AMPEG

Although this U.S. brand is best known for bass amplification, the company has made a few forays into the instrument business. The first occurred during the early 19605, via an agreement With British maker Burns to re-badge some of its existing instruments. This tie-up proved shortlived and was succeeded by a series of distinctively styled U.S.-made basses that stayed around until the end of the decade. The company was keen to try again, this time enlisting the services of U.S. desrgner Dan Armstrong, who came up with guitar and bass models made from clear Perspex, a matenal that provided their “See Through" nickname. These innovative instruments attracted more attention, rnduding from Rolling Stone Keith Richards, but production ceased prematurely in 1972. The next year saw the launch of the Japanese-manufactured Stud solids and Signet acoustic line. Reissues of the Dan Armstrong “See Throughs" have appeared in recent years, sourced from the Far East, along with less-expensive, all-wood equivalents.