Johnny Cash, Ace Frehley and Kirk Hammett Guitars Lead Julien’s Upcoming Music Memorabilia Auction
A collection of instruments and memorabilia tied to some of the most influential names in music history is heading to auction later this month, with rare guitars connected to Johnny Cash, Ace Frehley, and Kirk Hammett expected to draw major interest from collectors.
Julien's Auctions will host its latest Music Icons sale in New York City on May 29 and 30, featuring more than 650 pieces of music-related memorabilia spanning rock, country, pop, and metal history. Selected items from the auction will be placed on public display beginning May 13 at the Hard Rock Cafe New York.
Among the most historically significant lots is a 1954 Martin D-18 acoustic guitar once owned by Johnny Cash. According to Julien’s, the instrument was used during Cash’s debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in July 1956, where he performed songs including “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” The guitar is also believed to have been used during early recording sessions for tracks such as “Hey Porter” and “There You Go.”
The auction house estimates the instrument will sell for between $100,000 and $200,000.
Collectors of classic hard rock memorabilia are expected to focus heavily on several instruments connected to Kiss guitarist Ace Frehley. The centerpiece among them is Frehley’s 1975 Gibson Les Paul, widely known among fans as his “Budokan” guitar. Julien’s describes it as Frehley’s primary live instrument between 1976 and 1979, during a period that included the band’s Rock and Roll Over, Love Gun, and Dynasty eras.
The guitar was also reportedly used during sessions for Love Gun and appears on recordings associated with Alive II. Because of its close connection to the band’s late-1970s peak, the instrument carries one of the highest estimates in the sale, projected between $400,000 and $600,000.
Additional Frehley items include a Gibson Signature Les Paul Custom played during events connected to Super Bowl XXXIII and a custom Gibson Les Paul Jr. used during Kiss’ 1996 reunion tour, including the group’s well-known MTV performance on the Brooklyn Bridge.
Another high-profile item comes from Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett. His 1993 ESP guitar featuring a glow-in-the-dark Ouija board design is expected to sell for between $250,000 and $350,000.
The instrument was reportedly used during recording sessions for multiple Metallica albums, including Metallica, commonly referred to as The Black Album, as well as Load, ReloadGarage Inc., and Death Magnetic. The guitar also includes a handwritten note from Hammett confirming its role as one of his principal touring and studio instruments throughout the 1990s.
The auction also includes instruments associated with Eddie Van Halen, Dave Mustaine, Scott Ian, Mick Mars, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, reflecting the broad range of genres represented in the sale.
Beyond guitars, the auction features several notable archival and collectible pieces tied to music history. A signed copy of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, bearing signatures from all four members of The Beatles, is expected to sell for between $20,000 and $40,000. Handwritten lyrics to “Woodstock” by Joni Mitchell are also included, alongside signed legal documents connected to Jim Morrison following his controversial 1969 arrest in Florida.
Stage and wardrobe pieces will also be part of the sale, including clothing worn by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, gloves worn by Lisa of Blackpink, and apparel connected to Sabrina Carpenter and the Sex Pistols.
