Ace Frehley’s Legendary “Smoker” Guitar from Final Kiss Tour Heads to Auction

Ace Frehley’s iconic “Smoker” guitar is now up for sale. The instrument was a central part of his performance during Kiss’s 2000-2001 Farewell Tour. The auction is being handled by Gotta Have Rock and Roll.

This sale offers fans a rare piece of rock history. The custom Gibson Les Paul comes directly from the late guitarist’s personal collection. It represents his final major tour with the band he helped make famous.

Historic Instrument Carries Major Tour Legacy

The sunburst Les Paul was used extensively during Kiss’s Psycho Circus World Tour in 1999. It then became a fixture on the subsequent Farewell Tour. This was the last Kiss tour Frehley ever performed on.

The guitar features his signature on the body. According to Gotta Have Rock and Roll, the lot includes photos of Frehley with the instrument. A signed certificate of authenticity accompanies the sale.

Bidding starts on November 19th. The auction will conclude on December 5th.

Innovative Modifications Defined a Rock Era

Frehley was famous for modifying his guitars with special effects. His “Smoker” guitar was arguably his most famous creation. It allowed him to accentuate solos with smoke and pyrotechnics.

He first attempted to place smoke bombs inside a cavity in his Les Paul. This early method damaged the guitar’s electronic controls. He later worked with an engineer to develop a more reliable system.

The final design involved removing the neck pickup. Into that cavity, they placed smoke bombs and a halogen bulb. A wire ran to the soundboard where a roadie could trigger the effect with phantom power.

Frehley eventually replaced the smoke bombs with a small fog machine. This change was made due to fire safety concerns. The innovation cemented his reputation as a rock and roll pioneer.

The auction of Ace Frehley’s “Smoker” guitar provides a tangible link to Kiss’s final chapter with the original Spaceman. This legendary instrument captures the explosive creativity that defined an era of rock spectacle.

Thought you’d like to know-

What is the “Smoker” guitar?

It is a custom Gibson Les Paul modified by Ace Frehley. The guitar was engineered to emit smoke during his live performances. It became one of his most recognizable stage instruments.

When did Ace Frehley use this specific guitar?

He used this particular “Smoker” guitar during the 1999 Psycho Circus World Tour. It was also a key part of the 2000-2001 Kiss Farewell Tour. This was his final tour with the original band.

How does the guitar produce smoke?

The original design used smoke bombs placed in the neck pickup cavity. These were triggered remotely by a roadie. Later versions used a small, integrated fog machine for safety.

Why is this guitar significant?

It represents a major innovation in live rock performance. Frehley was a pioneer in integrating special effects directly into his instruments. The guitar is a key artifact from Kiss’s history.

Who is running the auction?

The sale is being conducted by Gotta Have Rock and Roll. The auction house specializes in music memorabilia. The guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by Frehley.