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Average Price: $4,867
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$1001+
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Description
The Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar is more than just an instrument—it's a piece of rock history. This stunning re-creation of Ace Frehley's iconic guitar from KISS's legendary 1977 concert at Nippon Budokan is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Designed to deliver the same explosive sound that defined the late '70s rock era, this guitar is perfect for musicians seeking both historical significance and unrivaled performance.
The triple DiMarzio humbuckers—a pair of PAF models in the middle and neck, and a Super Distortion at the bridge—are wired to offer Ace's signature sound, complete with a 3-way toggle that acts as a kill switch for the unique "stutter" effect. The guitar's construction features a "sandwich" style body with a solid mahogany core and maple veneer top, finished in the same nitrocellulose Heritage Cherry Sunburst as the original.
An ode to its predecessor, the neck boasts a 3-piece mahogany design with a thin profile for a familiar, swift feel, while Grover pearloid banjo tuners add a touch of vintage class. Limited to only 100 guitars worldwide, each comes with a leather-bound Certificate of Authenticity and a special hardshell case adorned with Ace's signature—making it not just an instrument, but a collector's treasure.
Key Features:
- Exact replica of Ace Frehley's 1977 Budokan guitar
- Solid mahogany body with maple veneer top
- Heritage Cherry Sunburst nitrocellulose finish
- Grover pearloid banjo tuners
- Trio of DiMarzio humbuckers: Super Distortion at the bridge, PAFs at middle and neck
- 3-way toggle rewired to act as a kill switch for bridge pickup
- Limited to 100 units worldwide, with a Certificate of Authenticity and custom hardshell case
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | USA Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom |
| Finish | Heritage Cherry Sunburst |
| Year | 2012 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Artist | Ace Frehley |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Composite |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HHH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Gibson Artist Collection |
| Top Material | Maple |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
FAQs
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What are the standout features of the Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar?
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This guitar features a unique HHH pickup configuration, mahogany body, and a maple top with a Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish. It is designed to replicate the iconic instrument used by Ace Frehley during his performances at the Budokan in the 1970s.
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How does the Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom compare to a standard Les Paul Custom?
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The "Budokan" model is distinguished by its triple humbucker pickup setup, specific artist-inspired aesthetics, and historical significance. It offers a unique tonal palette and visual appeal tailored to fans of Ace Frehley and collectors.
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Is the Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom suitable for playing rock music?
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Yes, the triple humbucker configuration and solid mahogany body deliver a powerful sound ideal for rock music, echoing Ace Frehley's signature tone.
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom?
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The guitar features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and familiar feel typical of Les Paul guitars, suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Does the Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom come with any special accessories?
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This limited edition guitar often includes a custom hard case and a certificate of authenticity, enhancing its value for collectors and fans of Ace Frehley.
Videos
Musician's Friend
Gibson Custom Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom Hand-Aged Electric Guitar
Gibson Custom Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom Hand-Aged Electric Guitar
Musician's Friend
Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom V.O.S. - Review / Test
Have Guitar
Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Demo/Review
The Guitar FretZone
Ace Frehley (Kiss) Signature 'Budokan' Les Paul Custom
Gibson Guitar NYC
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar.
Comparisons
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The Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul neck is likened to an Ibanez Wizard II, suggesting a very slim neck profile.
Source -
Some 70s Les Pauls are noted for having necks less than 0.79" at the first fret, comparable to Ibanez thinness, but modern models rarely go below 0.82".
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The Ace Frehley Budokan’s consistent use of traditional wood contrasts with other 2012 Gibsons experimenting with ziricote, obeche, and coracoa de nego.
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Owners compare double cream pickups in appearance to Jimmy Page's #1 and #2 guitars, which featured uncovered double whites, highlighting a classic rock aesthetic.
Source
User experience
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An owner of the Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul notes the neck has a "stupid thin" feel, slimmer than many ESPs.
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Owners report no audible difference in sound despite the varied fretboard woods used in 2012 models, highlighting the Ace Frehley Budokan’s consistent performance.
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An owner reminisces about their first Gibson SG with double cream pickups, indicating a nostalgic value and aesthetic appeal associated with these pickups.
Source
Build quality
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The Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul is one of the few 2012 Gibsons confirmed to have a solid Indian rosewood fretboard amidst a wood shortage.
Source
Features and functionality
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The 2012 Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul stands out for maintaining traditional wood use, unlike other models that shifted to alternatives like baked maple or richlite.
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The Gibson pickup shop offers '57 pickups in double cream, a sought-after option for those seeking vintage tone and look.
Source
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
3177
Awesome guitar in my gear
I changed the pickups to all Dimarzio : PAF Pro(neck), The Breed(middle). I play classic rock, alternative rock, pop punk etc. These pickups are suitable to my style very much
Artist usage
Add artist
In this interview with Ace, the gear column mentions he used the "Budokan" during the recording and tour of Space Invader.
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During Kiss Kruise VIII Tommy Thayer played some songs on Ace Frehley's Les Paul model
Here you can see Steve Brown with Ace Frehley Gibson "Budokan" Les Paul Custom at Kiss Creatures Fest
Album Usage
The Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Ace Frehley "Budokan" Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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