Epiphone Ace Frehley Signature "Budokan" Les Paul Custom 2012 - Faded Cherry Sunburst

This 2012 Epiphone Ace Frehley “Budokan” Les Paul Custom is #414 of only 1,000 made, and this one has had a really tasteful set of upgrades aimed at bringing it closer to the feel and electronics of the Gibson Budokan model. The Faded Cherry Sunburst still looks fantastic, and between the three cream humbuckers, oversized pickguard, multi-ply binding, and Ace-specific appointments, it has a ton of presence in person.

At 9.35 lbs on my scale, it has the substantial feel you expect from a Les Paul Custom without being ridiculous. More importantly, this one plays extremely well. It received a full setup along with a fret polish, fretboard conditioning, and new strings. The action is low, intonation is spot on, and the fretboard and frets feel exceptionally smooth. Neck relief is right where it should be and the guitar feels effortless to get around on.

The original pickups are still in place, but the electronics have been substantially upgraded. The factory pots and plastic-coated wiring were replaced with Gibson 500k vintage audio taper pots, vintage-style braided wire, Luxe Bumble Bee paper-in-oil capacitors, a Switchcraft three-way switch, and a Switchcraft output jack. The result is a noticeably more open and responsive electronics package. The pickups are snappy and aggressive without getting harsh, and this guitar genuinely has much more of that higher-end Gibson-type response than I normally expect out of an Epiphone.

There are several other well-done upgrades throughout. The original bridge and tailpiece were replaced with a Gotoh nickel-silver bridge and aluminum tailpiece, the factory plastic nut was replaced with a hand-cut and slotted bone nut, the fretboard’s original pearloid blocks were replaced with real mother-of-pearl inlays, and the strap buttons were upgraded to nickel-silver strap locks. The toggle-switch plate was also changed to the cream version with gold lettering. The original pole pieces, tailpiece, strap buttons, jack, toggle-switch plate, and other pictured parts are included.

Condition is Very Good overall, leaning toward Excellent in a lot of areas. The body and backside are exceptionally clean, while the neck has a small ding and there are some light finish scratches and signs of use here and there. There are no headstock or neck breaks or repairs, no finish checking or cracks, and the frets are in excellent shape. Everything has been fully tested and is functioning properly.

Includes the original Budokan hard case, complete case candy, numbered certificate, and the pictured original/replaced parts.

What stood out to me

• #414 of only 1,000 made
• Extremely good setup with low action
• 9.35 lbs on my scale
• Original pickups with upgraded Gibson/Switchcraft/Luxe electronics
• Gotoh bridge and lightweight aluminum tailpiece
• Hand-cut bone nut
• Real mother-of-pearl fretboard inlays
• Original Budokan hard case and complete case candy
• Original/replaced parts pictured are included
• One of the better-playing Epiphone Les Pauls I’ve had through here

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!