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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.

    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

Add artist
See how Alanis Morissette uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Alanis Morissette

Singer, Guitarist

ArtistsCAN

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, one can see Alanis Morissette playing a Ampeg Dan Armstrong Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Robbin Crosby uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Robbin Crosby

Guitarist

Ratt

...
Verified via Photo

He is seen holding a Dan Armstrong plexiglass guitar in this image.

See how John Shanks uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Johnshanks

This guitar was featured on the "guitars" section on his official website.

See how Luke Bentham uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Luke Bentham

Singer, Guitarist

The Dirty Nil

...
Verified via Photo

it’s a 1971 dan Armstrong guitar made by ampeg

It’s quite bizarre compared to anything else I’ve ever played. It’s definitely got its own sound, focused but very resonant. Full 2 octaves which is cool too. It’s got its own pickups which you can slide in and out anytime in the bridge position. Mine only has the “country rock humbucker”. It sounds awesome.

See how Jody Porter uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Jody Porter

Guitarist

Fountains of Wayne

...
Verified via Twitter

In this photo, Porter can be seen playing the Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi electric guitar.

See how Jason Hale uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Jason Hale

Guitarist

Chiodos

...
Verified via Getty Images

Here’s an image of Jason using this guitar on the vans warped tour of 2007

See how Randy California uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Randy California

Guitarist

Jimmy James and the Blue Flames

...
Verified via Photo

In this live photo, Randy California is playing a Dan Armstrong plexiglass guitar.

See how Francis Monkman uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Francis Monkman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Curved Air

...
Verified via Progressor

In the progressor.net interview when asked about the guitar he used in Curved Air, Monkman says: "It was simply an attempt by designer Dan Armstrong to produce a solid-body electric with greater rigidity and mass than an equivalent wooden one (it is extraordinarily heavy), in order to prolong string vibration."

See how David Dewaele uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

David Dewaele

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Soulwax

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo from 2004, David Dewaele is seen with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Garrett Stevenson uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Garrett Stevenson

Guitarist

Trash Talk

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Garrett Stevenson is shown with an Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

See how Barry Hay uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Barry Hay

Singer, Guitarist

Golden Earring

...
Verified via Photo

Barry Hay playing a Dan Armstrong Lucite guitar. He's seen jumping around with it in the 1973 Promo for Radar Love so very likely this was used during the Moontan period and retired soon afterward. A 1983 interview with George Kooeymans asked about it and he said the only good thing about it was the hot-swappable pickups.

See how Cyril Jordan uses Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar

Cyril Jordan

Singer, Guitarist

Flamin' Groovies

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Cyril played Ampeg Dan Armstrong Plexi Electric Guitar.

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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