The Proving Grounds: Plug In & Get Loud With : Anthony Cullens
"The Fallbrook Kid" ​
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Welcome to the lounge. This is where we stop talking and start moving some damn air. At Guitars West, we don’t believe in "shelf queens." If it’s on this page, it’s been put through the ringer.
These demos are raw, loud, and unfiltered—designed to show you exactly how these vintage beasts scream before you ever flip the case latches. No digital masking, no fake soul. Just wood, wire, and a hell of a lot of attitude.
Pick Your Poison
Electric AF: High-voltage sessions with the rarest birds in the shop.
The Bass Pro Shop: Low-end theories tested and proven.
Wood & Wire: For the purists who like their tone organic and their history deep.
Folkish: Stripped back, acoustic, and honest.
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A Word From The Crew
"If the floorboards aren't rattling and the neighbors aren't calling the cops, you're just practicing. These guitars have been waiting forty years to find someone brave enough to dim the lights and crank the gain. Don't let 'em down."
— Big Hern
"I don't care how pretty the finish is, if it doesn't have the grit, it doesn't belong here. These demos are the heartbeat of the shop. Listen close, or don't, but don't say I didn't warn you when it haunts your dreams."
— Heather
"We spend our lives chasing moments that make us feel alive for even a split second! Every video here is us capturing that split second when a piece of gear stops being a tool and starts being a legend. Chase the moments with the gear that make it a legendary ride!"
— Johnny
WARNING: MAY CAUSE ANGRY WIFE DISORDER (AWD)
Guitars West is not responsible for blown speakers, shattered windows, or your spouse finding out how much you actually spent on that '62 Strat. Play it loud.
2026 Bell & Hern Custom
Seafoam Supernova
Forget "subtle." This is high-voltage aesthetics and premium performance. "Seafoam Supernova" This isn't just a sparkle job; it's a deep-space glitter explosion like it was dipped in liquid starlight. We didn't hold back on the electronics. The Supernova is loaded with a Triple Stack of Seymour Duncan pickups. A "big and beautiful" Bigsby tailpiece, top-tier Kluson Hardware for rock-solid tuning, meticulously set up "off the bench" to ensure low action and perfect intonation.
"This isn't just a guitar, it’s the show of a lifetime"- Said Heather Marie: CFO & Gate Keeper of Guitars West
Bell & Hern Custom
Fire Starter
2026 Bell & Hern "Fire Starter"—a masterclass in attitude, tone, and pure rock 'n' roll spectacle. Featuring a dark, fast-playing fretboard with classic block inlays, the neck is built for speed, comfort, and relentless gigging. Every detail of this 2026 build has been meticulously crafted to ensure it plays just as aggressively as it looks. Stand out from the crowd, step into your "Fire Starter Era"
1977 Gibson Les Paul
Pro Deluxe
The one that started the "Pro" legacy, before it became a catalog staple in ’78. The first year Pro Deluxe in a killer, naturally aged Ebony finish. More bite and more attitude, it’s a suit with the sleeves ripped off and ready to be on the main stage! Factory-installed cream P-90s that growl like a tiger, paired with a rock-solid three-piece maple neck. It's 10.9 LBS of pure Rock n' Roll, and the perfect middle ground between the elegance of a Custom and the raw power of a mid-century Goldtop.
This LP has the presence of a king, the push of seasoned dive bar player, and the kind of sound that makes grown men cry!
1990 Gibson ​
Chet Atkins Electric 12
Introduced in 1987 as a collab with legendary guitarist Chet Atkins, this brings the iconic aesthetic of the 1950s Les Paul to a high-performance acoustic-electric. This allowed players to achieve a true acoustic chime at stadium-level volumes without the feedback typical of hollow bodies.
Featureing an under-saddle bridge transducer manufactured by L.R. Baggs, and developed in the era of Gibson's Nashville production the build quality on these early 90s SSTs is generally considered superior. Chambered Mahogany body that makes the guitar a lightweight with a solid appearance, paired with a Mahogany neck and a Ebony fingerboard allows for a smooth playability over top of the Mother of Pearl star inlays.
1960s Silvertone​
Speed Demon
It’s time for some special vintage charm with the 60s Silvertone Speed Demon. With the authentic 1960s design and sound, it’s perfect for collectors or players seeking a distinctive retro vibe. But don’t let the "budget" history fool you—this thing is a hollow-body hellraiser. Featuring the legendary trio of "Speed Demon" pickups, it delivers a unique, lo-fi punch that modern guitars just can't replicate. It’s got that woody, garage-rock resonance that sounds just as good clean as it does when you’re pushing a tube amp into total meltdown.
The slim, lightning-fast neck makes it live up to its name, while the original hardware and "Crestline" aesthetics prove that they really don't make 'em like this anymore. Whether you’re chasing bluesy grit or psychedelic swirls, this Silvertone is ready to prove why it’s been a secret weapon for stage legends for decades.
1966 Mostrite "mobro"
Dobro Model 33T
The Ultimate "Mobro" Unicorn for Your Collection Mosrite-built Dobro Model 33T is a fascinating piece of mid-century Americana, representing the brief and unusual era between 1966 and 1969 when Semie Moseley held the Dobro trademark. The instrument is exceptionally well-preserved, bearing the "DB6023" stamp on the fretboard which dates it squarely to the 1966 or 1967. IT remains in stunning condition, reflecting the high-end aesthetic, and it stands as a genuine rarity for any serious enthusiast of "oddball" vintage gear. Be prepared for the haunting resonance of a Dobro with the legendary playability of a Mosrite.
1985 Mosrite
Elaine Garton Custom Deluxe
The Crown Jewel of Bakersfield, hand-signed, soul-drenched piece of California history, custom-built by Semie Moseley himsel for the one and only "Elaine Garton" If you know the history of the "hot picking" scene then we assure you know this name is royalty. This triple-pickup beast is designed to be the ultimate showpiece. As you can see Semie put everybit of his heart into this one of a kind Deluxe from the custom fret board to gold drenched Moseley Vibrato that drips and shines Outlaw Swagger to this very day!
This 85 is sure to be a piece we miss after it finds a new wall to hang on!
1967 Gibson
Es-330
While many 330s from this era were played into the ground, this particular example is a "time capsule" piece. Going strong with the chrome trapeze tailpiece and bullet proof P-90 with the chrome covers,. This chrome still pops with a "blue-white" shine like it was dipped last weekend. Still featuring the factory white nylon saddles, providing that signature mellow, woody resonance and improved tuning stability.
Looking for a fast smooth neck then look no further! The 330 has the iconic late-60s "pencil neck" profile with a fast 1 9/16 inch nut width. It is the ultimate "player’s neck" built for the real player by the real players!
Utilizing the"large" f-hole template adopted in 1967, with the sunburst finish that is exceptionally vibrant to this day!
Whether you’re looking for a studio-grade hollow body or a cornerstone piece for a vintage collection, this '67 stands as a gleaming reminder of Gibson’s Kalamazoo heyday!
1980s Fender
Dan Smith Era Strat
This piece of Fender history will forever be iconic and it goes a little something like this...
The story of Dan Smith and the "2-Knob Strat" is one of the most legendary "pivot or perish" moments in guitar history.
By the early 80s, Fender was in trouble. Decades of cost-cutting under CBS ownership had trashed their reputation—guitars were heavy, the "3-bolt" necks were unstable, and the oversized "70s headstocks" had become symbols of poor quality.
The Mission: Save Fender
In 1981, Bill Schultz (President) and Dan Smith (Director of Marketing) were brought in to fix the brand. Their first move was the "Dan Smith Strat" (1982), which brought back the smaller headstock and 4-bolt neck. But the company was still bleeding money and struggling to compete with cheaper, high-quality imports from Japan.
The "2-Knob" Gamble (1983)
To survive, Smith had to create a "Standard" model that was cheaper to build but still "Made in the USA." This resulted in the 1983 Standard Stratocaster, which is the "cult phenomenon" you’re thinking of. To shave off production costs, they made several radical changes:
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The "2-Knob" Layout
They removed one tone knob, leaving just a Master Volume and Master Tone.
​The Jack on the Pickguard
Instead of the classic recessed metal football-shaped jack on the body, they moved the cable input directly onto the pickguard (where the third knob used to be). This allowed the entire electronics harness to be pre-wired and "dropped in," saving hours of labor.
​The Freeflyte Tremolo
They used a new top-loading bridge that didn't require a cavity routed through the back of the guitar. This meant there was no back plate—just solid wood on the rear.
​The Small Headstock
It kept the vintage-style small headstock from the '82 redesign, finally killing off the bulky 70s look.
From "Worst" to Cult Legend
At the time, purists hated it. Bill Carson, one of the original Stratocaster designers, famously called it "the worst Stratocaster ever made." Because Fender went through a massive ownership change in 1985 (becoming FMIC), production of this specific model was extremely short-lived, lasting only about two years.
-Why it became a cult phenomenon-
Rarity
Because they were only made for a blip in time (1983–1984), they became rare.
The "Bowling Ball" Strats
Fender produced a tiny run of these 2-knob models with "Marble" finishes (Red, Blue, or Gold swirls). These are now massive collector items, often selling for $4,000+.
The Neck
Despite the weird body, the necks on these are often regarded as some of the best Fender ever made—slim, fast, and very high quality.
Today, what was once a "budget-saving failure" is seen as a quirky, cool relic of the era when Fender was fighting for its life.
The 1983 Standard Stratocaster (the "Dan Smith Era" model) is a weird, wonderful piece of Fender’s survival history. It was a guitar born out of desperation—a "hail mary" to keep American production alive.
1980's
Mark Erlewine's Custom
Erlewine custom from the 80's. Mark is based out of Austin, Texas. He's been building guitars for over 50 years. This LP blows the doors off some of the old LP's I've owned. This is a smokin' guitar at a somkin' price...!!! Repaired headstock. Most notably for Billy Gibbon's Erlewine "Automatic". Johnny Winter's "Lazer". And the "Traveler" for Michael J. Fox for Back to the future. And Les Paul. We will match this guitar up to any Les Paul. Brazilian rosewood fret board. Flamed maple top. Very, very old mahogany. Plus, old 80's Seymour Duncan '59 double whites.