James Volpe Rotondi

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Latest articles by James Volpe Rotondi

Clem Clempson plays his Gibson SG Custom while recording 'Smokin'’ at London’s Olympic Studios, January 20, 1972

"I Was Set Free": Humble Pie Guitarist Clem Clempson Talks Lighting up One of the 1970s’ Hottest Rock Albums: ‘Smokin’’

By James Volpe Rotondi last updated 2 December 22

How Humble Pie was reignited after Peter Frampton's sudden departure

“When You’re a Guitar Player, You Can Really Hear How the Differences Matter”: Jack White Talks Creativity and Gear

By James Volpe Rotondi published 13 June 22

With his latest album – ‘Fear of the Dawn’ – chock-full of unique tones, the guitarist fills us in on the details of his customized hardware.

5 of Jack White’s Coolest Guitars

By James Volpe Rotondi published 13 June 22

From vintage and rare to customized modern classics, these are the maestro’s essential tools.

Beto Martinez performs at the Recording Academy Block Party at Four Seasons Hotel during SXSW on March 15, 2018 in Austin, Texas.

Listen to These 5 Killer Tracks From Beto Martinez - the New King of Latin Rock Guitar

By James Volpe Rotondi last updated 10 June 22

Get on board with the Grammy-winning guitarist and take a spin through this kaleidoscopic collection of musical meanderings.

“‘Fear of the Dawn’ is the Best Guitar Playing That I’ve Ever Done”: Jack White On His Incendiary Solo Album

By James Volpe Rotondi published 10 June 22

Find out how White & Co. managed to nail these explosive sounds in the studio.

Take a Close Look at Jack White’s Insanely Cool Pedalboard

By James Volpe Rotondi published 9 June 22

With a penchant for peculiar pedals the White Stripes guitarist has taken stompboxes to another level.

“I Love Santana. But I Think That It’s Vital for People to Recognize That There Are Many Other Important Players”: Beto Martinez Talks Inspiration

By James Volpe Rotondi published 8 June 22

From chunk to chicha, Latin rock's leading light reveals his most important influences.

John Scofield performs during Seifert Competition Gala at Kijow Centrum Cinema in Krakow, Poland on 28 July, 2018.

“We All Try to Copy the People We Love... But You Have to Believe in Yourself”: Bill Frisell and John Scofield Talk Developing Your Own Style

By James Volpe Rotondi published 12 April 22

The jazz guitar legends dish out some timeless advice in this classic interview from the ‘Guitar Player’ vault.

Origin Effects MAGMA57 Review

By James Volpe Rotondi last updated 4 March 22

A superb recreation of the preamp/power section from the dual-6V6 Magnatone Model 213 Troubador and the pitch-vibrato section from the Model 260 and 280.

Origin Effects RevivalDRIVE Compact Review

By James Volpe Rotondi last updated 4 March 22

A simplified and downsized, if no less impressive, version of the original channel-switching RevivalDRIVE.

The Best Gear of 2021: Our Roundup of the Year’s Top Guitars, Amps and Pedals

By Dave Hunter, Jimmy Leslie, James Volpe Rotondi, Christopher Scapelliti, Art Thompson last updated 20 January 22

What in the world of guitar gear got us excited in 2021? Guitar Player's editors and reviewers pick their favorites.

Philip Shouse, Ace Frehley, Gene Simmons, Ryan Cook and Jeremy Asbrock perform at The Children Matter Benefit Concert Featuring Gene Simmons, Ace Frehley, Don Felder And Cheap Trick on September 2, 2017 at CHS Field Stadium in St Paul, Minnesota.

How a Trio of Hardcore Kiss Fans Became the Guitar Frontline of Both Gene Simmons’ and Ace Frehley’s Touring Bands

By James Volpe Rotondi last updated 18 January 22

Ryan Spencer Cook, Jeremy Asbrock and Philip Shouse – aka the Talismen – gave Gene and Ace their grooves back.

Ace Frehley performs onstage at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre on October 10, 2021 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“God's Pulling the Strings and Playing the Whole Thing”: Ace Frehley Talks Life Before, During and After Kiss

By James Volpe Rotondi published 17 January 22

Back on the road, the Spaceman is still struttin’ and smokin’.