This was a very helpful, super well researched article on Transition Samick Valley Arts, especially the California Pro, which may also help in identification of your guitar or potential guitar. I had a similar experience when I bought my first VA and wish I had read this before I bought my first one, thinking it was an original (which is in one of the pictures – lol)
Anyway, for your perusal and thank you to the author Dr Vivek Nair – click the image to go to the article in a new tab
i was at a pawn shop buying an older washburn a10v and seen this samick va custom pro shop strat in seafoam green i ask the guy what he wanted for this guitar and he gave it to me it needs a nut and a paint repair and the serial number is 9100331 all i want to know is what year this guitar is can anyone tell me if there is a web site to enter this serial # to find out
I’m afraid all I can do is steer you to the article by Vivek, referenced above – it’s the best researched I’ve seen for this information. I know I can’t tell you the year and I doubt Martin can either as he left Valley Arts shortly after the Samick purchase. Sorry can’t be of more help.