2021 Goldin Elite Closing Jan 30 &31
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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/30/2021

As one of the great guitarists of the heavy metal or any era, Ace Frehley has been performing since 1973 and is one of the founding members of the legendary band KISS. Frehley recorded nine studio albums in his first stint with KISS from 1974-1981, before leaving the band in 1982 to form his own band Frehley's Comet. Presented here is an incredible stage-used 1993 Gibson Les Paul electric guitar that features an exquisite cherry sunburst finish and design customizations that include "ACE" etched into the mother-of-pearl inlay at the 12th fret, along with a planet etched into the mother-of-pearl truss rod plate on the headstock. The back of the guitar body has a large "Mighty Mouse". The guitar has three DiMarzio humbucker pickups, pearloid tuners, a cream-colored pickguard, standard rhythm/treble switch, and four volume/tone knobs. There are numerous small dents and dimples on the upper portion of the body, a common characteristic of Frehley's personally-used guitars, which was the result of 'punching' the guitar with the rings worn on his right hand. Frehley has signed the back of the headstock in silver ink and added his trademark sketch of an “Ace of Hearts”. Also accompanying this guitar is the Gibson hard shell case and a certificate of authenticity signed in black ballpoint by Frehley, along with several images of Frehley playing this very guitar.

There are many images from Frehley’s tours showing him using this guitar as he is shown posing with it inside the 1996–1997 Kiss 'Alive/Worldwide' Tour program with images showing the woodgrain patterns in the image that clearly match those on this guitar's body, the cover of the September 1996 issue of Guitar World magazine covering KISS's reunion, plus original examples of the program and magazine that are included. Additionally, video exists of him playing it in concert footage from the Birch Hill Nightclub in New Jersey on February 19, 1995 and towards the end of the video, both the mother-of-pearl planet on the headstock and 'Mighty Mouse' sticker are seen. Another video from the 30th anniversary party for Eddie Trunk's radio show at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City on October 23, 2013 shows him taking off the guitar after playing KISS’s seminal song 'Rock and Roll All Nite,' where again the 'Mighty Mouse' sticker can be seen on the back.

It is extremely rare for a Frehley's stage-used guitar to hit the public auction block and this example is particularly well-documented with the signed COA from Frehley identifying this specific guitar by its “Mighty Mouse” sticker and matching serial number “92883385” and this guitar is pictured with him in multiple photos and videos. There is also a copy of the FedEx label that was sent from Frehley’s home in San Diego. This guitar also formed the basis for the Ace Frehley Signature Model Les Paul (ACE 300) which was released by Gibson in 1997. As the original lead guitarist of KISS, Frehley created the “Spaceman” persona and toured and recorded with the group from its inception in 1974 until his departure in 1982, when he embarked on a solo career. Frehley rejoined KISS for their 1996 reunion tour and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014. This is a remarkable personally-owned guitar from one of the great hard rock guitarists of the 20th century.

Bidding
Current Bidding
Minimum Bid: $20,000.00
Final prices include buyers premium.: $43,200.00
Number Bids: 7
Auction closed on Monday, February 1, 2021.
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