Dan Armstrong - Man & Guitars

What's In A Name - Why Dan Armstrong?

These are questions I've been asked by more readers than I care to count. From what I can tell, much of the public at large is equally fascinated by Dan Armstrong as well, and if you're reading this then I believe my point has been made. As for the question above, I tend to believe the answers are as individual as the person asking the question.

For many, the name has been over-shadowed by the two giant guitar makers in the industry. But once fans saw their idols and other stars playing these new and unusual looking instruments they immediately begin asking questions. No doubt starting with Keith Richards and Bill Wyman in the Stone's 1969 tour. Still, even that does not seem to account for the interest that has remained for 50 plus years. There's just something about Dan Armstrong - but what?

Trivia lovers no doubt account for some interest, of which I am equally guilty of. I loved learning what Dan's favorite pastime was when not working or making music. I equally enjoyed hearing what his favorite foods were, what his choices of pizza were and more. Above all, I believe the Dan Armstrong name peaks the interest of many historians - of which I am not immune - and is in fact, the very reason for this web site.

Over the years the Dan Armstrong name has become more than a guitar, it has also become a symbol - not only of rock music still somewhat in its infancy but also a fascinating mental image of the world back then. A more peaceful time when love and peace ruled the day. Woodstock immediately comes to mind. But it must be remembered that those days had troubles too. The Vietnam War caused numerous riots/rebellions in America while the LA Watts riots of 1965 were not very different than the 2014 Ferguson riots, to say nothing of the more recent George Floyd uprisings. Perhaps it's true that history does indeed tend to repeat itself.

But in one way the world was different. Back then everyone was fairly confident and sure of themselves - while today nobody is sure of anything. Among musicians the Dan Armstrong name, and his plexiglas instruments stand as a reflection of those earlier times - a time that many of us long for again.

For me, initially I just wanted to know a bit about the man who created, and managed to bring to the world the clear guitars and basses as I have always felt (and still do) that he was the one who put the word 'Electric' into the electric guitar - and that - I believe, is 'Whats In A Name' - at least when it comes to the electric guitar. It's often said that 'a picture is worth a thousand words' so I've decided to let others answer the question for themselves - with some interesting photos and fun posts online. I couldn't resist but to follow up their posts with my own responses however.

Starting out with a clever slogan. At left, and better seen in the enlarged view the replacement scratchplate lettering reads... 'Dam I'm Strong'. Well, I guess smell isn't everything (just teasing). Actually the owner had obviously gone to great strides to include Dan's name, even if in a humorous way. Though whimsical, and, judging by the large dot position markers, on a copy model neck - it's obvious that serious attention to detail was given - not only in rhyming something to Dan's name, but to present such a slogan with an exact emulation of the white lettering seen on the stock scratchplates of the Dan Armstrong · Ampeg instruments. This is something that was well thought out in advance. At right... 'Here's Lookin At You Kid' - It seems that no matter how long one owns a clear acrylic guitar, we're always fascinated by it. I can't quite figure out that tailpiece however. Something going on there....

Surf's up! Clearly, only a Dan Armstrong · Ampeg guitar could fit in this scene.

At left, This Guitar Opens Up An Entirely New World Of Pants Possibilities. Many years ago our bass player always joked about us getting a clear guitar and bass, while the drummer acquire a clear drum set. Then get naked and take the stage at a nudist camp. This post reminded me of that old joke. Notice the wear on the scratchplate directly underneath the high E-string. I'm guessing that's where an owner anchored their fingers at. On the right, and while maybe not 'the cult of personality' it is, however, referred to as The Cloak Of Invisibility in this post, which seems more than appropriate.

At left, What If This Was Hollow, Filled With Water, And Had Goldfish Swimming Around In It? Well, I don't know - this all sounds just a little bit fishy to me. But I guess that would make it a 'hollow-body' guitar kinda/sorta. It's amazing how ones' mind can drift and come up with all kinds of ideas, crazy or not - when such a guitar is at hand. On the right, It's Like A Really Cool Ice Sculpture On The End Of A Stick. About all I can say is 'that's pretty 'cool'.

At left, How Did The First Name In Amps Become The Last Word In Plexiglas Guitars? At right, Wood-Grain Formica For The Win, Just Like Those Kitchen Counters In The 70'^s. It may have been a brief marriage between Ampeg and Dan Armstrong, but together they produced a beautiful family of products.

At left, Talk About A Scratchplate! Someone must have been practicing their rough art. At right, Clearly This Bass Gets A Thumbs Up! Here he's being pretty transparent about his fondness of the Dan Armstrong · Ampeg bass.

It's A Long Way To The Top (if ya wanna rock). So May The Force Be With You (along with a little luck).

In William Shakespeare's play called Romeo and Juliet there is a reference often used to imply that the name of things does not always mean nor affect what they really are, which seems to be more than appropriate for the title and the content of this page.

A Rose By Any Other Name? Absolutely, for I would still love the acrylic guitars and basses even if they did not carry the name Dan Armstrong.