Up Close With Legendary Guitars From Ace Frehley, Kirk Hammett, Stevie Ray Vaughan and More at Julien’s Music Icons Auction

Julien’s Music Icons auction has become one of the most anticipated annual events in the music world, bringing together some of the rarest and most important rock memorabilia ever seen — especially legendary guitars tied to the biggest names in music history.

The 2026 edition promises to be particularly remarkable. Next month, at the Hard Rock Cafe in Times Square, collectors and fans will have the opportunity to bid on instruments that helped shape rock music across generations.

Before the official auction begins, the headline items were showcased at the Hard Rock Cafe in London’s Piccadilly Circus, giving the public a rare chance to see these iconic guitars up close. After London, the collection will travel to Tokyo before returning to New York for the main event.

Guitar.com was granted early access to inspect some of the most important instruments in the sale and speak with Julien’s Auctions Co-founder and Executive Director, Martin Nolan. Surrounded by the legendary memorabilia that decorates every Hard Rock Cafe, the setting could hardly have been more appropriate.

“We’ve been doing this for 21 years,” says Martin Nolan. “Yes, the auctions are exciting and the record-breaking prices are exciting, but the truly rewarding part is bringing these instruments to places around the world where people never imagined they’d stand face-to-face with such important guitars.”

The Legendary Les Paul of Ace Frehley

Among all the guitars featured in this year’s auction, perhaps none carries more emotional weight than the iconic Les Paul belonging to KISS legend Ace Frehley.

Following the recent passing of the guitarist, the appearance of his most famous instrument at auction only months later gives the event an even greater sense of significance.

This particular #1 Les Paul was not Ace Frehley’s first Les Paul, but it became his definitive guitar and one of the most recognizable instruments in rock history.

The Cherry Sunburst 1975 Gibson Les Paul Custom entered Frehley’s arsenal around 1976 and quickly became his main stage guitar through 1978. Even afterward, it remained a regular presence during live performances and recording sessions until his departure from KISS in 1982.

This is the very guitar seen during some of the band’s most historic moments, including the legendary Tokyo Budokan concert in 1977.

Frehley customized the guitar with two DiMarzio Super Distortion pickups and added a third “dummy” pickup in the middle simply because he liked the visual appearance. The instrument also features a relocated strap button and a sticker on the back of the body.

When fans picture Ace Frehley, chances are this is the guitar they imagine him holding. Auction estimates place its value between $400,000 and $600,000.

Instruments That Defined Rock History

One of the most fascinating aspects of this year’s Music Icons auction is the strong representation of artists who shaped the sound of the 1980s and 1990s.

Among them stands Kirk Hammett of Metallica.

Throughout his career, Kirk Hammett has used countless memorable guitars, but few are as instantly recognizable as his famous ESP Ouija.

The guitar’s distinctive mystical artwork has inspired numerous reissues and variations over the years, but the instrument featured in this auction is the original model.

On the back of the guitar, Kirk Hammett personally wrote a note confirming it as his first-ever Ouija ESP. He also mentioned that the guitar was used extensively on tour and during the recording sessions for Metallica’s Black Album, Load, and Reload.

As far as Metallica history is concerned, this guitar represents a major piece of the band’s legacy. It is expected to sell for approximately $250,000 to $300,000.

The Guitar From Welcome To The Jungle

Few music videos are as iconic as Welcome To The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses. The video introduced millions of viewers to the band and quickly became one of MTV’s defining moments.

In the clip, Izzy Stradlin can be seen playing a rather unconventional choice for the era — a 1987 Gibson Howard Roberts Fusion.

At the time, it was an unexpected instrument for a hard rock guitarist, but over the years it became permanently linked with one of rock’s most important visual moments.

Although Izzy Stradlin eventually sold the guitar, its place in music history remains secure. The instrument is estimated to sell for around $50,000.

MTV, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Guitar Immortality

MTV performances have had a huge impact on the value of collectible guitars in recent years, particularly instruments tied to famous MTV Unplugged appearances.

One of the standout pieces in the 2026 auction is the 1969 Guild F-412 12-string acoustic guitar played by Stevie Ray Vaughan during his unforgettable MTV Unplugged performance in 1990.

For many guitar fans, Stevie Ray Vaughan represents the absolute pinnacle of electric guitar playing. Watching him perform Pride And Joy on a 12-string acoustic only reinforced the extraordinary depth of his talent.

His intensity, technical skill, and raw musical energy transformed the performance into something unforgettable.

Standing in front of the very guitar he played only months before his tragic death is a deeply moving experience.

It comes as no surprise that auction organizers expect the instrument to reach between $300,000 and $500,000.

Preserving the Legacy of Rock ’n’ Roll

According to Martin Nolan, these auctions are about much more than money.

“This isn’t simply about selling collectibles,” he explains. “It’s about preserving rock history, telling important stories, and giving ordinary fans the opportunity to experience truly incredible pieces of music history.”

He emphasizes that these instruments are far more than expensive collector’s items.

“People feel emotionally connected to them. They are works of art. Yes, they are investments, but they also allow someone to connect with artists like Ace Frehley or Izzy Stradlin.

We all have musicians who shaped our lives growing up. These guitars continue telling those stories decades later.”

Nolan believes these instruments will remain important cultural symbols for generations to come.

“In 10 years, 30 years, 50 years, or even 100 years from now, these guitars will still matter. The new owners are simply caretakers whose responsibility is to preserve them so future generations can continue to appreciate and be inspired by them.”