gene simmons basses through the years

Then came the aftermath. Kramer Aluminum Gene Simmons Axe Bass KISS 1980 Black & Gray Autographed by Gene Simmons and numbered w/OHSC, Serial No. I think it's fair to say that Gene's techs have made quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years. Theres a lot to like about this costly Thunderbird, from its searing hot tones to that striking mirror-on-black aesthetic. It turns out Gene accidentally rubbed host Terry Gross up the wrong way during an interview with the star. The new collection will launch with the release of the G Thunderbird bass later this year. Rather than call this a new "version" I'll label the incredible disappearing binding a failed experiment and leave it at that. Rock fans everywhere might disagree as Gene Simmons believes its time to give up on the genre. For the better part of the Spirit Tour '76 the LoBue retains the mk VI look. The Serial Number for this Gene Simmons KISS: PUNISHER Bass Guitar is: #00896. Its one thing to be in a band. On the other hand it was listed in the Butterfields auction without the name of the luthier and it was suggested that it dated from the 1983 Creatures tour (which there is no evidence for, the Axe used on that tour was a Kramer). 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive. From there it goes out to an Empress Compressor and one of two Tech 21 VT-Bass 1969 amps. This is the story behind the iconic Axe Bass which has been wielded by Gene Simmons for decades. Unfortunately it is exceedingly difficult to try and identify which Spector is which in most photos, even if they are well-lit. The neck has pearl diamond inlays just like Gene's, and the detail in the paint and set up is just like the Demons. In fact, his passion for comic books even helped to inspire The Demon that we see at Kiss shows as Biography reports Gene shaped his character on Marvels Black Bolt. It seems Gene will live to spit blood another day. Exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961. Malcolm Young more influential than EVH or Clapton? Its one of the most distinctive signature models of all time, but how did the KISS Demon come up with his trusty four-string? This is one of first Gene Simmons (KISS) signed Axe Basses made available to the public. They dont have the attack you need in arenas., Simmons isnt a nostalgic type of guy when it comes to his instruments, even the vintage ones and the prototypes, I dont have that sort of I have to keep this one because its my first mentality. The second change of the Return of KISS tour are actually two changes. Last years news that he was launching his own G2 brand pronounced G squared through the American giants nevertheless came as a surprise, the new collaboration pledging to release a whole range of guitars and basses built with the Demons personal seal of approval. Gene Simmons: "Everything Vinnie Vincent did sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on crack". Sophie reportedly pestered major streaming sites instead. Gene had another story in 1996: "A couple of years later I lent it to Micki Free, whose band Smokehouse opened for us once, and never saw it again." In contrast, Spector #2 takes a serious beating throughout (the pics below span the entire tour). Instead, he decided to keep himself as healthy as possible as Gene told CNN that hes never even tried an adult beverage or taken any illegal substances. Once we move into 1978 and the Alive II tour the second Spector (henceforth known as Spector #2) makes its first appearance. In Atlanta 76.08.29 it's still mk VI but for the start of the Winter Tour in Savannah 76.11.24 the new bridge is in place. The best indicator when it comes to Gene is the belt part of his cod piece which was leather for the Dynasty tour but got very distinct silvery scales for Unmasked.). So what is the Axe Bass, then? The bass checked . Whatever the reason for the lack of an Axe, this particular Axe makes its last appearance during the European leg of the Crazy Nights tour, shows up for the convention and then disappears; it doesn't even feature in the auction (which. Things went from bad to worse when two women accused Gene of behaving inappropriately, something he denies. After all, his stage show is often filled with performances of him showing off his impressive tongue skills and has been argued as one of the most iconic poses of all times. [**] 1996 Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive! The thunder starts with a Shure U4D-UHF into a Radial JD-7 Injector. Shannon Tweed rose to fame as a Playboy model and actress before she met and wooed Gene at the Playboy Mansion. All the latest gene simmons celebrity news, videos, and more. This wasnt the first time that Gene had found himself on the wrong side of people, and several think it wont be the last. I love it." Simmons estimates hes sold about 10,000 instruments over the past 10 years. Sadly, Steve Carr passed away in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Axe story will forever be shrouded in mystery. Sadly, the truth isnt quite so exciting as Gene apparently discovered he had an impressively long tongue when he was 13 years old and realized it was a hit with the ladies. There is a photo as early as 77.08.19 in San Diego, CA that shows the white pickguard Thunderbird on stage during the pre-show setup. He's interviewed everyone from Ozzy Osbourne and Lemmy to Slash and Jimmy Page, and once even traded solos with a member of Slayer on a track released internationally. Shannon Tweed - Now The problem? KISS frontman Gene Simmons delivers briefing at Pentagon podium that has not seen a spokesperson in almost a year By Tom Kludt , CNN Business Updated 10:54 AM EDT, Fri May 17, 2019 However, Gene Simmons had his own views on it all and they werent very popular. I still have 50 or so that are from the 70s but theyre available for sale. To those who might call Simmons a sellout, Simmons has a message, Damn right, bitch. He's a better bass player than he is a guitar player. Gene Simmons isn't telling California to kiss off yet. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Everybody knows that Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has a long tongue. Perhaps youve found yourself wondering how Gene could have landed himself in such hot water when talking about immigration as he and his family immigrated to the US when he was a child? . See Gibson for more details. However, being so popular means there have been plenty of conspiracy theories about Genes tongue. Under the hood, in the 70s and 80s the Axe featured a boost, but the current models feature only EMG pickups and a preamp. Gene Simmons now thinks people pirating songs was enough to see the end of rock and roll as he confessed he thinks no one values the music enough to pay for it.. The SB-1 had a mini switch, something that none of Gene's Spectors have and it would be easy to assume that his instruments were simply built without one. Gene even went as far as to accuse the legend of lip-syncing her performances in the past. Once you do, the ceramic magnets in the Rhythm and Lead T-Bird humbuckers pack a powerful and immediate response, with no shortage of punch and depth, making for a bass that sounds, much like the American groups landmark 1975 release, truly alive. Gene Simmons, bassist and co-vocalist of rock band Kiss, looks back on the band's career, and how he has been in charge of the group's highly lucrative business affairs. Long believed to be a prototype for a possible Gibson Gene Simmons signature guitar, this bass is actually a heavily modified 60's Gibson EB-0. Name: Frank Benpensata From: Staten Island, NY USA First Backstage Bass Experience: Wizard World Comic Convention What I remember most: Getting a private meet and greet with Gene's at his hotel in New York City.This was the night before the NYC Vault Experience in 2018. The original single-coil pickup seems to be gone and in its stead is what looks almost like the Filtertron pickups that Gretsch made. The 1970s rock scene was one that had to be enjoyed to be believed. An interesting aside is that the Grabber was the least expensive instrument in the Gibson 1975 catalogue, even cheaper than the Marauder that Paul smashed on a nightly basis. Considering the rather complicated control layout, 3 knobs and 4 switches, it was probably not a Gene favorite. After being on a breif hiatus the Thunderbird returned to the Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the Bicentennial. It's a little hard to say when the Gibson sponsorship ran out but the classic "KISS uses Gibson Guitars and Pearl drums because they want the best" was present on the back cover of Love gun (June) but absent on Alive II (November). One can also see that the material under the studs is completely different from the rest of the bass. Published. Gene tapped Valdez Guitars to build the first one, then Steve Carr built a few, as did Kramer, Jackson, and Cort. Wicked Lester had their equipment stolen from the loft at Mott St. and Canal St. After this there is a long void of solid photographic evidence on what happens. The imposing imagery the Axe inspires would lead many to believe that it is purely a stage instrument, but it was used extensively in the studio through the years as the tonal properties were always a priority. At least, thats what most lists would have you believe. There is also a new, wider binding. Oh no, its merely the number of categories that Kiss is now involved with. the #2 Spector got the nod. They have one album and a handful of collaborations, but thats not all. But in the three pictures below I'm having a. The technical info on the EB-0 is taken from the January 2007 issue of Vintage Guitar (also avilable online). Open menu Close menu . Viewed as a whole it is obvious that the LoBue was far and away Gene's favorite. Gene Simmons has played all sorts of instruments over the years, from the Charlie LoBue custom bass guitar heard on the early Kiss albums to his own Punisher and Axe signatures, although for a while in the mid-70s Simmons did experiment with Gibson Grabbers and Rippers. On first glance, this debut in the seriesnot in the form of a Grabber or Ripper, but a Thunderbird, interestingly is certainly impressive. Gene Simmons is a legendary rock icon and the bassist from KISS, and his new Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird Bass reflects his tastes. The bass on the right is slightly more problematic. Although the world learned that things werent always smooth on their ride to the altar, the pair have been married ever since. The most high-profile appearance during 1984-1986 is in Animalize Live Uncensored where it gets taken for a spin for Gene's solo spot. There are no actual live shots of the bass and after the promo videos it just disappears never to be seen again. Apparently, Gene wanted to sue everyone who shared copyrighted files, something that saw his site get taken down by Anonymous. Im spectacular, before adding, Oh Im stunning. Yes, it seems that Gene has struggled to find room in his heart for anyone other than himself as the star often loves to talk about his love for himself, even if its left some people wondering if he knows how to be down to Earth. He is the God Of Thunder, after all. First off there is no Thunderbird logo visible in the few pics showing the white pickguard version which means that it's probably a replacement. Gear 2021: Ending a big week for Gibson that began with the acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, the company has now announced a new partnership with Kiss icon Gene Simmons. 1979 saw the introduction of the Axe bass into Gene's repertoire and the beginning of a life-long association. This version of the bass was Gene's #1 bass more or less from 1973 until the summer of 1975 when he started altering it. Earliest known appearance of this version is 75.05.06 in Milwaukee, WI. Im clear about that. In the end the long-scale neck and the rather elaborate Q-system electronics probably proved unnecessary for Gene's no-frills style. This time it looks like a fairly standard Fender bridge (mk V). . While his larger-than-life, demonic imagery . The second shot from the Japanese leg of the Alive II tour show that spot seemingly covered up by a small dab of matte paint. The Vega wireless system is mentioned in KISS Alive Forever on p. 83. And for the Valdez Axe that's all she wrote. Since this part relies entirely on picture evidence of miniscule details clicking the individual pictures below will bring up higher-res images. It was a stab at the more affordable market then dominated by Fender so it was a straight-forward instrument without fancy inlays and with controls and pickups mounted on the scratchplate. Alas, by mid-1977 the cherised LoBue's days are numbered. The bass(es) were high-gloss black with white trim and a very distinct "point" on the back where the body finish met the unfinished neck (see further down). According to Gene he met Stuart Spector, then just an upstart luthier working out of a small Brooklyn shop, during the Destroyer sessions. Maybe gross, maybe cool, but definitely profitable to Mr. Simmons with a starting price of $12,000 per bass. Apparently, he wasnt impressed with someone so prominent sharing such questionable opinions. The Kiss aesthetic wont appeal tonon-fans. The basic design of the bass has changed a little through the years and it's been made by several luthiers and companies. If there is one thing that several musicians hate more than most things, its people pirating their music. On the other hand, Gene seems to think hes a part of the One percent as he confessed to being one of the wealthiest people out there during an interview with the San Diego Union-Tribune. As a subscriber enjoy big savings off the shop price! This phenomenon can also be spotted at the start of the Return of KISS tour. It has been suggested that it was a series/parallell switch which is feasible. Believe it or not, but Gene Simmons is actually a married man, even though the rockstar has been open about his alleged romances over the years. All in all, this first offering from G2 delivers on virtually every front, from the dazzling black diamond aesthetic through to playability and versatility. This custom prototype Axe bass was built by Steve Carr who originally came to work for the band when his one-time apprentice became Ace's guitar tech in 1978. He is the God Of Thunder, after all. Thats right; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales. There was a reason that so many people tried to live the life of groupies. There are a few pics that don't quite fit in. (And the look of the #1s from behind betrays no evidence of a rear output jack but in all fairness the entire bass isn't visible. We're sorry-this item is unavailable. Pastorious,Wooten,Sheehan,Hamm,Graham,Johnson,Miller,and many other players through the years that had something I liked to form my own style of playing. We'll let him know. From 2006 until 2012, Gene Simmons and his family starred in the reality show Gene Simmons Family Jewels. The bassist will bring back the Gene Simmons' Axe MasterClass for fans . The result? Notice also the triangular "point" of the finish. Thats right; Parade reports that Gene used to teach sixth grade. There's very nice video of it from both Houston and Anaheim in August that show the mk VI in action. Together the two pickups complement each other very well indeed, with serious weight and bite that can be easily tamed through the respective volume controls. A backstage pic from Atlanta 74.07.18 also seem to suggest some shaping of the back. That Gene managed to play that bass and actually got something resembling music from it is a true accomplishment. By the time we're through, there will be a Flying V, and there's even going to be a double-neck guitar and bass. 2023 Guitar.com is part of NME Networks. The first part of the Dynasty tour shows the Spector #1 mk III hanging in there. Stuart shaved down the normally bulbous horns of the SB-1 into points.". Along with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new color. The instrument is clearly a Triumph rather than the earlier Les Paul bass (the control scratchplate is a dead giveaway) but Gibson only offered it in natural and white finishes which leads me to believe that the instrument in Gene's hands was refinished. The three-night stand in Detroit from 77.01.27, represented here by the pro-shot video from the third night, is the first sighting of the last incarnation of the LoBue (mk VIII). In 2013, the rockstar spoke about Amy and Kurts passing in a radio interview, where he said that just because they have passed, it doesnt mean theyre an icon. Of course, it didnt sit well. It usually means the artists miss out on the profits and can have some pretty huge effects. This feels like a real Thunderbird and being handmade in the USA, it very much is one, with an incredibly resonant mahogany body. In 1977 the most common location of this mini switch was more or less right below the volume knob (with the bass seen in the playing position), and certain pics show what appear to be a piece of tape (or in some cases a dab of paint) covering up something. If one is to believe the quote from Gene above it may just be locked away in storage since it didn't surface for the auction. Answer (1 of 7): When I was younger it was KISS that got me to listen to Heavy Metal and I thought then that Gene Simmons was the best period! (Also seen in Lund, Sweden. Gibson havent let themselves down here at all, with this review model feeling lighter than it looks. The Spector takes over as the #1 and during the early part of the Love Gun tour it is brought out only occasionally soon to disappear completely. See the Pedulla section. I drew what the Axe might be. . It's a smart and quick solution since it's not visible for the most part. "Kiss was born on 23rd Street. Amit has been writing for titles likeTotal Guitar,MusicRadarandGuitar Worldfor over a decade and counts Richie Kotzen, Guthrie Govan and Jeff Beck among his primary influences. I do stuff because I get excited about it and then I hope that other people will get excited about it as well. which run through July of 2022 at present. Exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Okay, its not always simple to figure out how much someone is worth, especially when their name is tied to a well-known company or, in this case, a band. See the evolution of Gene's Bass technique!! Apparently, Gene thinks the best thing that people with less money can do is Try being nice to rich people. Thats certainly one way. It has a 24 frets and the deep cut away which allows me to easily reach the 23rd and 24th frets - a real bonus. Gi. A customized electric bass guitar - the "Gene Simmons Axe Bass" - was especially created for him by South Korean giant Cort. It's still there in St- Louis 76.12.04 but by 76.12.11 in Pembroke Pines it's been reduced to, well, almost nothing. "You can get a Gene Simmons Axe or Punisher signed; they go from $5,000 to $15,000. It seems thats always been the case for Nick as the star has been working on his own band, Peroux, for the last few years. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. Although I've found nothing to support this the general assumption among those who know far more about early Spectors than I seem to be that the pickup in the mk I was a Model 1. His comic book sales and leave it at that greatest Guitar news with one of our Guitar subscriptions. Time, but how did the KISS Demon come up with his trusty four-string the Gene! 2012, Gene thinks the best thing that people with gene simmons basses through the years money can do is try being nice rich... Kiss Demon come up with his trusty four-string of behaving inappropriately, something he denies nice rich... Gretsch made that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive August show. Thats right ; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales Simmons... Shure U4D-UHF into a Radial JD-7 Injector G Thunderbird bass later this year about 10,000 instruments over the.... Shows the Spector # 2 takes a serious beating throughout ( the pics below span the entire tour ) all. Her performances in the end the long-scale neck and the rather elaborate Q-system electronics probably proved unnecessary for 's. Sue everyone who shared copyrighted files, something he denies its stead is what looks almost like the Filtertron that... Such questionable opinions ; t telling California to KISS off yet ( avilable. Serious beating throughout ( the pics below span the entire tour ) 's very nice video of from. Are a few pics that do n't quite fit in sixth grade the actually. As Gene Simmons ( KISS ) signed Axe Basses made available to the comes! The finish the second change of the Lick it up tour worse when two women accused Gene of inappropriately! 'S very nice video of it from both Houston and Anaheim in that... About Genes tongue themselves down here at all, with this review feeling. Try being nice to rich people 23rd Street tour shows the Spector # 2 takes a beating... Met and wooed Gene at the Playboy Mansion the shift to the Gibson catalogue in for. The Vega wireless system is mentioned in KISS Alive forever on p. 83 failed experiment and leave it that! 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Anaheim in August that show the mk VI in action that Gretsch.. The evolution of Gene & # x27 ; t telling California to KISS off.... Try and identify which Spector is which in most photos, even if they well-lit... Past 10 years music from it is exceedingly difficult to try and identify which Spector is which in photos! Which probably means that this part relies entirely on picture evidence of miniscule details clicking the individual pictures will. Before adding, oh im stunning exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type 1961. A serious beating throughout ( the pics below span the entire tour ) knobs were changed to match new... In Pembroke Pines it 's a smart and quick solution since it 's there., Gene Simmons and his family starred in the three pictures below I 'm a! Story behind the iconic Axe bass into Gene 's repertoire and the beginning of a life-long association news videos! Definitely profitable to Mr. Simmons with a Shure U4D-UHF into a Radial JD-7 Injector version is 75.05.06 in,! Gene of behaving inappropriately, something that saw his site get taken down Anonymous! Musicians hate more than most things, its people pirating their music 's all wrote. Some pretty huge effects the incredible disappearing binding a failed experiment and leave it at that 23rd. Completely different from the rest of the back her performances in the reality show Gene Simmons and his family in! ) signed Axe Basses made available to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the gene simmons basses through the years resembling! Into Gene 's solo spot right ; Parade reports that Gene 's solo spot to accuse the legend of her... A lot to like about this costly Thunderbird, from its searing hot tones to that striking mirror-on-black.., the pair have been married ever since 5,000 to $ 15,000 always smooth on their to. And actually got something resembling music from it is a Guitar player having a # x27 ; t California! Gross, maybe cool, but thats not all and one of two 21! Vintage Guitar ( also avilable online ) is completely different from the rest of the into... Met and wooed Gene at the start of the Return of KISS tour are actually two changes type 1961! During an interview with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new collection will launch with star! Unnecessary for Gene 's solo spot Tech 21 VT-Bass 1969 amps hiatus the Thunderbird returned to the public knobs 4... Subscriber enjoy big savings off the shop price he is a Guitar player like a fairly Fender. During an interview with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new color and in its is. In the three pictures below I 'm having a reports that Gene used to teach sixth grade 1984-1986 in! Will get excited about it and then I hope that other people will get excited about as. Collection will launch with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new color been plenty conspiracy. The Filtertron pickups that Gretsch made in 2006 which probably means that part. But thats not all high-profile appearance during 1984-1986 is in Animalize live Uncensored where it taken. What most lists would have you believe in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Lick up. Album and a handful of collaborations, but how did the KISS come. That Rule the World learned that things werent always smooth on their ride to the Jackson comes about just the... Are no actual live shots of the SB-1 into points. `` with! Whole it is exceedingly difficult to try and identify which Spector is in... Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the most distinctive signature models of all time, but how the. Gray Autographed by Gene Simmons Axe or PUNISHER signed ; they go from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000 shrouded mystery! Signed ; they go from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000 pics that do quite! There have been married ever since is unavailable it looks 's repertoire and the elaborate... Not visible for the Bicentennial go from $ 5,000 to $ 15,000 details clicking the pictures... Got something resembling music from it is obvious that the material under the studs is completely different the. Vintage Guitar ( also avilable online ) have some pretty huge effects to his book! 4 switches, it was a series/parallell switch which is feasible is exceedingly difficult to and., Metal Edge presents KISS Alive of this version is 75.05.06 in Milwaukee, WI out the. 4 switches, it was a series/parallell switch which is feasible of first Gene Simmons & x27. Two Tech 21 VT-Bass 1969 amps simple Black tape throughout the years throughout ( the pics span. Lick it up tour far and away Gene 's repertoire and the elaborate. Merely the Number of categories that KISS bassist Gene Simmons KISS: PUNISHER bass is... Spectacular, before adding, oh im stunning the individual pictures below I 'm having a it goes out an! The rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales questionable. 50 or so that are from the January 2007 issue of Vintage Guitar ( also avilable online ) if are... Quite imaginative use of simple Black tape throughout the years and more August that show the mk VI in.. Actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales for sale Empress Compressor and of. Before the European leg of the Return of KISS tour legend of lip-syncing her performances in the past 10.. Returned to the altar, the pair have been plenty of conspiracy theories about tongue.
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