of acoustic guitars it had
acquired, he countered, “You’re in the amp
business, so why not make an electric guitar
to compliment your amplifiers?” Ampeg
subsequently hired Armstrong to design
what would become one of the most innovative
electric guitars in history.
Armstrong had prior experience modifying
guitars and amps for Jimi Hendrix and
other legends, so he took a month-long
vacation from his repair shop to design
Ampeg’s new line of electric guitars and
basses. He enlisted luthier Matt Umanov
and pickup designer Bill Lawrence to help
build the prototypes—which had a shape
that was reportedly based on the Danelectro
Longhorn bass. These guitars’ were the first
production models to be made of acrylic,
and they also had unique top route that
enabled you to easily switch out pickups
between six available models. Although they
were originally only made from 1969 to
1971, the Ampeg Dan Armstrong instruments
became quite popular in the rock
community, thanks to high-profile endorsements
by Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and
other popular artists. (They have subsequently
been reissued by Ampeg.)
The current owner of this heavy 1970
specimen has affectionately dubbed it the
“Widow Maker,” and he says it has excellent
sustain due its dense body. This guitar
saw most of its use with the Rock Treble
pickup shown here. It features a maple
neck and rosewood fretboard, and aside
from evidence of love for the key of A on
the back of the neck, the guitar is in excellent
shape.
Thanks to Randy Pappenfort for listing this
guitar on Gear Search. Whether you’re looking
for an original vintage piece or even a recent
reissue, there’s a great chance you’ll find it at
Gear Search. More than 40,000 pieces of gear
are listed, including some of the rarest gear in
the world.