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Average Price: $3,875

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar is a true icon reborn, blending vintage allure with modern playability. Originally crafted in the late '60s and '70s, this lucite body guitar is celebrated for its striking transparency and robust resonance. Ideal for musicians who crave both aesthetic flair and tonal versatility, it features an ergonomic bolt-on neck for comfortable play and a smooth rosewood fretboard that ensures effortless finger movement.

The standout feature of this guitar is its interchangeable pickup system, enabling players to easily swap pickups without the need for tools, offering a range of tonal possibilities to suit any style. Whether you're strumming in a studio or shredding on stage, the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi delivers unparalleled clarity and sustain, making it a favorite among guitarists seeking a distinctive edge.

Perfect for musicians of all levels, this reissue respects the legacy of the original while introducing enhancements that meet the demands of today’s players. With its unique design and innovative features, the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar is more than just an instrument; it’s a statement piece that invites creativity and performance.

Key Features:

  • Transparent lucite body for unique aesthetics and sound
  • Bolt-on neck for stability and ease of repair
  • Interchangeable pickup system for versatile sound options
  • Smooth rosewood fretboard for comfortable playability
  • Reissued design based on the iconic original from the late '60s and '70s
Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

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

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 1969 Lucite Ampeg Dan Armstrong | CME Vintage Demo | Sam Porter by Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Lucite Ampeg Dan Armstrong | CME Vintage Demo | Sam Porter

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for WILL IT JAZZ? - Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Guitar by N Stuff Music

WILL IT JAZZ? - Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Guitar

N Stuff Music

N Stuff Music

Video thumbnail for 1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1970 Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The China replica's body is smaller and the neck is narrower compared to the original Dan Armstrong Ampeg, impacting playability and feel.

    Source
  • Some reissues suffer from overly thin, "floppy" necks, affecting playability and making the instrument inconsistent for performance.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original features swappable pickups, which aren't available on the replica, significantly enhancing versatility.

    Source
  • The acrylic body is noted for its incredible sustain, enhancing the guitar's versatility and sound quality.

    Source
  • The guitar's pickups can be easily swapped, allowing for customization and potentially better sound with the right setup.

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Value and pricing

  • Despite being heavier by about a pound, the China replica offers a cost-effective way to own a plexiglass guitar.

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User experience

  • The 70s/80s faux wood grain pick guard is a distinctive aesthetic feature, reminiscent of vintage stereo cabinetry.

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  • Owners emphasize that the guitar's weight is significant, even heavier than standard models, affecting playability during long sessions.

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Comparisons

  • The branding on the pick guard adds to the iconic look, setting it apart from other guitars and making it instantly recognizable.

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  • Among Chinese copies, this model is considered superior in playability, even before electronic upgrades.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Upgrading to Gibson humbuckers and pots notably improves sound quality, enhancing the guitar's tonal range and performance.

    Source
  • Switching to 500k or 1meg pots can brighten the sound, counteracting the bassiness caused by low resistance potentiometers.

    Source
  • An aluminum neck could potentially improve the stability and appeal of the guitar, offering a unique playing experience.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Historically, these guitars have been favored for slide playing, particularly noted in the early 70s.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Ampeg Dan Armstrong ADA6 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar is a visually striking reissue with a unique acrylic body that still feels futuristic. It excels in delivering surprisingly good rock tones, making it a rock rhythm powerhouse. However, its weight and limited sound options may not appeal to everyone. The guitar also struggles with tuning stability, which might be a concern for some users. While it's not the most versatile instrument for its price range, the Dan Armstrong remains an iconic piece with a distinct voice and appearance for those who appreciate its design and sound.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 23 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
steve_snider

heavy as a b*tch, but worth it's weight in gold.

This was my main guitar for a long time, until I decided I needed something that would sound great but be easier on my neck and back through a 3 hour gig. Still one of my go to guitars for recording.

skylinerr

nice

These things fascinate me I had this one ages now though

Genres:

Artist usage

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See how Rich Robinson uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Rich Robinson

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via YouTube

Another survivor from the devastating Hurricane Sandy flood that wiped out some of the Black Crowe’s gear is an Ampeg Dan Armstrong plexiglass guitar. “This is an original Dan Armstrong…with the Holmes pickup in it,” Rich Robinson’s tech says at (15:24) “This one had to have the frets redone on it, but other than that the Plexiglass, it survive and we changed the pots as well…That's amazing this is an original. I replaced the bridge, to get the intonation better on it.”

See how Johnny Thunders uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Johnny Thunders

Guitarist, Singer

New York Dolls

...
Verified via Rockboar

In the Rockboar article on Johnny Thunders, he is pictured using an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar, highlighting its role in his punk rock performances.

See how Charlie Starr uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Charlie Starr

Guitarist

Blackberry Smoke

...
Verified via Photo

In the photo, Charlie Starr is seen using an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Bill Wyman uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Bill Wyman

Bassist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "THE ROLLING STONES/Shake Your Hips," Bill Wyman is seen performing with his Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar. This guitar was a staple in live concerts during the 1970s, often used alongside Keith Richards' Armstrong guitar.

See how Richard Fortus uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Richard Fortus

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Richardfortus

Richard Fortus uses a black version of the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar, as noted on his official website, RichardFortus.com.

See how Poison Ivy uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Poison Ivy

Guitarist, Composer

The Cramps

...
Verified via Photo

Poison Ivy with her plexiglass Dan Armstrong guitar taken from “How To Make A Monster” booklet, 2004

See how Lars Frederiksen uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Lars Frederiksen

Guitarist

Rancid

...
Verified via YouTube

Lars is seen playing this in Rancid's video for who would've thought

See how Joe Langridge-Brown uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Joe Langridge-Brown

Singer, Guitarist

Nothing But Thieves

...
Verified via YouTube

As seen on the music video for Overcome, it looks like it's a dark clear shade. No idea what exact model that is, if it's vintage or custom.

See how Greg Ginn uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Greg Ginn

Guitarist

Black Flag

...
Verified via Photo

As you can see. Ginn is playing his "Custom" Dan Armstrong right here. Ginn modified his Dan Armstrong with a Les Paul-style stop tailpiece and a variety of pickups that would frequently have to be replaced when the pickup shorted out.

See how Gilby Clarke uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Gilby Clarke

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via Photo

Gilby Clarke is pictured with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Wayne Kramer uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Wayne Kramer

Guitarist

MC5

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I also played a Telecaster and one lucite Dan Armstrong that sounded pretty good.

See how Ryan Peake uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Ryan Peake

Guitarist

Nickelback

...
Verified via YouTube

He is seen using this guitar in a live cover of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man".

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 Plexi Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar, curated by the Equipboard community.

Electra Guitars 2246 Lucite

 

Vintage or Discontinued cheaper alternative

The Electra Model 2246 is a more affordable, Japanese copy of the Lucite Dan Armstrong models.

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