History of Dan Armstrong in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 18, 2026

Dan Armstrong was an American guitarist, luthier, and session musician known for his innovative guitar designs and modifications. He created the clear acrylic guitar, which became popular with numerous artists. He also designed effects pedals and amplifiers. Armstrong's impact on the music industry stems from his contributions to instrument design and sound modification, making him a notable figure in the history of guitar technology and music.

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Full Timeline

October 7, 1934: Dan Armstrong Born

On October 7, 1934, Dan Kent Armstrong was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Others born on this day/year

1965: Opening of 'Dan Armstrong's Guitar Service'

In 1965, Dan Armstrong opened his own guitar repair shop called 'Dan Armstrong's Guitar Service' on West 48th Street in New York.

1968: Consultant for Ampeg Company

In 1968, Dan Armstrong was hired by the Ampeg Company as a consultant to improve their Grammer line of guitars and designed a new line of guitars and basses made of clear Plexiglas.

1968: Shop Relocation to Greenwich Village

In 1968, after the building on West 48th Street was razed, Dan Armstrong relocated his shop, renaming it 'Dan Armstrong Guitars', to 500 Laguardia Place in Greenwich Village.

1971: Affair with Carly Simon

Around 1971, Dan Armstrong had an affair with Carly Simon.

1972: Inspiration for "You're So Vain"

In 1972, it has been reported that Dan Armstrong was one of the possible subjects of Carly Simon's song "You're So Vain".

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1977: Return to the United States

In 1977, Dan Armstrong and his wife, Vicki O'Casey, moved back to the United States and he reached an agreement with Musitronics to re-release the effects boxes. He also developed a line of pickups for Schecter Guitar Research, and a new amplifier for Fender.

1998: Reissue of Dan Armstrong Guitar

In 1998, a reissue of the Dan Armstrong guitar was made in Japan, and was compared to the 1968 original, with reviewers describing the reissue as being identical.

June 8, 2004: Dan Armstrong Died

On June 8, 2004, Dan Armstrong died in Los Angeles after suffering from emphysema and experiencing a combination stroke and heart attack.

2006: Second Reissue of Dan Armstrong Guitar

In 2006, a second reissue of the Dan Armstrong guitar was launched.

2010: Simon's Statement on "You're So Vain"

In 2010, Carly Simon clarified that when she released the song "You're So Vain", she had not yet met David Geffen, in response to suggestions that he was the subject of the song.

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