❌SOLD❌ Valley Arts Custom Pro Interlock Neck Burnt Amber, 1987

The Valley Arts Custom Pro USA line was introduced in 1987, and available in a full size model – 25.5 inch scale – and a 7/8th size with 24.75 inch scale. Early models, perhaps 28 in total including this example, use an interlocking neck joint allowing better access to the upper frets.

Valley Arts Guitars was founded in 1975 by Al Carness and Michael McGuire in North Hollywood – a suburb of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley.   

Carness and McGuire ran a music store and repair shop, and their clientele included players like Steve Lukather, Lee Ritenour, Larry Carlton and Tommy Tedesco – the top ranks of the studio and touring world.  

This instrument is an early Valley Arts Custom Pro, in the 7/8th size and 25.75 inch scale format and with the ultra rare interlocking neck joint, built during 1987 at the expanded Valley Arts shop in North Hollywood, California.

As was the case for many other early Valley Arts guitars, this example was originally purchased and used regularly by a top-rank professional guitarist for many studio and performance engagements. All of the wear on this guitar comes from pro use.

Valley Arts Custom Pro models from this period are built with solid Maple for the body – a single piece, not bookmatched or built up, and a Maple neck – here with a Rosewood fingerboard. A Floyd Rose system was of course standard. Original electronics were an EMG set – SA / SA / 85. Many pros replaced these pickups, as was the case here; a Seymour Duncan set has been installed.

This rare guitar is in overall good condition, with the Burnt Amber sunburst finish having light chipping around the edges, and light button rash on the back – it was, after all, used for years on sessions and live dates. It has had a fresh setup done at The Twelfth Fret Repair shop, and plays very nicely.

A hard shell case is included.