If you ever wanted to own a literal piece of hard rock history, it would have cost you a cool half-million dollars.
Last week, at Julien’s Auctions blockbuster *Music Icons* event at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City, late KISS legend Ace Frehley’s legendary **1975 Gibson Les Paul Custom** officially changed hands, pulling in a massive $512,000.
The Holy Grail of Spaceman Guitars
Often referred to by fans as the **”Budokan” Les Paul**, this cherry sunburst beauty with its distinct triple-pickup configuration is arguably the most famous instrument in the Spaceman’s stellar arsenal.
Frehley wielded this exact guitar more than any other during the height of KISS’s 1970s global domination. It was his go-to weapon of choice on the *Rock and Roll Over* tour, right through the *Dynasty* era.
The Budokan Connection: It earned its legendary nickname during KISS’s historic four-night sold-out residency at Japan’s Nippon Budokan arena in April 1977.
If you love the tone on 1977’s landmark Love Gun album, you are hearing this exact Les Paul.
Modifications and Legacy:
Over the decades, the guitar saw a few modifications—including a stint in the ’80s where it sported a Washburn Wonderbar vibrato system—before eventually being restored back to its classic original specs for the auction block.
Its legendary status is precisely why Gibson eventually modeled their famous limited-edition Custom Shop “Budokan” replica after it, cementing its place in guitar lore.
While $512,000 is a steep price for most of us working stiffs and gear hounds, it’s a fitting tribute to a player who helped define the sound and visual spectacle of 1970s hard rock.
Was it worth it? I actually thought that it would go for more. But I am a lifetime Ace Frehley fan.
What do you think, guitar fans? Is the “Budokan” Les Paul the ultimate KISS axe, or do you prefer the smoking/rocket-launching custom rigs? Let us know in the comments below!*