Art Thompson
Art Thompson is senior editor of Guitar Player magazine and he has authored stories with numerous guitar greats, including B.B. King, Bonnie Raitt, Carlos Santana, Billy Gibbons, Steve Miller, Prince, Reeves Gabrels, Joe Perry, Robben Ford, Brian Setzer, Sonny Landreth, Zakk Wylde, Eric Johnson, Robin Trower,
Scotty Moore, James Burton, Merle Haggard, Roy Nichols, Jimmie Vaughan and many others.
He has interviewed gear innovators such as Paul Reed Smith, Randall Smith, Mark Sampson and Gary Kramer, and he wrote the 1998 GP cover story/review of 150 vintage stomp boxes – an article that helped spark renewed interest in pedals from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. He also wrote the first book on the subject, Stompbox.
As a guitarist, he has shared stages with Gregg Allman, Stray Cats, Joe Ely, Dick Dale, Robben Ford, Lonnie Brooks, Kansas, Marshall Tucker, Foghat, Little Charlie and the Nitecats, Kenny Vaughan and Clarence Clemons, and he maintains a busy performing schedule with three stylistically diverse groups, all of which provide ample opportunity to test-drive new guitars, amps and effects, many of which are featured in the pages of GP.
Latest articles by Art Thompson

By Art Thompson Published
This pedalboard-friendly Nano version brings a new level of enjoyment to a classic EHX effect.

By Dave Hunter, Jimmy Leslie, James Volpe Rotondi, Christopher Scapelliti, Art Thompson Published
What in the world of guitar gear got us excited in 2021? Guitar Player's editors and reviewers pick their favorites.

By Art Thompson Last updated
Turns a single-channel amp into a three-channeler with two voicing choices and two variable gain levels.

By Art Thompson Published
This streamlined Strat has a lot of tonal vibe, and it’s a gas to play.

By Art Thompson Last updated
With a winning formula these review guitars have excellent build quality and attention to detail.

By Art Thompson Published
The latest version of this classic combo uses digital technology to re-create the original spec.

By Art Thompson Last updated
This new production semi-hollow electric guitar is deeply rooted in the American past.

By Art Thompson Last updated
This advanced design won’t leave you fighting with tuning issues, no matter how aggressively you play.

By Art Thompson Last updated
This unique and powerful instrument earns an Editors’ Pick Award.

By Art Thompson Published
Despite the pandemic the legendary songsmith gets under the red light of Nashville’s storied RCA Studio B.

By Art Thompson Published
Anyone looking to reduce the amount of gear they have to carry is a candidate for this giant killer.

By Art Thompson Last updated
With its Tim Shaw-designed pickups and distinctive Road Worn Chocolate 'burst finish, the country virtuoso's signature six-string is quite a treat.

By Art Thompson Published
With signature guitars, pedals, pickups and amps to his name the Wildwood star is riding high.

By Art Thompson Published
How a chance duet with Art Garfunkel helped inspire the writing behind the Supertramp guitarist's bravura solo album.

By Art Thompson Published
Cloned by Fender Master Builder Greg Fessler the treasured axe turned 70 this year.

By Art Thompson Published
Greg Koch and Reverend's latest collaboration is a change of pace, complete with a Bigsby, Fishman P-90s, and a Gibson-esque scale length.

By Art Thompson Published
The British guitar phenom explains the importance of jazz in his formative years.

By Art Thompson Published
Now available in a fresh range of finishes we take a look back at this groundbreaking design.

By Art Thompson Published
“One of the reasons I got the gig with Prince is because I was young and I was hungry and I was kind of unformed...”

By Art Thompson Last updated
With the American Dream series, Taylor prices its US-built V-Class acoustics within reach of the regular musician's budget.

By Art Thompson Last updated
The new GT body size makes a stunning debut in this little acoustic with a big voice.

By Art Thompson Last updated
This superlative acoustic-electric and 12-string mark the first Grand Concert acoustics to join the Builder's Edition range.

By Art Thompson Published
With its tube-powered pickup, the Ruokangas Duke Valvebucker is a high-fidelity experience.
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