Dan Armstrong - Man & Guitars

That was the last time on this earth that I would hear from him. For on June 8^th of 2004 at the age of 69 - just 4 months before his 70^th birthday Daniel Kent Armstrong passed from this earth due to complications arising from his emphysema which had apparently led to a stroke which induced a heart attack. Dan had been back in the US, living in California, and was interred with his mother in Moose Lake, Minnesota.

photo courtesy of Kent Armstrong

I remember how shocked & devestated I was to learn of the news. His passing affected me in more ways than I ever thought possible or can even comprehend. But although the man is gone, his legacy lives on, not only in the unique product lines that bear his name, but in his continual strive for excellence, and his tireless efforts to bring music into peoples lives. Dan was not one to ever really retire. On the contrary, he continued to invent unique and innovative products while at the same time improving & reissuing his older lines.

In 2005 Kent, Eric and Aaron attended the NAMM show where there was a memorial for Dan. There they ran into an old friend who had worked for Dan back when he was a teenager and knew Kent from back then. The man was none other than the legendary Jeff 'Skunk' Baxter, guitarist of Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers. Photo is courtesy of Aaron Armstrong.

It is interesting to note, that virtually every product that is adorned with Dan's name have all withstood the test of time. Not only in regard to useability & features, but in public popularity and style as well. Many are collectors items. This did not come about by accident, but because Dan did not believe in settling for second best, nor making sub-par products. He understood the concerns of the working musician, and produced affordable and effective products for them. This was his legacy.

It is my hope that the following pages will pay homage to that legacy, while at the same time honoring the man. As Dan once stated in an article.... "May you find as much joy in the wonderous sound of the electric guitar as I do."