Ace Frehley, a luminary in the world of rock music, is renowned for his electrifying guitar work, especially as the lead guitarist of the iconic band KISS. His unique playing style, characterized by searing solos, catchy riffs, and a distinct tone, has left an indelible mark on the hard rock and heavy metal genres. A significant factor contributing to his signature sound is the array of guitars he has used throughout his career. These instruments, each with its own characteristics, have been integral to shaping the music that fans around the globe have come to love.
The Early Days: Building the Foundation
The Influence of Guitar Legends on Ace Frehley
Ace Frehley’s musical journey began with a deep admiration for guitar greats like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Pete Townshend. He once noted, “I’ve learned from a lot of guys who sound like no one else. When you hear Eric Clapton play, you know it’s Clapton. Jimi Hendrix had his own style as well, and it was very distinctive; Townshend is the same way.” This early exposure to diverse and innovative guitarists set the stage for Frehley to develop his own approach to the instrument. He studied Townshend’s chord work, learning how to play the same chord in multiple positions. Townshend’s technique of burying an acoustic guitar under the electric guitar to create a fuller sound also inspired Frehley, who incorporated similar ideas into his own music.
The First Guitars: Starting His Collection
In his formative years, Frehley likely experimented with various guitars as he honed his skills. While specific details about his very first guitars are scarce, it’s reasonable to assume that he began with more affordable models as he was starting out. These early instruments, though perhaps not as well – known as the ones he would later become associated with, were crucial in helping him develop his playing technique and understanding of the instrument. As he progressed, he started to seek out guitars that could better express his musical ideas, leading him to more iconic models.
The KISS Era: Guitars that Defined a Sound
The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Ace Frehley’s 1973 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe was one of his main guitars during the early days of KISS. This guitar featured a mahogany body and neck, which contributed to its warm and rich tone. The Les Paul Deluxe’s two humbucker pickups provided a powerful output, ideal for the hard – rock sound that KISS was developing. The guitar’s comfortable neck profile allowed Frehley to execute his fast-paced solos and intricate riffs with ease. He often used this guitar to create the driving, energetic sound that became synonymous with KISS’s early hits. The Les Paul Deluxe’s sustain was also a key factor, enabling Frehley to hold notes for extended periods, adding a sense of drama to his solos.
The Gibson Les Paul Custom
The “Budokan” Les Paul Custom
Another significant guitar in Frehley’s KISS-era arsenal was the “Gibson Ace Frehley ‘Budokan’ Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar.” This guitar was a custom-made instrument that became famous after its appearance in KISS’s live performance at the Budokan Hall in Japan. The Les Paul Custom typically has a more elegant design compared to the Deluxe, with a three-humbucker configuration. The additional pickup offered Frehley more tonal options, allowing him to achieve a wider range of sounds. The guitar’s high – quality construction and pickups provided a smooth, articulate tone, which was perfect for both rhythm and lead playing. It was a staple for Frehley during the band’s more polished and arena-rock-focused period, helping him create the huge, stadium-filling sound that KISS was known for.
The Greco MR800
A Japanese-Made Gem
Ace Frehley also used the Greco MR800 in 1977. Greco guitars, made in Japan, were known for their high-quality craftsmanship and affordability. The MR800 likely offered a similar tone and feel to some of the more expensive Gibson models, making it a great alternative for Frehley. It had a solid – body design, and its pickups were capable of producing a crunchy, hard – rock sound. The Greco MR800’s construction materials, probably including a mahogany – like body wood and a maple neck, contributed to its resonance and sustain. Frehley may have chosen this guitar for its versatility, as it could handle both rhythm and lead duties well, and it likely provided a different flavor to his sound compared to his Gibson guitars.
The Travis Bean TB1000S
The Futuristic-Looking Guitar
The Travis Bean TB1000S was a unique addition to Frehley’s collection. This guitar had a distinct look, with a body made of aluminum and a carbon-fiber neck. The aluminum body gave the guitar a bright, cutting tone, while the carbon-fiber neck provided stability and a fast playing feel. The TB1000S’s pickups were designed to work well with the unique properties of the body and neck, resulting in a sound that was both modern and aggressive. Frehley used this guitar to add a different sonic dimension to KISS’s music. The guitar’s bright, metallic tone could cut through the mix, making it stand out in the band’s wall-of-sound approach. It was especially effective for creating sharp, staccato riffs and high-energy solos.
Solo Career and Beyond: Expanding the Arsenal
The Washburn Ace Frehley AF-40V
A Signature Model
During his solo career, Ace Frehley collaborated with Washburn to create the Ace Frehley AF-40V. This was a signature model designed to meet Frehley’s specific playing and tonal requirements. The AF-40V had a V-shaped body, which not only gave it a cool, aggressive look but also affected its balance and playability. The guitar was equipped with high-output pickups, which were tailored to produce the kind of hard – rock and heavy-metal tones that Frehley was known for. The neck of the AF-40V was designed to be fast and comfortable, allowing Frehley to continue his tradition of lightning-fast solos. The body woods, likely a combination of mahogany and maple, provided a good balance of warmth and brightness. This signature model was a way for Frehley to have a guitar that was uniquely his, both in terms of sound and appearance, and it became a popular choice among his fans who wanted to emulate his playing style.
The Epiphone PR7E Acoustic
Adding Acoustic Flavors
While Ace Frehley is best known for his electric guitar work, he also incorporated acoustic guitars into his music, such as the Epiphone PR7E Acoustic. The PR7E is a dreadnought – style acoustic guitar, which is known for its large body and full, rich sound. Acoustic guitars like this one allowed Frehley to explore different musical textures and songwriting approaches. In his solo work, he might have used the Epiphone PR7E to add a more intimate, acoustic element to his music. The guitar’s natural, warm tone could provide a nice contrast to the high – energy electric guitar riffs that he was famous for. Whether strumming chords for a ballad or fingerpicking a melody, the PR7E offered Frehley a different sonic palette to work with, expanding the creative possibilities of his music.
The Gibson Custom Shop Ace Frehley Signature Series Blue Burst Les Paul
A Custom-Made Masterpiece
The Gibson Custom Shop Ace Frehley Signature Series Blue Burst Les Paul was a high – end, custom-made guitar. This instrument was a testament to Frehley’s status as a guitar legend. The blue burst finish gave the guitar a stunning visual appearance. Tonally, it was equipped with top-of-the-line pickups and components. The mahogany body and neck, combined with the maple top, produced a classic Les Paul sound with plenty of warmth, sustain, and harmonic complexity. The custom shop work ensured that the guitar was built to the highest standards, with precise craftsmanship in every detail. Frehley could rely on this guitar to deliver a consistent, high-quality sound, whether in the studio or on stage. It was a guitar that not only represented his personal style but also the pinnacle of Gibson’s guitar – making artistry.
The Gibson Ace Frehley Custom Flasher/Light – Up Les Paul
The Show-Stopping Guitar
One of the most visually striking guitars in Ace Frehley’s collection is the Gibson Ace Frehley Custom Flasher/Light-Up Les Paul. As the name implies, this guitar was designed with built – in lights, adding a spectacular visual element to his live performances. In addition to its eye – catching appearance, the guitar also had to deliver in terms of sound. It was likely based on a standard Les Paul design, with a mahogany body and neck, and equipped with high-quality pickups. The light – up feature didn’t compromise the guitar’s tonal quality. Instead, it enhanced the overall experience of seeing Frehley perform. When he took the stage with this guitar, the lights would flash in sync with the music, creating a mesmerizing visual display that added to the excitement of the live show. It was a perfect example of how Frehley combined his love for great – sounding guitars with his flair for showmanship.
The Amplification Factor: Completing the Sound
Marshall Amps: A Rock Staple
Throughout his career, Ace Frehley has often relied on Marshall amps to amplify his guitars. Marshall amps are renowned for their ability to produce a powerful, distorted sound that is perfect for hard rock and heavy metal. For example, the Marshall JCM800 series was a popular choice. These amps had a high – gain preamp section that could create the classic, crunchy distortion that Frehley used to drive his riffs. The power amp section provided enough wattage to fill large arenas with sound. The combination of his guitars, such as the Gibson Les Pauls, and Marshall amps was a match made in rock heaven. The amps could take the natural tone of the guitars and add the right amount of grit and volume, allowing Frehley’s solos to soar and his riffs to punch through the mix.
Effects Pedals: Adding Color to the Sound
In addition to amps, Frehley also used a variety of effects pedals to shape his sound. Overdrive and distortion pedals were essential for creating the thick, saturated distortion that defined his lead and rhythm tones. Delay pedals were used to add depth and spaciousness to his solos, creating a sense of echo that made his notes linger in the air. Wah-wah pedals were another staple, allowing him to add a funky, expressive element to his playing. By carefully selecting and combining these effects pedals, Frehley was able to create a wide range of sounds, from the raw, aggressive tones of his hard-rock anthems to the more textured and atmospheric sounds in his more experimental moments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ace Frehley’s journey through the world of rock music is intricately woven with the diverse guitars he has embraced throughout his career. From the early days of drawing inspiration from guitar legends and experimenting with his first instruments, to his iconic status as the lead guitarist of KISS and his successful solo endeavors, each guitar has played a pivotal role in shaping his unique sonic identity.
