The Journey of "Big Hern"
A forty year wall of sound!
Decades of Dancing With the Deals
​If you trace the seismic activity in Southern California back a few decades, you’ll probably find Gary “Big Hern” Hernandez at the epicenter, haggling over a vintage Les Paul. Since opening his first vintage shop back in 1984, Big Hern has been a force of nature in the rare guitar business for over 40 years. He didn’t just wake up one day and decide to be the undisputed king of tone; he spent four decades in the trenches, hunting down legendary instruments across the country. From unearthing "closet classic" Stratocasters to holding court at international guitar expos, Hern has built a career on knowing exactly what makes an instrument magical—and making sure everyone within a three-mile radius hears about it.
"The BH" Guitar Polish
You don’t stay in the vintage game for 40 years without learning how to treat old wood with respect. Hern’s obsession with preservation led him to become a literal chemist for the stars, developing and producing his own world-famous line: “The BH” Guitar Polish. This wasn't just some off-the-shelf spray; it was a game-changer that made huge moves across the music industry. When the "Holy Grail" guitars of the world need a shine, the legends call Hern. In fact, The BH is so good that rock royalty like Keith Richards and Billy Gibbons swear by it. If it’s good enough for the Stones and the Rev, it’s good enough for your headstock.
Building the Guitars West Empire in MurrietaSetting up shop in Murrieta, California, Big Hern transformed Guitars West into a world-renowned haven for musicians, collectors, and anyone who appreciates a "screaming deal." He has curated an inventory that reads like a museum exhibit—featuring everything from 50s Gibsons to quirky Teisco relics. Hern operates the shop on a few very simple principles: world-class customer service, knowing every solder joint by heart, and a strict "all sales are final" policy—because once he hands you a masterpiece, he knows you aren't going to want to give it back anyway.
The Family Legacy
The Next Generation of ToneWhile Big Hern is the foundation, the future of the empire is already in motion. Gary is currently training his daughter, Heather Marie, to carry on the entire Hernandez legacy. As the shop’s "Gatekeeper," she’s learning the secrets of the vintage trade from the best in the business, ensuring the Guitars West name stays as loud and honest as the man who started it. Alongside her is Johnny Somewhere, the "Vibe Coordinator" who keeps the shop's creative engine firing on all cylinders. Together, this team runs the daily chaos of the shop, blending forty years of heritage with a fresh, high-energy vision.
The Legend ContinuesToday
Big Hern is exactly who he’s always been: a purveyor of excellent vintage gear, a master of the custom build, and a guy who operates at exactly one volume. He’s spent over four decades proving that the guitar business isn't just about wood and wire; it's about passion, history, and a laugh loud enough to rattle the windows. Whether you're looking for a museum-grade acoustic, a bottle of the world's best polish, or to meet the next generation of the vintage trade, Guitars West is the only place to be.