This is only a preview. The auction will open on: 10/28/2026 1:00:00 PM
Offered Here: Van Halen 1973-1974 Mark Stone Mammoth Original Dan Armstrong Lucite Bass Guitar With COA
Item Details: Up for auction is an exceptionally rare, original Dan Armstrong clear lucite bass guitar owned and played by Mark Stone during his formative tenure as the original bassist for Mammoth and Van Halen. This historic instrument was fundamental in forging the foundational early sound of the band and stands as a monumental artifact from the birth of one of rock’s greatest legacies. Sourced directly from Stone's personal collection, the vintage bass naturally reflects its age, showcasing visible rust and oxidation underneath the pickup and bridge areas sealed within the lucite body. Accompanied by a hardshell case featuring a rustic rope handle, this historic lot includes invaluable archival provenance: original photos of Stone playing this exact bass, alongside an original Dan Armstrong order form and sales brochure.
Provenance / Authenticity: This lot originates directly from the personal collection of Mark Stone, a multi-talented artist who was the original bass player and backing vocalist for Mammoth and Van Halen from 1972 to 1974 and an accomplished luthier. As a foundational figure in the band's legendary early history, Stone performed on their seminal studio demos and extended his creative contributions by designing the iconic original band logo utilized by Mammoth and early Van Halen. Offered directly from his estate, these historic items will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity signed by an authorized representative of the Stone estate.
Van Halen began in Pasadena, California, as Mammoth, a band formed by brothers Eddie and Alex Van Halen that played the Southern California backyard party and club circuit and added singer David Lee Roth before renaming itself Van Halen, since another group already held the Mammoth name. Mark Stone held the bass role during these early years before Michael Anthony replaced him in 1974, and the lineup that followed went on to release the 1978 debut album Van Halen, whose guitar work, including Eddie Van Halen's two-handed tapping, reshaped rock guitar playing for the following decade. The Dan Armstrong bass, designed by Armstrong and produced by Ampeg around the turn of the 1970s, was known for its clear Lucite body and became a distinctive instrument of the era.
Condition: Good, as-is, with common signs of use, wear, and storage. Comes with hardshell case.
SKU: DST1028