Historic Ace Frehley Guitar Brings In Over Half A Million At Music Icons Auction

By Editorial Staff | Published: May 31, 2026 4:43 PM EDT

A historic Les Paul guitar from late KISS legend Ace Frehley was sold for $512,000 at the Music Icons auction that just took place from Julien's Auctions at the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square in New York City on May 29-30th.

The special auction attracted bidders from 30 countries competing for nearly 700 pieces of music history including several pieces from the late KISS cofounder and Eddie Van Halen's Stage Played and Signed, Personally Striped Charvel Art Series Guitar 076 from Last Performance with Sammy Hagar $115,200 (more than double estimate).

Here is the official recap: "Music memorabilia continues to attract strong interest from both collectors and investors seeking rare, culturally important artifacts," said Martin Nolan, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Julien's Auctions. "In a period of economic uncertainty, historic pop culture treasures have emerged as compelling assets , combining rarity, emotional connection, and enduring cultural relevance. Our annual Music Icons auction, featuring exceptional pieces from artists including Ace Frehley, Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson, and many others, continues to set the standard for the global music collectibles market while driving record-breaking demand."

This year's edition of "Music Icons" featured an extraordinary collection of some of the most powerful and influential guitars ever to appear at auction, including instruments played by legends such as Ace Frehley, George Harrison, Eddie Van Halen, Prince, Brian May, Peter Frampton, Slash, Izzy Stradlin, Dave Navarro, Mick Mars, Dave Mustaine, and more.

Also featured were personal items from music icons including Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Hank Williams Sr., Mick Jagger, Elton John, Freddie Mercury, Olivia Newton-John, Elvis Presley, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Lemmy Kilmister, Annie Lennox, Tommy Lee, and Sabrina Carpenter, among others.

One of the many highlights in the sale was the guitar Johnny Cash played at his 1956 Grand Ole Opry debut. Cash used his Martin D-18 acoustic from 1954 to 1956, potentially making it his earliest professional guitar. During that period, Cash recorded some of his best known songs including "Hey, Porter," "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk the Line," and "There You Go."

For KISS fans the sale included dozens of unique items, from stage-worn costumes to personal effects. The centerpiece was Ace Frehley's 1975 Gibson Les Paul, one of the most historically significant guitars in rock and roll. Frehley relied on the instrument throughout his career, using it on stage and in the studio with KISS more than any other guitar in his arsenal. His long association with the Gibson Les Paul earned him a place on nearly every "Top 10 Les Paul Players of All Time" list.

Music Icons Highlights:

Ace Frehley
* 1975 Gibson Les Paul Ace #1 in Sunburst Finish $512,000
* Super Bowl XXXIII Stage Played Artist Proof #007 1997 Gibson Signature Les Paul Custom, Cherry Sunburst $57,600 (near 6x estimate)
* Ace Frehley's Stage Played 1996 KISS Reunion Tour Light Show Sanchez Custom Gibson Les Paul Jr, Silver Sparkle Metallic $57,600 (near 6x estimate)
* Ace Frehley Life-Size Stage-Worn Destroyer Costume Mannequin $51,200 (over 3x estimate)
* Ace Frehley/Arthur Kane Stage Worn Jumpsuit - Purple Velour $11,520 (near 4x estimate)
* 1977 Tour Jacket - Ace Frehley's Personal '1977 Rock & Roll Over' Tour $8,960 (over 2x estimate)

Instruments
* Johnny Cash | Grand Ole Opry 1956 Debut Stage Played 1954 Martin D18 Acoustic Guitar $192,000 (near double estimate)
* Eddie Van Halen |Stage Played and Signed, Personally Striped Charvel Art Series
* Guitar 076 from Last Performance with Sammy Hagar $115,200 (more than double estimate)
* Izzy Stradlin | Guns N Roses 1987 Gibson HR Fusion 1 Izzy $38,400
* Gary Busey Owned and Played 1959 Fender Stratocaster Hardtail, Three Tone Sunburst $35,000
* Mick Mars| Motley Crue Owned and Played 1959 Fender Stratocaster, Blonde $28,800
* Adam Clayton| U2 "Unforgettable Fire" Studio Used and Stage Played '85 Live Aid Vintage Fender Jazz Bass $25,600
* Nirvana |Photo Matched Dave Grohl Studio Played Hilversum Session Drums with Cymbals Stands and Cases $16,000 (over 5x estimate)
* Dave Mustaine | Megadeth Stage Played and Signed 2007 Dean Blood Lust
* Double Neck Mustaine V Electric Guitar $10,240 (double estimate)
* Black Sabbath | Bill Ward stage used Zildjian Gong $8,960 (near 3x estimate)
* Bob Dylan Owned and Stage-Used Hohner Harmonica $4,480 (near 6x estimate

Personal Treasures & More
* The Rolling Stones|Mick Jagger 1969 Hyde Park Concert Stage-worn Belt $51,200 (51x estimate)
* The Beatles 1966 Butcher Cover "Yesterday and Today" Album (First State) $25,600
* The White Stripes |Meg White "Elephant" Album Cover-Worn Dress with CD $25,600 (over 6x estimate)
* Joni Mitchell "Woodstock" Original Fair Copy Handwritten Lyrics $ 25,600
* Jim Morrison Signed 1969 Bail Bond Documents $22,400
* Tommy Lee eMoke Electric Vehicle $22,400
* John Lennon Handwritten "Bernice's Sheep" Poem $19,200
* Madonna Early 1980s Polaroid Photo $12,800
* Paul Cook|Sex Pistols 1977 Stage Worn Sex Pistols "Anarchy in the U.K." T-Shirt $12,800
* Michael Jackson 1988 Signed "Moon Walk" Book $7,680 (over 15x estimate)

* Sabrina Carpenter |"Manchild" Music Video-Worn Bluemarine Shorts | $3,520