Valley Arts was the legendary custom guitar line and “pro shop” guitar store whose client list was once a who’s who of Los Angeles guitarists, from Larry Carlton to Lee Ritenour to Tommy Tedesco, among others. Valley Arts was a boutique guitar company that began in North Hollywood, CA. Gibson acquired them in 2002, with some having examples having been produced in the Gibson Custom Shop. Mike McGuire one of the owners of Valley Arts became the manager at the Gibson Custom Shop and continued to build the Valley Arts line under the Gibson corporate umbrella.
Mike McGuire retired from Gibson in 2012 and the line had been discontinued. A fantastically built instrument that rivals any other custom shop, these guitars have amassed a cult like following, albeit with their complex history.
This example features a nicely grained two piece ash body finished in a Mary Kay type white that has nicely faded, yellowed and checked. Gold hardware all around, it is a classy looking instrument with the tone to boot. Standard wiring circuit, it is outfitted with a pair of Seymour Duncan noiseless vintage stack pickups - a great choice for really any player looking for preserving classic tones, without the annoyance of 60 cycles.
There isn't much to say about dating this example, as it is outfitted with Alpha pots with no codes, and the Valley Arts name was in transition with Gibson, where serial numbering really was all over the place. This example features the cartoon logo at the peg head, script "Custom Pro", the impressed serial number (VA02319), wood burned logo in the neck pocket, and most importantly Mike McGuire's signature near the serial - which according to other examples would date this as a likely Gibson era candidate, albeit in transition - making our best guess an early 2000's model.
Cosmetically, its in good condition at about 20 years old. The body as mentioned has a bit of checking and natural discoloration, which is a vibe in itself. The neck is constructed out of a nice piece of Birdseye maple, wood burned logo at the base
Cosmetically, its in good condition for its likely age. It plays great with a straight neck, easy action and a speedy neck. A great addition for any collector of eclectic electrics, or players alike!
Includes the original hardshell case.