This is not just another spectacle; it’s a battle of audacity and flair on stage. Flamethrowers bring the heat, but can they outshine the soul-stirring riffs of a guitar?
These dramatic props have taken center stage in some of the most unforgettable performances. Yet, the question remains: which one truly rocks harder?
The Les Paul Deluxe's Explosive Neck Pickup Modification
Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist of KISS, was known for his electrifying performances and unique stage presence.
One of his most iconic guitars was a modified Les Paul Deluxe, which featured a smoke bomb fitted in the cavity that would typically house the neck pickup.
This unconventional modification allowed Frehley to create a dramatic visual effect during his solos, as plumes of white smoke would billow from his guitar, adding to the excitement and spectacle of KISS’s live shows. The “White-Hot Pickup” guitar became a staple of Frehley’s onstage arsenal.
Epiphone 100 Les Paul
PERFECT FOR: Beginners
FEATURES: The best part of the model is that it offers quality sound effects. It comes with a rosewood fingerboard.
OTHER INFO: The instrument has 700T/650R open-coil humbucker hardware making it suitable for beginners who love to play the guitar with good sound.
Epiphone 100 Les Paul
- Beginners and intermediary players can play easily.
- The model offers ease and fun to play.
- Sturdy Construction provides a lifetime warranty.
- It is a Cost-Effective Model with reasonably good pickup.
- The convenient design provides the best support for repair/replacement.
- The Lightweight Electric Guitar comes with wide-ranged tonal variations that offer versatility.
- The product lacks an Amplifier, Cable, and Guitar stand.
- It isn't easy to tune for the newbies.
- The model's Slim design makes it convenient only for short- or medium-statured people.
- The Short Scale length needs to make it more suitable for seasoned players.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Tale of the Rocket Launcher Les Paul
Another one of Ace Frehley’s most notorious creations was the Rocket Launcher Guitar, a modified Les Paul with bottle rockets taped to the headstock.
During live performances, Frehley would fearlessly light the rockets himself, creating a spectacular display of sparks and smoke that left audiences in awe.
This daring act not only showcased Frehley’s wild personality but also demonstrated his dedication to creating an unforgettable and thrilling concert experience for KISS fans.
The Rocket Launcher Guitar remains an iconic symbol of Frehley’s larger-than-life stage presence and his willingness to push the boundaries of rock ‘n’ roll showmanship.
Dazzling 1,000-Light
Les Paul TV Guitar
Ace Frehley took his stage presence to a whole new level again with his mesmerizing Light Guitar.
This late 1950s Les Paul TV model was heavily modified, with its face carefully routed to accommodate nearly 1,000 incandescent lights.
When plugged in, the guitar would come alive with a dazzling display of illumination, creating a visual spectacle that perfectly complemented Frehley’s electrifying performances.
The Light Guitar not only showcased Frehley’s creativity and technical prowess but also demonstrated his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what a guitar could be, both in terms of sound and visual impact. This unique instrument remains a testament to Frehley’s ingenuity and his enduring influence on the world of rock ‘n’ roll.
Igniting the Stage with Flamethrower Guitars
Rammstein, the German industrial metal band known for its explosive live shows, took its performances to the next level with its infamous Flamethrower Guitars.
These custom-designed instruments featured specially engineered flamethrowers that were securely strapped to the guitars, allowing the band members to shoot impressive flames into the air during their high-energy sets.
The use of Flamethrower Guitars became an iconic part of Rammstein’s stage presence, adding an element of danger and excitement that perfectly complemented their intense music and theatrical performances.
The sight of guitarists Paul Landers and Richard Z. Kruspe wielding these fire-breathing instruments created an unforgettable spectacle, solidifying Rammstein’s reputation as one of the most visually stunning and provocative live acts in the metal scene.
The Mesmerizing Anti-Freeze Green Lava Guitar
John 5, the renowned guitarist known for his work with Rob Zombie and Marilyn Manson, is famous for his unique and eye-catching guitar designs.
One of his most striking instruments is the Lava Guitar, a custom-built masterpiece that features a mesmerizing Hughes Wave Motion Machines Formula finish.
The guitar’s vibrant color, aptly named Anti-Freeze Green, creates a captivating visual effect that resembles the mesmerizing flow and movement of molten lava.
The Lava Guitar not only showcases John 5’s love for unconventional and visually stunning instruments but also demonstrates his dedication to pushing the boundaries of guitar design.
This remarkable guitar has become an iconic part of John 5’s signature look. It flawlessly complements his virtuosic playing style and contributes to his status as one of the most innovative and visually compelling guitarists in the rock and metal scene.
The Scandalous Story of the Ejacucaster Telecaster
The legendary musician Prince, known for his flamboyant style and unparalleled showmanship, had a penchant for unique and provocative guitar designs.
One of his most notorious creations was the Ejacucaster, a custom-made Hohner Mad Cat Telecaster that was specifically designed to recreate a controversial scene from his iconic film Purple Rain.
The guitar’s headstock featured a phallic-shaped attachment, which Prince would suggestively manipulate during his electrifying live performances.
The Ejacucaster not only showcased Prince’s bold and unapologetic approach to sexuality but also demonstrated his willingness to push the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the music industry.
This provocative instrument became an integral part of Prince’s onstage persona, perfectly encapsulating his rebellious spirit and his ability to captivate audiences with his raw, unfiltered expression of art and desire.
Fender Player Telecaster MN
FEATURES: .009-.042 Gauges)
OTHER INFO: Player Series Alnico 5 Tele Single-Coil pickups
- Well-balanced bridge pickup, excelling with gain.
- Highly playable satin-finished neck.
- High-quality construction.
- Pickups may exhibit noise in specific situations.
- Facing stiff competition from other Telecaster models in the same price range.
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Igniting the Stage:
How Unconventional Guitar Mods Redefined Rock 'n' Roll
In the world of rock and metal, musicians have constantly pushed the boundaries of what is possible on stage, using their instruments not only to create unforgettable sounds but also to deliver visually stunning performances.
From Ace Frehley’s pyrotechnic Les Pauls to Rammstein’s fire-breathing guitars, these extreme stage props have become iconic symbols of the artists’ larger-than-life personas and their commitment to creating an immersive and thrilling concert experience for their fans.
While some may argue that these unconventional guitar modifications are merely gimmicks, there is no denying their impact on the music industry. They have inspired countless musicians to think outside the box and embrace the power of showmanship in their performances.
Ultimately, the battle between electric guitars and flamethrowers serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of rock ‘n’ roll. This genre has always been defined by its rebellious nature, its willingness to take risks, and its ability to capture the imagination of audiences around the world.
