Posted by Glen C. on March 25, 2008 at 20:44:56:
In Reply to: Need info on 69 or 70 Dan Armstrong posted by CJZ on March 12, 2008 at 08:46:04:
I had to look twice, as I have A1249D. Mine is definitely 1969 and I think close to the end of the year. All came with the rosewood bridges. A 1970 will likely have the slimmer neck and as you have noted, Grovers. another difference is pick guards, rough late, smooth early. Another reason I think mine might be towards the end of 1969 because 1249 has a thick neck, Shaller machines and smooth formica ?8^) I know it is all original, as I knew the specific guitar when new and bought it from the second owner a few years later. I'll figure you have seen this site but link it for reference here.
http://www.danarmstrong.org/
"At some point in late 69 or early 1970 a large shipment of Dan Armstrong clear guitars were being held up at the Ampeg factory as the Shaller company had sent them a large shipment of tuners that were missing the nuts & washers. A call was placed to Shaller, but the missing parts never seemed to arrive. Knowing that customers were waiting for their instruments, Dan said "I just walked acrossed the street to the local Grover dealership and told them we needed a lot of tuners, and that we would continue needing them. They provided us with them, and we just never returned to Shallers."
I'd love to accumulate the rest of the original pickups before finally saying goodbye to it but this may be the year. I have the JT CB and RT.
Ebay is probably the best price guide and condition as well as included accessories will count. someone kept listing an oldie for $4,000 and I don't see it anymore. I don't know if it sold or whether he changed his mind. Reviewing the market a couple of years ago, I thought if I put 1249 up on consignment at a local shop, I'd want $3,000 and that's very nice condition (virtually scratch free), three pickups and the case. I have seen one pickup caseless offerings sell for $2,000 and more quite frequently over the past few years.
: Hello I have a DA with serial number A2149D - I think it's either a late 1969 or an early 1970. Is there anyway to tell for sure?
: Also, I'm looking to get an idea of what it's worth - I've got the Grover tuners, the rosewood saddle, and the Rock Treble pickup. Guitar has a few scratches but is in VG condition and plays well.
: Thanks!