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.