D351A
Here's a super interesting DA bass that came on the market in March 2014 with an asking price of $6,999. The seller provides a great story here of the original owner and how the bass was used in numerous big-name groups over the years. Besides the usual changed tuners and replacement pickguard, this bass also features a single-coil Country Bass pickup in place of the original stacked-coil unit.
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"This unique instrument is an important piece of Rock history as it once belonged to the late Luther Rabb who was a member of numerous notable Rock and R&B outfits including Ballin' Jack, WAR, Santana, The Emergency Exit and Jimi Hendrix's first band, The Velvetones. Luther also recorded a solo LP for MCA Records in 1979 called "Street Angel" and his voice was sampled in 1989 for the Grammy Award winning platinum selling single "Bust a Move" by rapper Young MC. Luther passed away in 2006."
"Purchased new in Rabb's hometown of Seattle, WA in 1969, the bass remained in his possession until 2001 when he traded it along with a 1977 Music Man StingRay bass to friend and fellow musician Howard Hersh. Hersh is a notable musician in his own right having played with Joe Cocker, Orpheus and The American Standard Band as well as producing records for Mariah Carey, New Edition, Tracy Chapman and Paula Abdul." "Luther used this Ampeg exclusively throughout his time recording and touring with Ballin' Jack, which included numerous dates opening for childhood friend, Jimi Hendrix. The bass appears on the reverse of the band's 1970 self-titled LP as well as their follow-up albums "Buzzard Luck" and "Live And In Color" (see images below)." "Over the years, Rabb made several modifications including a custom-fabricated lucite pickguard with a mirrored back and a Leo Quan "BADASS" chrome adjustable bridge. He preferred the distinctive CB ("Country Bass") pickup and flatwound strings, which have aged to produce a deep rich thud when plucked. Also included is a two-piece carved leather and suede strap made during his time as a member of WAR, which features beautiful Aztec-style designs and threaded lace work." "The body is in great condition with no cracks, chips or scratches. The neck has exactly the kind of wear you would expect from well-used vintage instrument that has seen it's share of touring and recording work. The frets appear to be original and show almost no wear, which is a common characteristic of these basses and a testament to Dan Armstrong's high standard of quality. The chrome on the pickguard has begun to disintegrate showing the blue vinyl backing. This has intentionally been left as-is to preserve the original condition, however the backing can be easily removed and replaced. The nuts on the input jack and controls are weathered - as are some of the chrome pickguard screws. The electronics work great an there are no crackles or pops when turning the pots. It has a truly exceptional sound that stands apart from all other basses I've played and you immediately understand why Luther hung onto it for so long." "Includes a new hardshell case and letter of authenticity signed by Howard Hersh complete with personal contact information. Do not miss this chance to acquire a spectacular instrument and unarguably the most recognizable item associated with the late great Luther Rabb." 
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D351A is now part of the Tune Your Sound collection of vintage instruments.
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"This unique instrument is an important piece of Rock history as it once belonged to the late Luther Rabb who was a member of numerous notable Rock and R&B outfits including Ballin'jack, WAR, Santana, Aalon, The Emergency Exit and Jimi Hendrix's first band, The Velvetones. Luther also recorded a solo LP for MCA Records in 1979 called "Street Angel" and his composition "Found A Child" was sampled in 1989 for the Grammy Award winning / platinum selling single "Bust a Move" by pioneering rapper Young MC. That track also featured Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flearecreating Luther's classic riff. His music has been sampled by other hip-hop artists including Beastie Boys, Coolio, Gang Starr and Double XX Possee. Luther passed away in 2006."
"Rabb purchased the bass new in Seattle, WA and it remained in his possession until 2001 when he traded it along with a 1977 Music Man StingRay bass to friend and fellow musician Howard Hersh. Hersh is a notable musician in his own right having played with Joe Cocker, Orpheus and The American Standard Band as well as producing records for Mariah Carey, New Edition, Tracy Chapmanand Paula Abdul. The bass remains in the same condition it was in while Luther owned it - right down to the strings." "Luther used the Ampeg exclusively throughout his time recording and touring with Ballin'jack, which included numerous dates opening for childhood friend, Jimi Hendrix. The bass appears on the reverse of the band's 1970 self-titled LP as well as their follow-up albums "Buzzard Luck" and "Live And In Color"." "Over the years, Rabb made several modifications including a custom-fabricated lucite pickguard with a mirrored back, larger tuning buttons, and a Leo Quan "BADASS" chrome adjustable bridge. He preferred the distinctive CB ("Country Bass") pickup and flatwound strings, which have aged to produce a deep rich thud when plucked. Also present on the bass is a two-piece carved leather and suede strap made during his time as a member of WAR, which features beautiful Aztec-style designs and threaded lace work." "It has a truly exceptional sound that stands apart from all other basses I've played and you immediately understand why Luther hung onto it for so long." 
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