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Average Price: $2,570

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$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass is a striking tribute to the original plexiglass design that shook the music world in the late 1960s. Its transparent, see-through body not only turns heads but also offers a unique sonic experience. Crafted from clear acrylic, this bass provides a visually captivating performance on any stage. The maple ADA4 neck, with 24 frets nestled into an Indian rosewood fingerboard, allows for seamless 2-octave access, making it ideal for adventurous bassists seeking to explore the full range of their instrument.

One of the standout features of this bass is its custom interchangeable pickups by Kent Armstrong. The unique stacked coil design lets players blend treble and bass tones effortlessly, offering a depth and versatility that defies its compact 30" scale. Whether you crave the brightness and punch of a modern sound or the deep, warm tones of a vintage bass, the Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass delivers with style and precision.

With a bolt-on maple neck and Grover nickel die-cast tuners, this bass ensures reliable tuning stability and playability. The rosewood bridge, complete with compensated brass saddles, further enhances the tonal quality, making it a true powerhouse for bass enthusiasts.

Key Features:

  • Reissued classic electric bass with a transparent acrylic body
  • Custom Kent Armstrong interchangeable stacked coil pickups
  • 24-fret hard maple neck with rosewood fingerboard
  • Master volume and tone controls with a 2-position tone switch
  • Grover nickel die-cast tuners
  • Rosewood bridge with compensated brass saddles
  • Includes a protective hardshell case

Product specs

Brand Ampeg
Model Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass
Finish Clear
Year 1970
Made In United States
Categories 4-String Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Passive Pickups
Active Preamp No Preamp
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Number of Frets 24
Number of Strings 4-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

What material is the body of the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass made from?

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass features a body made from clear Lucite, which is a type of Plexiglass. This unique material gives the bass its distinctive transparent look and contributes to its bright, resonant tone.

How many frets does the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass have?

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass comes with 24 frets, providing a wide range of notes for versatile playing across various musical styles.

What type of pickups does the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass use?

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass is equipped with passive pickups, offering a classic, warm tone that suits a variety of musical genres.

Is the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass suitable for left-handed players?

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass is designed for right-handed players. Left-handed players may need to look for a different model or consider custom modifications.

What is the scale length of the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass?

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass has a scale length of 30.5 inches, which is considered a short scale, making it easier to play for those who prefer a more compact neck.

eddievegas1

eddievegas1

1969 DAN ARMSTRONG AMPEG BASS Demo www.eddievegas.com Eddie Vegas

Video thumbnail for 1969  DAN ARMSTRONG AMPEG BASS Demo www.eddievegas.com Eddie Vegas by eddievegas1

1969 DAN ARMSTRONG AMPEG BASS Demo www.eddievegas.com Eddie Vegas

eddievegas1

eddievegas1

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Early 1970's Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Early 1970's Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Glass Bass by Dave Simpson

1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Glass Bass

Dave Simpson

Dave Simpson

Video thumbnail for 1971 Dan Armstrong Ampeg Lucite Bass | Guitar of thee Day - Roberto Vally by Normans Rare Guitars

1971 Dan Armstrong Ampeg Lucite Bass | Guitar of thee Day - Roberto Vally

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Vintage 1969 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Glass Lucite Bass - TundraMusic.com - SOLD by TundraMusicINC

Vintage 1969 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Glass Lucite Bass - TundraMusic.com - SOLD

TundraMusicINC

TundraMusicINC

Reviews

PROS

  • Striking and unique Lucite design draws attention

  • Profound and amazing sound quality

  • Exceptional sustain enhances performance

  • Neck feels comfortable and allows for quick action

  • Perfect for various music projects, including punk and rock

  • Equipped with flat-wound strings for a vintage tone

  • 24 fret short scale offers versatility in playing style

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass.

Build quality

  • Lucite basses tend to be heavy and prone to cracking, with a tendency to scratch easily, which affects durability over time.

    Source
  • Some owners report variability in neck thickness, with some finding it overly thin and inconsistent, impacting playability.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Alternatives like Warwick or Spector basses with dual humbuckers are suggested for better sound quality in a similar price range.

    Source

User experience

  • Lucite basses, like the Ampeg Dan Armstrong, can become uncomfortable after extended play due to their weight.

    Source
  • Despite the aesthetic appeal, one owner experienced a "floppy" neck, significantly affecting their playing experience and ultimately leading to selling the bass.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The acrylic body of the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass offers exceptional sustain, providing a unique tonal characteristic compared to traditional wood-bodied basses.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping out the stock potentiometers for 500k or 1meg to brighten the sound and counteract the natural darkness of the bass.

    Source
  • It's possible to use various pickups in the Ampeg Dan Armstrong format, as long as they fit within the block of plastic used for housing.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
alexcotton

Killer

24 Fret Short Scale Bass, Perfect for Ohm Rune

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the official video for "Get Lucky," Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk is seen playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass, modified with a Fender Precision Bass neck.

See how Flea uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Flea

Bassist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the music video for "Dani California", at 0:56 while dressed up as Parliament Funkadelic, Flea can be seen playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite bass.

As well, guitarist John Frusciante can be seen playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar at 1:23, while dressed up as David Bowie.

See how Geezer Butler uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Geezer Butler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Minuto HM

Geezer can be seen in a photo on this site playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass.

See how Michael Shuman uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Michael Shuman

Singer, Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

Michael can be seen playing this bass in the music video for "Sick, Sick, Sick"

See how Nick Oliveri uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Nick Oliveri

Singer, Bassist

Kyuss

...
Verified via Photo

Used during Rated R tour for songs in E Standard and occasionally used with Mondo Generator and BL'AST!. Has been modified with a seymour duncan music man hucmbucker pickup. Tuners have also been moded.

See how Jack Bruce uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Jack Bruce

Singer, Bassist

Cream

...
Verified via the Guardian

In a photograph featured in The Guardian, Jack Bruce can be seen with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass, highlighting his use of this distinctive instrument.

See how Jesse F. Keeler uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Jesse F. Keeler

Bassist, Keyboardist

Death from Above 1979

...
Verified via YouTube

in the video from about 00:40 to 7:30 he talks about his use of the bass with a custom pickup installed.

See how Ross MacDonald uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Ross MacDonald

Bassist

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

We can see Ross usind a Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass Guitar on the music video of ''Give Yourself A Try''

See how Phil Lynott uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Phil Lynott

Singer, Bassist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via Photo

Lynott can be seen in this photo playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass. Mentioned in 1981 interview with Lynott

See, when I started playing the bass, I had a perspex Dan Armstrong. It was very flash, but if you hit too hard [laughs], the strings got bent out of tune. So then I found that this bass was playing me. I thought I was playing much faster than I was, but when I got on a big-neck bass guitar, I couldn't play, because that Dan Armstrong had two octaves or something.

See how Mike Mills uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Mike Mills

Guitarist, Bassist

R.E.M.

...
Verified via Photo

Seen on the cover of "And I Feel Fine... The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987"

See how Walter Becker uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Walter Becker

Guitarist, Bassist

Steely Dan

...
Verified via Instagram

Becker can be seen playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass in this photo.

See how Fletcher Shears uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Fletcher Shears

Drummer

The Garden

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video of Penalty Kill Debut Show at 1:11 a clearly visible glass bass with a brown pickguard and a distinct headstock shape is clearly visible, suggesting that Fletcher is playing an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Ampeg Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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Ampeg SVT-810E 8x10 Bass Cabinet Bass Amplifier Cabinets
1
Gibson Les Paul Studio
Gibson Les Paul Studio Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Rickenbacker 4001
Rickenbacker 4001 Electric Basses
1
Morley ABY Footswitch
Morley ABY Footswitch Switch Effects Pedals
1

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