Ace Frehley’s 1975 Les Paul to Headline Major Guitar Auction

Ace Frehley’s primary 1975 Gibson Les Paul, famously played during KISS’s landmark 1977 “Alive II” tour and at the Budokan, will be auctioned by Julien’s Auctions next month. The instrument carries a pre-sale estimate of $400,000 to $600,000.

Known as the “Budokan” guitar, it is visually defined by its cracked mirror pickguard and was a central part of Frehley’s stage identity during KISS’s peak era. Its sale highlights the sustained market for iconic rock artifacts tied to specific cultural moments.

The auction, titled “Played, Worn, & Torn: Rock & Roll Iconic Guitars and Memorabilia,” also features instruments from Stevie Ray Vaughan and Kirk Hammett. The event underscores how historically significant gear, particularly from definitive tours, is increasingly treated as fine art and cultural heritage.