INTERVIEW
just dropped it onto a portable hard drive
and brought it out to LA for the mix. But I
don’t actually like recording myself, because
you have to think too much and it can take
away from the performance.
Many people may not realize how into computers you are.
[Laughs] Yeah, I had the first Mac computer. I
had one of the first IBMs and a Commodore,
too. I was a kid when the whole computer
revolution began, so I’ve always been into
them. I had the first Radio Shack 4K computer—4K! Imagine having a computer with 4K
of memory! Back then, if you mentioned 4GB,
someone would’ve thought it was for the
military or outer space. We didn’t even talk
about that much memory back then.
coming out, and I’ve already been writing
for the next record. I also plan on doing a
cool DVD with computer animation that I’ll
score. I pride myself on thinking outside the
box, and I’m probably like that because I’m
not a schooled musician. One of the reasons
people may think I have a unique style is
because I’m self-taught and make mistakes—
or I do things in a way that, if I’d been taught
by a teacher, they would’ve corrected. To me,
there are no rules, and there never were.
acefrehley.com
Ace Frehley Signature Gibson Les Paul headstock
So what’s next for you?
Well, I finished a successful European tour,
and I’m getting ready to go out again to
Australia. Dates in the States will be coming
up, and I’ll be doing festivals in Europe this
summer. I’ve got a “Behind the Player” DVD
According to the man himself, Ace’s rig both onstage and in the studio has always been
relatively straightforward: “On the early Kiss records, I used my tobacco sunburst Gibson Les
Paul Standard with a rewound hot pickup, through a Marshall stack or old Fender tweed
amp, on most of the studio recordings. I used an Electro-Harmonix Big Muff to overdrive
them sometimes. Later, I got a cherry sunburst Les Paul Custom and an old ’ 59 Les Paul
Standard, which dominated my studio recordings in the late ‘70s. My 1978 solo album, Ace
Frehley, really shows off what a Les Paul guitar can do in the studio. I recorded almost the
whole album exclusively with my 1959 vintage sunburst Les Paul. I use Gibson Les Paul
Customs live because they’re simply the best guitars for loud rock ‘n’ roll. I’ve always said,
‘Just plug a Les Paul into a Marshall amp and turn it up to 10!’ It’s a no-brainer.”
ACE’S GEARBOX
the Straight Truth About Pickups by Jason Lollar
The “magic” found in some (but not all) classic vintage pickups
was created by accident. Don’t let anyone tell you different. And
over time, some pretty stellar accidents happened. The only way
to recreate that magic is to study more than a few exceptional
examples of all the classic pickup types, while acquiring a
thorough understanding of exactly what materials were used
and precisely how each pickup was constructed and wound. Only
then is the “magic” repeatable, if you are willing to spend the time
and money required to chase the dragon. I am.
I personally design and wind over 30 different pickup models,
including all the vintage classics, many obscure works of art
known only to lap and pedal steel players like Robert Randolph,
and even a few of my own designs that never existed in the past.
I invite you to visit our website for sound clips, videos and
current product information, or call us for a free product
highlight brochure.
Lollar Guitars PO Box 2450 Vashon Island, WA 98070 (206) 463-9838 www.lollarguitars.com
www.premierguitar.com
PREMIER GUITAR APRIL 2010 97
