[citation needed] Most of their guitars had a radical styling similar to that of a superstrat; others were modified versions of Fender's popular designs, the Stratocaster and the Telecaster.

"Signature" Valley Arts features often included highly figured wood grain on the front, translucent colored finishes, gold hardware, Floyd Rose locking tremolos, EMG and Seymour Duncan humbucking pickups.

Underinsured, McGuire and Carness found it necessary to sell the store and concentrate on the manufacturing side of the business.

In an attempt to expand their business, in 1992 they sold half of Valley Arts to the Korean guitar manufacturer Samick.

In late 2002 Valley Arts reopened as a music store, repair facility and small manufacturer specializing in custom guitars in downtown Nashville.