A1249D
The owner of this Dan Armstrong posted a pic of his entire guitar collection on a web forum along with the following commentary. “These are all cheapies except for the plexiglass Dan Armstrong. I have had that guitar since 1976. It is a late 1969 (A1249D). On the street with the extras included about maybe $1000 pawn price. I paid about the 1969 retail with the extras for $450. A trashed one just sold for that with no extras.” Glen C., August 2011.
This is a really nice example of a 1970 Dan Armstrong. How do I know? Well on my way up to Cape Cod in 2017 for a weekend I had a chance to stop in at Empire Guitars in Providence, RI to check it out. Guitar is in excellent condition, and comes with its original RT/CB pickup combo, plus an installed Jazz Treble (JT) pickup for additional sound combinations. Love the split-shaft Schaller tuners on this one, which were only used for a short time in 1970. I also had a chance to check out the OEM case, and found that Ess & Ess had used some unusual alligator-style tolex on this one. Case is totally original, probably just an example of the factory trying to use up some extra material to keep costs down.
Of note, the truss rod cover seems to be made out of the earlier-style formica, which was slightly thinner than the stuff used on the 1970 guitars and has a shinier surface. I can't see any reason why a truss rod cover would get changed out over the years, so my conclusion is this is OEM and just another example of Ampeg using parts on hand.
Of note, the truss rod cover seems to be made out of the earlier-style formica, which was slightly thinner than the stuff used on the 1970 guitars and has a shinier surface. I can't see any reason why a truss rod cover would get changed out over the years, so my conclusion is this is OEM and just another example of Ampeg using parts on hand.
"Summary: From Keith Richards to Greg Ginn to Dave Grohl, the Dan Armstrong has been one of the most iconic and unique guitars around. This model was produced for a short time between 1969 and 1971. Its most innovative features are its see-through Lucite body and removable pickup."
"Electronics/Hardware: Removable Armstrong/Bill Lawrence designed “Jazz Treble” single-blade pickup (two additional models included in case: “Rock Treble” and “Country & Western Bass”). Single volume and single tone control with metal knobs. Three-position tone switch. Schaller tuners. Top-loading bridge with rosewood saddle. Formica “wood-grain” pickguard. One strap button on upper horn, two on bottom edge." "Cosmetics: This guitar is in excellent shape. Apart from some light picking scratches in the strumming area just above the pickguard, the Lucite body shows none of the scoring or clouding that are symptomatic to the these guitars. The neck is in fine condition, with some finish dings, notably a nick in the finish on the back of the neck near the twelfth fret. Overall, this is a clean example of a very cool design that manages to be both retro and futuristic at the same time." "Playability: Playability is very smooth with low action and no buzz or dead spots. The neck is a wide, flattened C shape that has some heft while still being fast to move around. The currently installed “Jazz Treble” pickup is clear and punchy and the tone switch provides a variety of tonal options, from bright and up front, to dark and jazzy." |
A1249D is next seen on a Reverb listing in April 2023 with an asking price of $6,500. Seller is internet dealer Bill Handy Junior's GAS Station, specializing in original collector-grade guitars.
Thank you for checking out our Vintage 1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Vintage Clear/Lucite Electric Guitar with original hardshell case, 3 pickups and vibe for days!
This 100% all original guitar is in excellent condition for its age. The case latches work flawlessly although the outer covering shows it’s age. Hey…this baby is 53 years old! Serial Number dates to September of 1970. The pickups include the JT, RT and CB. The RT has the smallest bit of separation in the top of the pickup. Please zoom in and look closely at the photos. The back of the neck has a small line/impression, dare I say divot that has no effect on playability. The guitar body is crystal clear and we used a white sheet as the backdrop for our photos to give you an accurate representation of the guitars clarity and condition. |