Rare Ampeg AEB-2 Scroll Top Bass Serial #13, Prototype-Era Bruce Johnson Build

This Ampeg AEB-2 Scroll Top Bass, Serial #13, comes from one of the most unusual chapters in modern Ampeg history. Bruce Johnson began developing the AEB-2 and AUB-2 Scroll Basses in 1995, presented the idea to St. Louis Music at the January 1996 NAMM show, and completed the first two prototypes in December 1996. Those first instruments were shown in the Ampeg booth at the January 1997 NAMM show, and the project moved forward as part of Ampeg’s renewed interest in historically inspired bass designs.Serial #13 places this bass within the first 25 AEB-2 and AUB-2 instruments Johnson completed by the end of 1998, a group he later described as prototypes. That makes this example especially collectible, not only as a rare Ampeg-related Scroll Bass, but as an early instrument from the development period of the design.The AEB-2 was not intended to be a simple copy of the 1960s Ampeg AEB-1. Johnson kept the dramatic scroll styling and overall character of the original Ampeg Scroll Bass, then modernized the instrument with a longer 35" scale, improved balance, a thin comfortable neck, a carved maple scroll headstock, acoustic chambers in the body, and an updated pickup system.Visually, this bass is stunning. The carved scroll headstock, violin-inspired body openings, dark transparent finish, black pickguard, chrome hardware, and Ampeg script create a look that stands apart from nearly any other electric bass. It has the kind of presence that makes players stop and ask what it is before they even hear it.This example is in very good condition with some minor cosmetic wear visible from normal use. There are no grooves in the frets, and the bass presents very well overall. Additional close-up photos will be added to show the cosmetic details clearly.For a collector, this is a low-serial, prototype-era example from a very limited Bruce Johnson-built run. For a player, it is a serious long-scale bass with a wide tonal range, strong identity, and a design rooted in one of Ampeg’s most recognizable historic shapes.Highlights Rare Ampeg AEB-2 Scroll Top Bass Serial #13 Very good condition with minor cosmetic wear No grooves in the frets Bruce Johnson design and build Prototype-era example from the first 25 AEB-2/AUB-2 instruments Developed in cooperation with St. Louis Music during the Ampeg 50th anniversary era Inspired by the 1960s Ampeg Scroll Bass, but redesigned as a modern instrument 35" scale Carved maple scroll headstock Dark transparent finish with visible wood grain Violin-style body openings Black pickguard with Ampeg script A highly unusual collector-grade bass with serious player appeal