This 2012 Gibson USA Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom in Heritage Cherry Sunburst is one I originally bought with every intention of keeping. Between the KISS connection, the three-pickup Custom look and how clean this particular example is, it checks a lot of boxes for me. I just can’t justify tying up this much value in one guitar right now, so it’s getting a new home.

The Budokan model was Gibson’s tribute to the Les Paul Custom Ace used during KISS’s legendary 1977 shows at Nippon Budokan in Japan. Gibson leaned heavily into the look and layout of that guitar, and the result is one of the more instantly recognizable Ace Frehley signature Les Pauls they’ve made.

This is the Gibson USA version, finished in Heritage Cherry Sunburst with the multi-ply Custom-style body and headstock binding, split-diamond headstock inlay, block fretboard inlays, oversized cream pickguard, gold speed knobs and those unmistakable pearloid banjo-style tuner buttons.

The three double-cream DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers are a huge part of the personality here. They have considerably more push than a normal vintage-output Les Paul pickup and give this guitar the aggressive, immediate response I would expect from an Ace model. The three-way selector also uses the Budokan-specific arrangement, giving you neck alone, middle and bridge together, or bridge alone.

It’s a really fun guitar to actually play rather than just collect. The action is sitting right where I like it at a comfortable medium height, the frets are excellent, intonation is spot on and the recent setup passed inspection without needing correction. Everything feels solid and dialed in.

Weight is 9.92 lbs on my scale.

What stood out to me:

• Ace Frehley Budokan signature model
• Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
• Three double-cream DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers
• Budokan-specific pickup switching
• Multi-ply Les Paul Custom-style binding
• Split-diamond headstock inlay
• Block fretboard inlays
• Pearloid banjo-style tuner buttons
• Excellent original frets
• Comfortable recent setup
• Spot-on intonation
• Original electronics passed complete inspection
• 9.92 lbs on my scale
• Original Gibson hardshell case
• Includes the pictured inspection sheet and warranty booklet

Condition is Excellent and this is an unusually clean example. It honestly looks like it has barely had the chance to be broken in. The Heritage Cherry Sunburst still presents beautifully, the hardware is exceptionally clean and the body, neck, backside and fretboard all came through inspection in excellent condition.

The only thing worth pointing out is some light discoloration along the binding near the headstock, consistent with the guitar having spent time hanging on display. It’s minor and pictured clearly. Otherwise, I found very little evidence of meaningful play wear.

The original electronics and pickups remain intact and everything passed my complete electronics test.

Includes the original Gibson hardshell case along with the pictured inspection sheet and warranty booklet.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and fully insured via Reverb Safe Shipping.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!