THE BUDOKAN!
Ace’s original “Budokan” Les Paul is THE most iconic guitar of all time for many – including myself! The image of the Space Ace with his ‘74 Cherry Sunburst Les Paul Custom, equipped with 3 Cream DiMarzio Super Distortions has been seared into the minds of millions! It became known as the Budokan due to Ace playing it at the Beatles-record-breaking shows at Budokan Hall in Japan. The Budokan is THE Ace guitar that he used throughout KISS’s heyday in the mid -to-late ‘70s. In fact, Ace uses a Gibson USA Budokan as his smoking guitar live, even today! Whether or not you’re a die-hard member of the KISS Army, there is no denying that Ace is just too cool.
The Limited Edition Gibson USA release of Ace’s “Budokan” came hot off-the-heels of the likewise Limited Edition “Budokan” release from the Custom Shop in 2011. The Gibson USA version was created as a more accessible rendition of the Budokan – it provides the tone and astetic of the Budokan, while ditching the ‘70s quirks of the original (which the CS version recreated) such as the “pancake” body, volute, 3-piece neck, and 3-piece top. ‘50s specs were favored on the Gibson USA version as it lacks a volute, lacks a “pancake” body, and has a 1-piece mahogany neck.
If you really want to RIP IT OUT, there’s no other way – only the Budokan will do!
In “Very Good” condition. Shows some light scratches/impressions throughout. The finish around the nut has formed lines around it. The strap buttons and truss rod cover have been replaced. No breaks, cracks, or repairs. Includes the original case and pictured case candy.
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Measurements
Weight: 10 lbs 9 oz
1st Fret Thickness: .84 in
12th Fret Thickness: .98 in
Nut Width: 1.69 in
12th Fret Width: 2.09 in
Here’s the original advertising from Sweetwater:
Ace Frehley’s Famous Budokan Les Paul!
With the Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Custom, you can play the legendary KISS guitarist’s prized axe! Epiphone worked closely with Ace to reproduce his “Budokan” Les Paul with all its original appointments, including a three-piece hard maple top over a mahogany body, a SlimTaper three-piece mahogany neck with a bound fingerboard, and three DiMarzio humbuckers. Although it’s not loaded with pyrotechnics like Ace’s original, you get the same feel, tone, and playability of Ace Frehley’s guitar of choice. Whether you play rhythm or lead, the Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul is ready to rock!
Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul at a Glance:
- Killer Les Paul tone that Ace is known for
- Three premium humbuckers for tonal mayhem
- Built to Ace Frehley’s specs – minus the pyrotechnics
Killer Les Paul tone that Ace is known for
When fans think of Ace’s searing lead tones and fat rhythm sounds they think Les Paul. The classic combination of a mahogany body with a maple top gives you the punchy, full sound that helped Les Paul guitars define the sound of rock ‘n’ roll. DiMarzio pickups push this guitar’s tone over the top into pure rock bliss!
Three premium humbuckers for tonal mayhem
The Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul sports three humbucking pickups to maximum tonal impact. You get two DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers in the neck and middle positions, for warm and smooth rhythm playing. Switch over to the high-output DiMarzio Super Distortion in the bridge position, though, and hit your amp right where it counts for searing lead tones.
Built to Ace Frehley’s specs – minus the pyrotechnics
From the custom neck profile to the trio of humbucking pickups, the Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul plays just the way Ace likes it to. And just like Ace, this guitar is exceptional in both rhythm and lead roles. With its beautiful Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish, you’d think you were playing Ace’s personal axe if it weren’t for the lack of pyrotechnics built-in.
Gibson Ace Frehley Budokan Les Paul Features:
- Limited edition reproduction of Ace Frehley’s iconic Les Paul
- DiMarzio “Super Distortion” humbuckers in the all three positions
- Built to Ace Frehley’s specs
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