Epiphone Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul 2001 - Trans Blackburst

This 2001 Epiphone Ace Frehley Signature Les Paul in Trans Blackburst has an absolutely killer flame maple top. The combination of smoky gray figuring, deep black edges, three cream DiMarzio humbuckers, and Ace's unmistakable headstock artwork makes this a seriously striking guitar. It's one of those signature models that looks every bit as interesting today as it did when Epiphone originally released it.

The top deserves some attention here. Under softer lighting, the finish looks almost completely black, but brighter light brings out these broad, silver-gray bands of flame running across the body. There's a good amount of depth to the figuring, particularly through the lower half. The lightning-bolt fretboard inlays, Ace Frehley signature at the 12th fret, and multi-ply binding give it that unmistakable late-'90s/early-2000s Ace look.

One of the more interesting things about these original Epiphone signature models is that Gibson didn't cheap out on the pickups. They came factory-equipped with three USA-made DiMarzio Super Distortion humbuckers, and this guitar still has its original set. All three pickups and the electronics function properly, with no issues during testing. The tuners have been upgraded to Sperzel-style locking tuners, a useful addition for tuning stability.

At 8.43 lbs on my scale, this is surprisingly light for a three-pickup Les Paul. It's also playing really nicely following a recent setup. The action is comfortable and set just high enough to eliminate buzzing, with spot-on intonation. The frets and fretboard are in excellent condition. I've polished the frets, conditioned the fretboard, installed new strings, and cleaned the electronics. As with any guitar being shipped between different climates, I recommend allowing it to acclimate before making any minor setup adjustments.

Condition is Very Good, approaching Excellent in several areas. There's some light scratching throughout, most noticeably on the back, along with a few small dings that aren't particularly prominent. The upper rear binding has developed a little yellowing with age. The neck remains in very good shape, and there are no finish cracks, checking, or headstock repairs. For a guitar that's now 25 years old, it's been kept in really nice shape. Lots of thick finish left for a good level and buff.

It also includes the original Epiphone hardshell case.

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!