D2228A

This fretless bass came up on Craigslist in September 2013. Seems to be in very nice original condition and comes with its original Dan Armstrong case. The serial number on this bass is D2228A (see pic above), which is interesting because D2229A is also fretless and suggests that fretless models were done as special runs within the 1969 - 1971 time frame. To us, the late '70 or 1971 serial number is consistent with the later style bridge plate and textured formica, so it all seems to fit together.

The asking price is $5k, which includes a B-15 amp. Here's the sellers' description - "Ampeg Dan Armstrong fretless plexiglass bass guitar--only 1 of 150 ever built--with original hard shell case, excellent condition; and a vintage Ampeg B-15 "Portaflex" (tube) bass amplifier (sold as a pair)"

Here's the same bass again, with many of the same pics, now coming up for Ebay auction in March 2014 with an opening bid of just $10. The final selling price was $2,500. Again, the bass seems to be in great condition and comes with its OHSC.

D2228A is coming back on the market again in November 2015 with an asking price of $2,500. Still in superb condition as shown in the pics above.

"I've decided that I'm going to stick with fretted basses for now, so this one is up for sale."

"It's an original 1971 Ampeg Dan Armstrong bass, technically model ARMUB-1 according to the old Ampeg price lists. Relatively few of these fretless ones were built (around 150 according to my research) and, unlike the fretted version, they were never reissued. Aside from the lack of frets, this bass is identical to the fretted version: Lucite body, single pickup with volume and tone knobs and a tone switch, and a 30" scale."

"While I am not an expert on these, as far as I can tell this one is 100% original down to the last pickguard screw. It's certainly in very clean condition: there are no chips or significant scratches in the body, and just a tiny amount of wear to the fretboard and the back of the neck. The pickup covers on these tend to crumble, but this one shows just a bit of curling and a crack around the polepiece. If there's any area you want me to investigate or photograph in detail, please don't hesitate to ask. The bass is currently set up to play and needs nothing. It comes with the original hard case, which is in excellent condition."

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