This is part two of a new series in which I go through the guitars used by the members of Kiss. This episode focuses on Gene Simmons. Support the channel on Patreon: / seanblumenshine #kiss #genesimmons #guitars
Gene is such an underrated bass player. He plays, sings & is the demon all at the same time. I've seen KISS live like 15 times & Gene is fantastic live.
I saw an Interview with Paul and he was asked his most favorite thing about Gene that affects the Band . Paul said that he was amazed at the complexity of the Bass Lines Gene could play while Singing .
I'm glad you have the Axe bass at the correct timeline. You see many people claim it was used in the Destroyer or Alive 2 era. Even collectable figures have Gene set with the Axe bass in the mid 70's but that never happened. It was weird how the Dubai concert featured that new Bass. But as history tells if there is a new mystery guitar seen at a big hyped online concert there is money behind the whatever being featured. Your work here is amazing, refreshing indeed. I hope you cover Ace and the mystery one off guitars he had at times.
One of the main reasons that Gene switched from the Kramer version to the Jackson version is that the Kramer was very neck-heavy. Watch the concert video from South America, and when he jumps down from the tank, the headstock drops way down. I've got one of the original guirar-versions from Kramer, and the aluminum neck is heavy.
FIFTY YEARS OF KISS: I'm in awe and amazed watching the KISSTORY documentary that allows a clear look at the work Gene, Paul, Ace and Peter all put into the band those early years---and how Gene and Paul amped their passion for music and performing that kept KISS going, when most bands hung it up and faded on to memories. I respect and understand it's time for KISS to retire; I'm left to wonder what KISS' last ever song will be--and how THAT moment will feel like for Gene and Paul. I look at KISS being far more than just 4 guys in costumed make up and awesome out-of-the-box iconic rock anthems onstage. To me, KISS PROVES to everyone that IF you carry the focused passion---and never give up---you WILL find your success in whatever endeavor writes the chapters of your life.
the Axe is one of the most iconic instruments in the history of rock. I wanted to build one, but also wanted to be able to sit down and play without chopping my leg off, so I came up with my own design, partly inspired by it.
Gene tried the Staccato bass for Kerrang! magazine's Kilowatt section. The comment for the accompanying photo states that "Gene was so impressed by the Staccato that he bought it on the spot".
Bro you didn’t mention his first bass guitar It was a white Hofner violin bass copy I’m guessing since Gene absolutely loved The Beatles he bought to get Paul McCartney vibes
As a bassist im ashamed to say I didn't realize how much Simmons even cared about bass. I figured he just slammed roots and fifths but I'm pleasantly surprised 😹
I do remembering 2 other basses that Gene used or promoted over the years. I thought that i saw him.using a white BC Rich Warlock in a video in the 90s. I also remember that around 2010 je had Cort makesinge Axe basses.
Part of his Gibson deal emphasizes left handed models in guitars and basses. He said in an interview, he feels lefties are really underserved in the guitar market, and he wishes to rectify this. As a lefty, i appreciate this. Of course, i also understand Simmons is the ultimate capitalist, and wants to sell as much product as possible. But, whatever his reasons, lefties can unite, and hopefully get with some new gene Simmons Gibson branded axes…
Gene had seen the Lobue Bass Model 001 in the store window sometime in 1972, he asked Charles if he could try it out, Charles let him. Gene Loved the Bass, because Gene wanted something unusually cool and NOT a Fender and asked if he could buy it. Charles said "No, it was his 1st attempt at a Bass and Charles didn't think it was good enough to sell. Gene convinced Charles to sell it to him, because it would be great advertising for LoBue's Shop. Gene used it on and off until 1977, although it went through numerous modifications by "Strings And Things" in Nashville/ Memphis. MrZerr0: KISSin Time: MPLS
At one point you could purchase a Punisher bass directly from Spencer’s gift stores. They didn’t have them in stock but there was a catalog and you could look at the specifications and order one and in a few weeks it would come into the store for you to pick up. I actually contemplated buying one back then I’m not sure why I didn’t but it was kind of a cool marketing idea since Spencer‘s already had tons of Kiss merchandise for sale.
@@SeanBlumenshine I remember at the time that was the only place you could get your hands on one was ordering it through them I think it was around $1000. Also I went into a Spencer’s at a big shopping mall in Denver Colorado and they had one in a glass case and then they had the catalog right next to it you couldn’t buy the one they had you had to order one it was for display only. There was a music store in Denver called Melody Music I bought my first P-Bass there. They were a Kramer dealer and they got in one of the Ax Basses and one of the Ax Guitars I checked out the bass and almost bought it I went back the next day and was ready to plunk my money down and it was gone all they had was the guitar left.😥
I think it was the Axe bass and it was 4k. The Punisher was order item in the Kiss 1996 tour book and was $1500 I have number 239. It came in a huge case the bass is autographed in the front. It is a cheap feeling instrument and I can't belive he doesn't break it in half. Hopefully goes up in value in the next 20 years
If I understand correctly, and I may not, Cort made the production models that were sold. I don't know if Gene played the Corts. I got a little confused by that.
@@SeanBlumenshine Yeah! since i also heard that´s a bit unknown territory. Also the Axe-bass he used for the "Sure know something" video is a bit unclear who did it and what´s happened to it.
@@SeanBlumenshine Perhaps you're right.. i always heard it was not known or maybe Carr did them...and they were just called Gene Simmons high end basses.
I believe his own brand Axe & Punisher played live (& sold through Spencers Gifts) were made in the Fernandes factory. The cheaper Punisher 2 & Axe 2 that hit the stores in larger numbers were made by Cort.
I heard the Fender bass was a loner from another band because they had their gear stolen and was only used once by Gene. The same with Ace when he was pictured playing that strange Les Paul in your Ace guitars video. ...which was excellent I might add.
Unclear with Gene's new Gibson deal. I could see them being done through Kramer (which Gibson owns) now. As of right now, the only way is to get a Punisher is the expensive meet and greet packages.
Gene didn't use the Axe during the Dynasty tour at all. It was there as a backup. The only time it was played live was when the Bass player from Cheap Trick used it for a song at the Silverdome show.
Gene did not customize his grabber. It was a very rare finish known as Eggplant Sparkle (essentially the wine red finish with glitter between color and the finish. How do I know? I had one in 1978 and sent a letter to Gibson inquiring about the finish and thats the answer I received. You can still find one out there on rare occasion.
The necks are fantastic on those Pedulla "Buzz" models. They play really nice and are/were neck-thru models constructed very well, built like a tank. Not cool looking though. Pedulla was a somewhat high end bass and quite expensive (they went out of business I think in the last couple years or so).
