AceShowbiz - Several legendary guitars tied to music icons such as Ace Frehley, Kirk Hammett, and Johnny Cash are set to be auctioned later this month. Julien's auction house will present 650 items during its Music Icons event in New York City on May 29 and 30, with the collection preview available at the Hard Rock Café starting May 13.

Among the most historically significant guitars is the 1954 Martin D18 once owned by Johnny Cash, famously known as the Man in Black. He played this guitar during his Grand Ole Opry debut in July 1956, performing hits like "Folsom City Blues" and "I Walk the Line." Julien's notes that Cash also recorded these songs, plus "Hey, Porter" and "There You Go," with this very instrument. The estimated auction price for the guitar ranges from $100,000 to $200,000.

A standout piece for rock enthusiasts is Ace Frehley's 1975 Gibson Les Paul, dubbed his #1 "Budokan" guitar. This instrument was a staple in every concert from 1976 to 1979, spanning the period between Kiss’ albums Rock and Roll Over and Dynasty. Frehley also recorded Kiss’ Love Gun album using this guitar, and live recordings at Tokyo’s Budokan appear on Alive II, inspiring the guitar’s nickname. Julien's estimates this guitar will fetch between $400,000 and $600,000, likely attracting passionate Kiss fans.

The auction also includes other guitars from Ace Frehley, such as a 1997 Gibson Signature Les Paul Custom played at Super Bowl XXXIII, expected to sell for $40,000 to $60,000. Additionally, a Light Show Sanchez Custom Gibson Les Paul Jr., used during Kiss' 1996 reunion tour including their iconic Brooklyn Bridge MTV performance, is projected to go for $10,000 to $15,000.

Kirk Hammett's 1993 ESP guitar, featuring a glow-in-the-dark Ouija board design, will be on the block as well. This guitar was a key instrument for Hammett throughout the 1990s, used to record Metallica’s Black Album, Load, ReLoad, Garage Inc., and Death Magnetic. It comes with a handwritten note from Hammett describing it as one of his main touring and recording guitars of that decade. The expected sale price ranges from $250,000 to $350,000.

This auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors and fans to own pieces that played vital roles in the careers of some of music’s most influential figures. With a wide selection of iconic instruments, the Music Icons auction promises to be a highlight in New York’s music memorabilia scene this spring.