Dan Armstrong - Man & Guitars

Like most guitars of the time, the Dan Armstrong · Ampeg instruments feature an adjustable truss rod to keep the neck straight - and like many guitars, the adjustments are made at the headstock. As seen at left, and with the truss rod cover removed, the original 1969-71 Dan Armstrong · Ampeg guitar and bass models feature a Gibson style acorn nut for the adjustments. Seen better in the enlarged view, a flat washer is placed directly behind the acorn nut to give it something to bear against - especially when the truss rod needs tightening.

At right, is a combo type tool - similar to the one that shipped with the Dan Armstrong instruments for removing screws and making truss rod adjustments. Over the years most of these have been lost. This tool features a socket on one end and a phillips screwdriver that makes up the end of the handle. Together, one can loosen the truss rod cover on your Dan Armstrong instrument's headstock then use the other end of the tool to tighten or loosen the truss rod on your Dan Armstrong guitar or bass. This tool can be acquired here. the 1969-71 Dan Armstrong · Ampeg guitar and bass instruments require a 5/16^s socket. It is unknown what sizes the reissue Dan Armstrong instruments require.

Above left and right, and with the Dan Armstrong styled truss rod cover removed - the Ampeg AMG100 models reveal that a different size truss rod wrench is required than those on the late 1960^s Dan Armstrong instruments. According to my friend Connor - The AMG100 models require a 7mm socket. Photos are courtesy of Connor.