A2472D - Earl Brooks
Coming up for the third time is this ultra-cool 1971 example last in 2022 at vintage dealer Rivington Guitars of NYC (offered $6,999). We're still trying to find out who Earl Brooks was, but the mojo of the original owner is captured in the engraving on the headstock and in the initials etched on the bridge plate (scroll down for full story). "This vintage original pre-owned 1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong is a killer example that particularly is a great player. The neck has a nice smooth feel and plays great all the way up and down with a good low action. It is straight and true all the way up and down. It is nicely warn and just has a killer feel. Original pickup has a very warm, bright tone. Very Keith Richards sounding."
Back on the market in 2021 from a private collector for $5,000. "1971 Dan Armstrong Ampeg lucite guitar. Only about 2750 made over a short but memorable production run spanning 1969 to 1971. This guitar is mostly all original. It has the obligatory washer under the imput jack. If there's a crack there, it doesn't show. Likely replaced pickup selector switch. All other electronics look original. Original case in overall decent and functional condition, save for one broken latch."
This example came up for auction in January 2009 with an asking price of $1,800, but didn't sell. Given the turmoil in the financial markets at that time it's not surprising. Anyway, interesting guitar based on the description, although I haven't been able to dig up any information on Earl Brooks.
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"RUMOR HAS IT THAT THIS GUITAR BELONGED TO A SESSION GUY NAMED EARL BROOKS. THE STORY GOES THAT DURING THE EARLY SEVENTIES THIS GUITAR WAS USED BY NONE OTHER THAN KEITH FOR SOME RECORDING SESSIONS! AN ANTIQUES DEALER FRIEND OF MINE WAS TRAVELING THRU MEMPHIS AND NASHVILLE BUYING FURNITURE IN THE MID NINETIES WHEN HE CAME UPON THIS GUITAR. HE KNEW I LOVED OLD GUITARS AND HE PICKED IT UP FOR ME. THE GUITAR HAS A GREAT WELL WORN FEEL LIKE A GREAT SET OF COWBOW BOOTS. THE NECK HAS SEEN SOME SERIOUS PLAYING IT FEELS SO COMFORTABLE, THE PICKGUARD HAS THE TYPICAL CHIPPING AROUND THE INPUT JACK THUS THE WASHER ( WAS THERE WHEN I GOT IT). THE PICKUP HAS THE USUAL CRACKS WHERE THE PLASTIC MEETS THE METAL. OTHERWISE THE GUITAR SEEMS TOTALLY ORIGINAL. THERE ARE SOME MINOR SCRAPES BUT NOTHING THAT COULDN'T BE POLISHED OUT...THE PICKUP IS A ROCK TREBLE COMES WITH THE ORIGINAL CASE WHICH IS IN FAIR SHAPE MISSING ONE LATCH BUT STILL DOES ITS JOB . I PERSONALLY LIKE THE ENGRAVING AND PATINA THAT THIS 35+YEAR OLD GUITAR HAS, IT WILL SHIP IN ITS ORIGINAL CASE."
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