Ace Frehley Smoking Guitars
The official source for approved Ace Frehley Smoking Guitars and replicas.
The Final Salute: The 2025 Kennedy Center Honors “Empty Chair” Tribute
On December 7, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the world watched as KISS received one of the highest honors in American culture. But the most moving moment of the night was a silent one: a lone Gibson Les Paul sitting in an empty chair, representing the late, great Ace Frehley.
As the tribute began, the guitar didn’t just sit there—it came to life. It smoked, it glowed, and it radiated the “Space Ace” spirit one last time.
The 48-Hour Miracle
While the performance looked like magic, it was the result of a high-pressure, 48-hour build by Jim Cara and The Art of Guitar under the direction of Criss Angel and Ace Frehley Management, John Ostrosky
Following Ace’s passing in October, Jim—who had been creating all of Ace’s special effects guitars for years—was tapped to create a definitive tribute instrument for the ceremony. Working under the direction of master illusionist Criss Angel, Jim took an actual Gibson Ace Frehley model from his shop and transformed it into a sophisticated “magic device.”.
Hidden Technology & Secret Activation
Because the Kennedy Center is a prestigious, highly regulated venue, a standard “stage smoker” wouldn’t suffice. Jim engineered an entirely new system for this instrument:
Radio-Controlled Activation: Allowing the guitar to be triggered remotely within the timing track with perfect timing for the live broadcast.
Integrated Lasers & Lighting: Custom-designed to interact with the smoke, creating a “white-hot” ethereal glow that captured Ace’s “10,000 Volts” energy.
Secret Controls: At the request of Criss Angel, the activation methods were built to be invisible, making the guitar appear to “perform” of its own volition.
Preserving the Legacy: The “Twin” Build
The original “Honors Guitar” currently remains with Jim’s associate on the project, Criss Angel. However, to preserve this pinnacle of guitar engineering, Jim Cara is currently in the process of a “Twin” Build.
Based on a 1975 Gibson Deluxe, this replica will feature the same advanced radio and laser technology, alongside an “Iron Heat” box illusion. Using actual fire under controlled conditions, Jim is recreating the authentic “burn marks” of the 70s era—recreated for replica reasons only—while utilizing the modern, safe technology that allowed the Spaceman to fly until the very end.
“At the time of his death, all of his special effects guitars were created by me. This final Honors build was the most advanced work I ever did for him. It was built to honor a friend.” — Jim Cara
Ace Frehley’s Smoking Guitars are among the most recognizable and technically complex stage instruments in rock history. Because of their reputation, misinformation, unsafe replicas, and outright scams have become increasingly common.
This page exists to document the facts, explain the risks of unauthorized instruments, and provide a clear path for verification.
All post-2010 stage guitars used by Ace Frehley featuring smoke, flame, lighting, or special effects were custom built or modified by Jim Cara.
Aces original designers had passed away and/or retired full story
These instruments include Smoking Les Pauls, New York Groove flash guitars, UFO guitars, and other one-of-a-kind stage builds. Each guitar was designed for performance reliability, electrical safety, and stage use, and was approved directly by Ace Frehley.
Claims of other builders producing authentic Ace Frehley Smoking Guitars are false.
Safety Warning – Do Not Attempt DIY Smoke or Flame Systems
Unauthorized or homemade pyrotechnic, or toxic chemical smoke and flame guitar system used in public is illegal under the Homeland Security Act.
If anyone is made aware of anyone with intent known to use one of these devices in public there is a duty to report such to the proper authorities or face prosecution in any civil or criminal case that may follow.
Improper wiring, incorrect power systems, and untested materials can result in electrical shock, burns, fire hazards, and permanent instrument damage. Many online videos and listings promote unsafe methods that were never used on Ace Frehley’s actual stage guitars.
Guitars built by Jim Cara were engineered and tested with Ace Frehley for safe use.
If found using any of these devices, you can be arrested and federally prosecuted under the Homeland Security Act
Known Offenders that may or may not be under investigation
- Ace Frehley Smoking Guitar conversions on Ebay
I’ve repaired guitars that have been destroyed by this illegal conversion, which sells for $299 on Ebay. It destroys your guitar, and is illegal to use indoors or without a fire marshal present and notification on the entrance or admission ticket - Mark Wein Guitar Lessons
This explains itself
Verify an Ace Frehley Smoking Guitar
• Official stage guitars and authorized replicas are documented at acefrehleyguitars.com
• Verified guitars are built or approved by Jim Cara or official persons you can be directed to by him.
• Sellers who cannot provide documentation should be avoided
Serious Inquiries About Owning an Official Ace Frehley Replica Guitar, as well as assistance in procuring actual collector guitars owned by Ace Frehley can be answered by calling Jim Cara at 302-521-0119
Probably Not a safe and definitely not an official safe authorized guitar.
No. DIY smoke or flame systems are unsafe and are no part of Ace Frehley’s approved stage guitars.
If found using any of these devices, you can be arrested and federally prosecuted under the Homeland Security Act
Known Offenders that may or may not be under investigation
- Ace Frehley Smoking Guitar conversions on Ebay
I’ve repaired guitars that have been destroyed by this illegal conversion, which sells for $299 on Ebay. It destroys your guitar, and is illegal to use indoors or without a fire marshal present and notification on the entrance or admission ticket - Mark Wein Guitar Lessons
This explains itself