A lifelong fascination with guitars, exceptional woods, great builders and the small details that make one instrument more compelling than another.
Artistic Guitars grew out of a collector’s obsession with exceptional instruments — guitars chosen not because they were simply expensive or rare, but because something about the wood, craftsmanship, tone, feel or story made them stand apart.
The business was conceived as a highly personal, internet-based boutique for serious players and collectors. From the beginning, the idea was simple: offer instruments that Gary himself would be proud to own, explain honestly why they are special, and build relationships with buyers who care about the same things.
Years of playing, collecting and studying fine guitars created the foundation for an unusually detailed appreciation of woods, builders, construction and tone.
The business was built around carefully selected high-end instruments, personal service and a belief that the individual guitar matters more than simply having a large inventory.
Artistic Guitars brings that same philosophy to the website, social media and buyer experience while keeping the relationship personal.
Gary’s relationship with Joe Knaggs is reflected throughout the collection: early and unusual instruments, Tier 1 builds, the Sheyenne Serial #1 and Creation #2 “The Monument Valley.” Artistic Guitars was the first U.S. dealer for Knaggs Guitars, and that direct connection with Joe and the people behind the instruments remains an important part of the Artistic Guitars story.
Gary’s long relationship with Nik Huber includes prototypes and limited instruments such as Rietbergen Prototype #1 and the first 20th Anniversary Orca prototype. The relationship reflects what Artistic Guitars values most: knowing the maker, understanding the design and selecting examples with genuine individuality.
Gary worked with Tom Ribbecke on many one-off instruments using extraordinary materials including quilted mahogany from “The Tree” and Brazilian Rosewood. This guitar shown is “The Modern Teardrop” which I conceived and specified in conjunction with Tom Ribbecke and inlay artist Larry Robinson.
Gary’s archtop collection includes important Benedetto instruments and a custom 18-inch Cremona specified directly with Bob Benedetto. Discussing woods, neck feel, construction and the details that make an instrument personal helped shape the philosophy behind Artistic Guitars.
Gibson has been central to Gary’s playing and collecting for decades, from vintage ES-335s and archtops to Historic reissues and special instruments. That experience provides an important reference point when evaluating woods, neck profiles, construction, pickups and the character of modern Gibson instruments.
Gary’s Fender collection includes Masterbuilt 1959 Stratocaster and Telecaster recreations by Todd Krause. Todd Krause, a long-time Masterbuilt builder, has made many guitars for Eric Clapton. These instruments represent Gary’s interest in historically informed guitars that capture not only the specifications, but also the feel, personality and musical character of the originals.
The philosophy behind Artistic Guitars has always been personal. A guitar should justify its place on the wall or in the collection.
“It’s not just what a guitar looks like... it’s what it feels like, what it sounds like, and the story it tells.”— GARY THOMAS
If you have a question about a guitar, a builder, a trade, a collection or something you are looking for, you deal directly with Gary.
480-299-3790 • CALL. TEXT. TALK GUITARS. →