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Average Price: $3,875

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$400

$1001+

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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.

    Source

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.

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

    Source

Comparisons

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

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

    Source

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 Paul Westerberg uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Paul Westerberg

Guitarist

The Replacements

...
Verified via Photo

Paul Westerberg is shown here performing with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar.

See how Brett Gurewitz uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Brett Gurewitz

Guitarist

Bad Religion

...
Verified via age fotostock

In a photo from age fotostock, Brett Gurewitz of Bad Religion is seen performing with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Stephen Egerton uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Stephen Egerton

Guitarist, Music Producer

Descendents

...
Verified via Photo

Stephen Egerton uses the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar during performances with FLAG, as seen on his Instagram.

See how Bob Balch uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Bob Balch

Guitarist

Fu Manchu

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, both Balch and Hill can be seen playing Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi guitars for this live concert in Rockpalast.

See how Robbie McIntosh uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Robbie McIntosh

Guitarist

Wings

...
Verified via The Guitar Magazine

‘I did a lot of work with John at a show backstage in Kansas City. Ampeg had a guitar booth set up, and I took a liking to one of their Plexiglass guitars – this one here, in fact. I feel really privileged to own it, as Ampeg’s Ted Kornblum said if I used it that night on the gig, I could have it – and I certainly didn’t hesitate! It’s such a cool guitar with the see-through look, and quite versatile with the replaceable pickup units.

See how Tom Keifer uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Tom Keifer

Singer, Guitarist

Cinderella

...
Verified via Photo

The article explains Tom's use of the Lucite, "In the studio, Keifer has made heavy use of his early-’70s Dan Armstrong Lucite, most often for slide parts"

https://www.vintageguitar.com/14334/tom-keifer/

See how Nate Newton uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Nate Newton

Bassist

Converge

...
Verified via YouTube

in this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCnUeL_QP_w) all throughout the video, he can be seen playing this. seen well at 1:34.

See how Brian D'Addario uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Brian D'Addario

Guitarist, Bassist

The Lemon Twigs

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video, Brian can be seen playing a plexi glass Dan Armstrong.

See how Earl Slick uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Earl Slick

Guitarist

New York Dolls

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I’ve got my Ampeg Dan Armstrong on the road with me, too. It’s a reissue. It’s actually as good, if not better, than the originals. They’re way cool. I pull that one out on the encores. I’ve also got a Tacoma dreadnaught 12-string.

See how Scott Hill uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Scott Hill

Singer, Guitarist

Fu Manchu

...
Verified via Premierguitar

The Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar is one of Hill's main guitars for Fu Manchu. In this interview by Premier Guitar, he talks about his gear equipment for the band including his Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar.

See how Al Pitrelli uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Al Pitrelli

Guitarist

Megadeth

...
Verified via Photo

In the picture you can see Al Pitrelli playing a Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Steve Earle uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Steve Earle

Singer, Guitarist

Steve Earle and Sheryl Crow

...
Verified via YouTube

One from 1969 is featured in this December 16, 2016 Carter Vintage Guitars video.

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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