Rock Legends Unite: Ace Frehley's Iconic 'Smoker' Les Paul Hits the Auction Block!
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Ace Frehley’s Legendary ‘Smoker’ Les Paul Set for Auction: A Piece of Rock History
One of the most celebrated ‘Smoker’ Les Paul guitars, famously wielded by the late Ace Frehley during his final tours with KISS, is now available for bidding.
The iconic guitarist, known as the Spaceman, passed away last month at the age of 74. His former bandmates honored his legacy with a heartfelt tribute during an unplugged performance over the weekend. Now, the first piece of memorabilia linked to Frehley is ready to find a new home.
This unique Gibson Les Paul, ingeniously modified to accommodate a smoke bomb in the neck pickup, represents one of the last electric guitars that Frehley was renowned for using.over the years, several ”smoker” Les Pauls have been created, including one that launched rockets from its headstock, which was auctioned in 2022.
A Legacy of Innovation
Frehley’s initial smoky Les Paul made its debut in 1975, but this particular model was actively used on the road with KISS from 1999 to 2001 during the Psycho Circus and (premature) farewell tours, marking the guitarist’s final performances with the band.
According to Rolling Stone, the auction is being managed by Gotta Have Rock and Roll, with bidding commencing today (November 19) and a starting price set at $100,000. This auction house previously facilitated the sale of randy rhoads’ Quiet Riot Les Paul in July. The auction will remain open until December 5.
(Image credit: Gotta Have Rock and Roll)
The Evolution of the Smoking Guitar
Frehley once shared, “The concept of the smoking guitar originated during our very first tour. Initially, I used a cigarette lighter to ignite it, but that caused issues with the volume and tone controls.” He collaborated with an engineer to create a fake pickup, utilizing asbestos to ensure the heat from the smoke bomb wouldn’t damage the guitar’s wood.
As KISS’s budget expanded, the modifications became increasingly complex. Early versions featured a phantom-powered light bulb in the neck pickup cavity, which connected to his pedalboard and could be activated by a technician backstage.Later iterations involved hollowing out the guitars to accommodate a battery-powered device, allowing Frehley to control it through the pickup’s controls.
For more details, visit Gotta Have Rock and Roll.
Remembering a Rock Icon
Tributes to Frehley have poured in from across the music community. Tom morello expressed his gratitude, stating he owes the guitarist a “life debt” for his profound influence, while Justin Hawkins reminisced about Frehley’s sharp wit and humor.
Andrew Daly, a correspondent for Guitar World, who developed a close relationship with frehley over years of interviews, reflected on the guitarist’s remarkable legacy.
Rock Legends Unite: Ace Frehley’s Iconic ‘Smoker’ Les Paul Hits the Auction Block!
rock legends Unite: Ace Frehley’s Iconic ‘Smoker’ Les Paul Hits the auction Block!
One of the most legendary guitars in rock history, Ace Frehley’s ‘Smoker’ Les Paul, is set to go under the hammer, offering fans and collectors a rare chance to own a piece of musical history. This iconic instrument, known for its unique modifications and its role in KISS’s electrifying performances, is not just a guitar; it’s a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll innovation.
The Legacy of Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of KISS, is renowned for his flamboyant stage presence and groundbreaking guitar techniques. His contributions to rock music have left an indelible mark, influencing countless musicians across genres. Frehley’s ‘Smoker’ Les Paul is a testament to his creativity and showmanship.
What Makes the ‘Smoker’ Les Paul Unique?
Smoke Bomb Feature: The most distinctive aspect of this guitar is its ability to emit smoke during performances, captivating audiences and enhancing the theatricality of KISS shows.
Custom Modifications: The guitar was modified to house a smoke bomb in the neck pickup,showcasing Frehley’s innovative spirit and desire to push the boundaries of performance.
Past Significance: Used during KISS’s Psycho Circus and Farewell tours,this guitar represents the culmination of Frehley’s career with the band.
details of the Auction
The auction for Ace Frehley’s ‘Smoker’ les Paul is being conducted by Gotta Have Rock and Roll, a reputable auction house known for handling high-profile music memorabilia. here are the key details:
Detail
Information
Auction Start Date
November 19, 2023
Auction End Date
December 5, 2023
Starting Bid
$100,000
Auction House
Gotta Have Rock and Roll
Historical Context of the ’Smoker’ Les paul
The ’Smoker’ Les Paul was first introduced in 1975, but the model being auctioned was actively used between 1999 and 2001. During this time, Frehley showcased his guitar skills on the Psycho circus and Farewell tours, which were pivotal in KISS’s legacy.
Innovative Features of the guitar
Frehley’s approach to guitar modifications was revolutionary. Initially, he used a cigarette lighter to create smoke effects, but this method proved problematic. collaborating with an engineer, he developed a more sophisticated system that included:
Asbestos insulation to protect the guitar’s wood from heat damage.
A phantom-powered light bulb in the neck pickup cavity, allowing for remote activation during performances.
Battery-powered devices that coudl be controlled through the guitar’s pickup controls.
Impact on Rock Culture
The ‘Smoker’ Les Paul is more than just a guitar; it represents a significant moment in rock history. Frehley’s innovative spirit has inspired generations of musicians to think outside the box and incorporate theatrical elements into their performances.
Tributes from Fellow Musicians
Following Frehley’s passing, tributes from fellow musicians have highlighted his influence on the rock genre. Notable figures such as Tom Morello and Justin Hawkins have expressed their admiration for Frehley’s contributions to music and his unique style.
Benefits of Owning a Piece of Rock History
Investing in iconic music memorabilia like the ‘Smoker’ Les Paul offers several benefits:
Investment Potential: Rare guitars often appreciate in value over time, making them a sound investment for collectors.
Connection to Music History: Owning a piece of rock history allows fans to feel a deeper connection to their favorite artists and the music they love.
Unique Conversation Starter: Such a unique item can serve as a great conversation piece among fellow music enthusiasts.
How to Participate in the Auction
to participate in the auction for Ace Frehley’s ‘Smoker’ Les Paul, interested buyers can visit the Gotta Have Rock and Roll website. Here’s how to get started:
Place your bid and keep an eye on the auction until it closes on December 5, 2023.
first-hand Experiences with the ‘Smoker’ Les Paul
Many musicians who have had the chance to play or see the ‘Smoker’ Les Paul in action describe it as an unforgettable experience.The combination of its unique sound and visual effects creates an electrifying atmosphere during performances.
Case Study: A Fan’s perspective
One fan recalls attending a KISS concert where Frehley used the ‘Smoker’ Les Paul:
“When Ace lit up that guitar, the entire crowd erupted.It was like nothing I had ever seen before. The smoke,the lights,and his incredible playing made it a night to remember.”
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