This is the original prototype for the late-1990s Ampeg Dan Armstrong reissue.

Built prior to the production run, the guitar carries the serial number P-001, visible through the Lucite body. It is accompanied by a letter from Kent Armstrong confirming that it is the original prototype, together with photographs of Kent holding the guitar and identifying it as “number one”.

Following the original 1969–71 production run, Dan Armstrong and Ampeg had been estranged for many years. In 1997, Ampeg approached Kent Armstrong at the NAMM Show seeking Dan Armstrong’s blessing to revive the iconic Lucite guitar. Kent subsequently worked with his father on the project, oversaw the reissue and manufactured the interchangeable pickups.

My research indicates that this prototype was displayed at the 1998 NAMM Show and was subsequently used by Ampeg as a demonstration instrument while introducing the reissue to dealers across the United States. Period photographs supporting this history are included in the listing.

The guitar has several distinctive prototype features. It has original factory Grover tuners, where the actual production guitars had Schallers. It features the brass bridge inserts used on the later reissues, but lacks the additional scratchplate screw found on the production guitars, making it an unusual transitional example.

It is in excellent overall condition for its age, with a small number of light scratches and marks that have been photographed clearly. It plays beautifully and has the exceptional sustain for which the Lucite Dan Armstrong guitars are known.

Included are:

• Original hard case
• Kent Armstrong Rock Treble single-coil pickup
• Kent Armstrong Rock Sustain dual-coil humbucking pickup
• Original wiring harness
• Kent Armstrong provenance letter
• Photographs of Kent Armstrong with the guitar
• Supporting historical photographs and research

This is a unique opportunity to acquire the original prototype of one of the most distinctive electric-guitar reissues of the 1990s.