This was a very helpful, super well researched article on Samick Valley Arts, especially their version of a “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 had a Transitional VA guitar. It was probably the best guitar I ever had. I traded it for an American Telecastor which I really like but I miss that guitar. I remember talking to Martin about is as I thought I had the real think when I purchased it used. It had a head stock like the pic at the top of the page. The body was red with yellow sunburst. The pickup arrangements and shape just like the guitar in the middle of the page. My understanding was the were put together with stuff that was lying around at the shop and were not always the same. What a great guitar.
hi is this still active?? i have a valley arts guitar CA 01992 that i am trying to price to sell but i do not know much about it or where to even sell it. can any one help me out?
You can get an idea by looking at the bottom of the registry page there are For Sale Listings
Teddy, look at the other M-Series in the registry ans see if your serial fits in that group – if so – submit it to the registry
I have a Samick Valley Arts guitar, my third and last remaining. It is unlike any other that I have seen either in person or online. I am struggling with evaluating this guitar as well as a decision to keep or sell. It is very well made and a super smooth player. Any help in identifying the year, model or history would be helpful. I have pics available on request.
My first “Valley Arts” was a Samick product, still a quite decent guitar, but not the value of the Pre-Samicks.
IIRC I bought if tor ~$350 and think I sold it for about the same, after I discovered the Pre-Samicks – hope that helps!
Hi, I purchased a Valley arts California Pro Transparent blue finish on a ash body, black headstock serai # 03136 and I need to know the year or era please, Thanks.
Have to see pictures of it to say anything
This was a really good article. And I agree, the guitars still had a great sound and feel. I got a California PRO VA bass guitar with EMGs. Holy cow, it plays well. Not to mention it’s beautiful. Too bad they couldn’t last.
Sounds like it was a great company until probaly the big corps took over
Well that sounds rather familiar – lol
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.