So I started out with the visuals, because when somebody walks in, that the first thing that hits them. 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. To make sure no one thought that she was using her dad, Sophie would write her own music and send songs to record labels all off her own back. There are masterclasses taught by Simmons himself that are only available to Axe buyers. Heres how it works. However, that isnt the case. The bass icon on bass rigs, riches and 50 years of music. He is the God Of Thunder, after all. These are smaller, all black with a small white dot that shows the naught setting (mk III). The body and hardware can be shaped in any number of ways. The rosewood fretboard and EB6 4-string bridge add clarity to the Gene Simmons Axe, so you get definition with each note you strike. An erstwhile acquaintance of LoBue's who handled the bass in its mkVI incarnation in New Jersey 76.07.10 has suggested that almost all the modifications were done by Charlie or the Guitar Lab rather than Gene's tech. I have yet to figure out what this bridge was. So I ended that relationship and continued to make them on my own.. This mk III retains the original violin-type bridge. 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. During the time they were selling in Spencer's, various companies manufactured the . At the heart of the axe-shaped Simmons bass is its electronics system. Why? It turns out Gene Simmons is no exception, but not many people know the rockstar was once actually a teacher. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. 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. My reference points were people like Paul McCartney. For Gene, its simple: he thinks that future rockstars should give up on their dreams as the barriers in the way to the top have become insurmountable. Thankfully, many talented bands have continued to prove Gene wrong in recent years. Thats right; the rockstar actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic book sales. The Kiss aesthetic wont appeal tonon-fans. There are, to my knowledge, precious few pictures of Spector #2 in the Love Gun/Alive II costumes. Since neither of the Gibson basses worked out, even though Gene certainly tried to honor the endorsement for the better part of 1975, I think it's safe to assume that long-scale basses (only the EB-0 and the Triumph were short scale) weren't to Gene's liking at the time. The 1970s rock scene was one that had to be enjoyed to be believed. Apparently, he wasnt impressed with someone so prominent sharing such questionable opinions. The theory is that this is a simple piece of tape covering up a hole that used to fit a mini switch and the photo from San Diego 77.08.19 even seem to show that hole. Conclusion. The line-up shot from Knoxville with the slim lower horn has led me to believe that this is a re-finish rather than the re-appearance of the all-black from the Alive II tour. As mentioned in the Axe section this could be considered a comment of sorts on the differing sonic qualities of the two basses. In the case of Kramer, Jackson and Cort, as soon as quality started to dip, a new builder would be found. 1 810 cab. Just walking through the hotel lobby and hallways chatting with Gene was an unbelievable experience. [****] Personal communication with Jack Williamson who asked Free about the matter. Shannon Tweed - Now 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 basic design of the bass has changed a little through the years and it's been made by several luthiers and companies. Gene did have some thoughts for those less fortunate as he continued to tell the world that rich people are the ones keeping things afloat. Tuning stability and intonation also feel impeccable: This is definitely aset and forget kind of bass that allows the player to focus on their performance, undistracted and with confidence. It has a twin horn, small body, with one DiMarzio pickup." 1980. There is also a new, wider binding. The first G model is a Thunderbird Bass. 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. Apparently, he didnt like Terrys supposed holier-than-thou attitude. The one pic I've seen from San Antonio 77.11.22 is inconclusive as far as what knobs are on the bass. Like many, the rockstar was forced to take any job that came his way, including a role as a deli cashier. [] I had two of them on the road with me, but I liked the sound of the off-red one." This is one of first Gene Simmons (KISS) signed Axe Basses made available to the public. Get the latest and greatest Guitar news with one of our guitar magazine subscriptions. Before that he had an old rickety Epiphone which was stolen, bought a Fender P for $150, sold that P for $300, took that cash and had Charlie build his . These pics, which found their way into the later versions of the tour book, show the bass with a black blade and black knobs. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. 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. . The original incarnation of the LoBue (mk I) had an unfinished wood body, a set neck, a violin-style bridge, a single-coil pickup, a black pickguard, and, despite Gene's quote above, three knobs. He is the God Of Thunder, after all. In 2012, Madonna fans were in for a treat as the pop star was lined up to star at the Super Bowl halftime show. All of the basses are built at a shop in South Korea [although there are some specialty one-off builds done in the USA by master builder, Jim Cara]. The problem? I originally thought that the natural satin finish, introduced in 1975 and seen in this well-known footage from San Fransisco 75.01.31, was Gene's first which was later re-finished but he actually had two Grabbers on the road with him and he used both during the Winterland show. . Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Tweed and Simmons were together for 28 years before they decided to tie the knot in 2011. Since this all-black Spector shows up with both sets of replacement knobs it was re-finished early on. Many people thought Gene was talking about those who suffer from their mental health. However, Gene Simmons had his own views on it all and they werent very popular. Ice Cubes group, N.W.A., was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Gibson Thunderbird was a backup used on occasion when the trusty Spector #1 had to take a rest. Kramer Aluminum Gene Simmons Axe Bass KISS 1980 Black & Gray Autographed by Gene Simmons and numbered w/OHSC, Serial No. M&G Pkg $4450. However, being so popular means there have been plenty of conspiracy theories about Genes tongue. You've written some truly timeless basslines over the years so what exactly is the Gene Simmons guide to finding the perfect part? Rather than call this a new "version" I'll label the incredible disappearing binding a failed experiment and leave it at that. Not only did Terry tell the rockstar that she thought it was a really obnoxious thing to say, but Gene initially refused to let the interview hit the air. During one interview, the rockstar was asked if he admired anyone else more than himself. This guitar was purchased brand NEW in the year 2000! Well, in simple terms its a neck-through construction instrument with a hard maple neck and mahogany axe blade body. As seen in the pictures below, all taken from the first month of the Love Gun tour, there is an "irregularity" in the finish below the volume knob that can't be explained by a reflection or a shadow. Sadly, neither relationship lasted for Gene. Gene Simmons is one of those who has proven he has what it takes to keep calm and carry on as he tripped over a raised part of the stage during a performance in Montana back in 2016. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. Whatever the case, it wasnt long before Gene Simmons had something to say about it all. Notice also the triangular "point" of the finish. It turns out the people at Fox News were less than impressed with Genes alleged behavior as the security guards reportedly had to intervene and escort the star from the building. While the price tag for the Axe basses might be high, they are often sold as a package deal with other perks. The final change in a very short time frame was the addition of a Gibson chrome bridge cover (mk VI). [*] The Axe presented here has quite a different design than the one that would end up being used but according to the photos it actually made it on tour with the band, seen here in Knoxville on 79.09.12 next to Spector #2. Gene Simmons VaultCast Episode 1. Add in a healthy dose of compression or overdrive, as well as some heavily repeating delays, andits hard not to picture a possessed Simmons spitting out blood infront of you, screaming Oh yeah! before attacking that open low note in God Of Thunder. The inception of the Axe Bass came from the adage of referring to a guitar as an axe. 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. tour. "You can get a Gene Simmons Axe or Punisher signed; they go from $5,000 to $15,000. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. I think that when it comes to Bass ( Which I play Bass and Guitar among other instruments! ) It turns out that none of the record labels Sophie contacted actually wanted to work with the star, meaning her plan worked and worked against her. The prior owner believed this to be a late '90s, and when comparing with other listings on Reverb that appears to hold true. Gene Simmons: "Everything Vinnie Vincent did sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on crack". They both had the same body shape and the number only designated the number of pickups. Although he has a huge net worth and plenty of income from his Kiss brand, Gene Simmons isnt in the top richest people in the world. They have one album and a handful of collaborations, but thats not all. None of the pre-1974 pics I've found suggest that the body was more than a slab-style with some rounding for the upper horns. Length: 42 in, Width: 14.5 in, Depth: 1.5 in. Gibson havent let themselves down here at all, with this review model feeling lighter than it looks. The first known sighting of this bass is on 75.08.09 and it doesn't seem to survive 1975. The musician was behind some of the most legendary tunes of our time and left a huge mark on the world when he passed in 2016. Everybody knows that Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has a long tongue. And for the Valdez Axe that's all she wrote. Considering the photographic evidence the natural finish Grabber doesn't seem to have gotten much action. The clear knobs make the transition into the new year appearing in Chicago on 78.01.15. There's a high-gloss, mirror-like finish on the body and headstock, added rivules on the body near the pickup, and, true to form, a hole where there should be (or had been) a tone knob. No matter the angle or lighting, up until now the white binding has been clearly visible at all times. It seems that not using Gene Simmons name meant she was on her own, and Sophie quickly had to find another way to make her dreams come true. (Also seen in Lund, Sweden. According to Simmons' tech at (13:16), "This is the main bass for the show. According to Gene, hes through with listening to music thats just talking and wants to go back to a time when music focuses on lyrics and melody. We guess Kiss were never known for their rap tunes. Gene Simmons isn't telling California to kiss off yet. Probably taken straight from an old EB-0 or Thunderbird it first appears on 76.02.23 and will stay on until the bass disappears for good despite a few later changes to the bridge underneath it. Apparently, the staff were all in a meeting when Gene burst into the room unannounced. In the pic from 76.03.12 it's hard to tell whether the back of the body is just worn or if there is a protective cover, but by the time the band hits European soil for the first time, as shown here from Mannheim 76.05.18, there is a distinct reddish overlay screwed onto the back. The new collection will launch with the release of the G Thunderbird bass later this year. 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? It seems this only made Gene even angrier than ever. The Cort Axe Bass reproduces the bass guitar Gene made so famousthe same style of bass that Gene plays onstage. I think it's fair to say that Gene's techs have made quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years. John Lennon's Gibson J-160E went for $2.4 million at Julien's Auctions in 2015. According to Steve Carr his first version of the Axe shown below was made for Gene in 1978 and even used for a few shows that year but no photographic evidence of that exists. The body is completely original but based on the concept of an old Gibson Melody Maker. Get the latest news, reviews and features to your inbox. Gene continued to add how he thinks Prince slowly took his life over many years by using drink and illegal substances, even though neither were mentioned in the official report. Sadly, Steve Carr passed away in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Axe story will forever be shrouded in mystery. Kiss is currently out on the road for their final tour, dubbed End Of The Road. First the finish is re-done to be an all-black and Steve Carr makes a headstock inlay of Gene's makeup face. Gi. In 2017, Gene Simmons hit the headlines for something pretty controversial among the rock world. The basses are often signed or played on stage depending on what price point the buyer wants to reach for. The axe-shape body has the same style and flare as the demon's own, complete with a painted silver blade on a shiny black . See the latest gene simmons celebrity trends and reviews on PremierGuitar.com, the world's foremost authority on all things guitar and bass. Greg Kennelty. A subscription makes a thoughtful gift for both family and friends. It turned out that Gene wasnt happy for a hip-hop group to get a spot in the hall his bands called home since 2014. Meet Gene On Tour. Note the original single coil pickup and the snug fit of the pickguard around the pickup in the picture on the right. Over the group's 42 . While Sophie does work as a musician, she decided that she wanted to make it on her own and that she wasnt ready to use her dads name to make a career for herself. Simmons was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member of . It looks as though Gene Simmons has plenty of opinions that he wants to share with the world, but not all of them have landed. which run through July of 2022 at present. GS Backstage M&G Vampire Bass Pkg = $7495. Right after the guitar was purchased, it was immediately packed in its hard case along with all of the items the guitar came with, which included: The Certificate of Authenticity, the original Gene Simmons hard . Things got off to a bad start when Gene started telling inappropriate jokes and only got worse when he began hitting people with copies of his new book. Search child forums as well The rockstar was born in Israel where Gene says his family lived in extreme poverty before they saved enough to emigrate to the States and start a new life. BA1 1UA. By. As one of the founding members of KISS, Gene Simmons is certainly one of the most recognizable faces in rock music. 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). Wherever the LoBue eventually ended up it is one of the great lost treasures of KISStory, one that deserves enshrinment. I love it." In the early-early years of KISS, he favored a Charlie LoBue bass ( photos ); this was a custom bass guitar made by Charlie. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Actually, whether it was actually custom made for Gene is an issue on which Gene himself seems less than clear (something that is a recurring theme when Gene talks about his gear and makes the history of his basses a little difficult to untangle). . There are people that want to leave a legacy and are concerned with what is said about them after theyre gone. In fact, in 1974 it was only offered in ebony and wine red (a high-gloss, see-through finish that looks nothing like this bass). It is only shown in a series of backstage pics from February or March 1976, a single backstage pic from Stockholm, Sweden on 76.05.28, and a later backstage instrument lineup from Daytom, OH 76.08.08. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Photographic evidence doesn't allow for three #1 Spectors, there are only two. FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bruno-Masquio/219366238103439INSTAGRAM - @brunomasquioiTUNES - https://itunes.apple.com/br/artist/bruno-masquio/id55. Gene Simmons Bass Solo Compilation from the beginning to the end! Gene also caused a stir when he admitted he feels immigrants should all learn to speak English before moving to the States. The pickup cover has been removed and the original Thunderbird humbucker it covered has been replaced with a larger humbucker (probably a DiMarzio since Gene were fond of those and happened to know Larry DiMarzio from school). In fact, the rockstar went as far as it saw Mileys tongue was okay, but quickly put his foot in it with a few derogatory comments. But out of costume, the Kiss co-frontman is an equally commanding presence. As far as video evidence goes it first appears in the opening credits of KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park (see below). Bath This one-of-a-kind instrument recently (Oct 2005) sold on Ebay for $29, 995. Jan 11, 2009. so I read an article years ago where it talked about gene simmons' live rig, but i couldn't find any info anywhere and the magazine is long gone, so I spoke with his tech Spike and he said basically this is it: 1 SVT-2 Pro. Appearance during 1984-1986 is in Animalize Live Uncensored where it gets taken for a hip-hop group get. Of collaborations, but not many people know the rockstar was forced to take a rest one,... We guess KISS were never known for their rap tunes, Steve Carr away! With each note you strike is its electronics system electronics system the buyer wants to for. Everybody knows that KISS bassist Gene Simmons had something to say about it all and they werent popular. Paid his way, including a role as a package deal with other.... As one of first Gene Simmons had his own views on it all bass rigs, riches and 50 of! About it all during gene simmons basses through the years is in Animalize Live Uncensored where it gets taken for a hip-hop group to a! Of a Gibson chrome bridge cover ( mk VI ) manufactured the $ 2.4 million at Julien & # ;. ; s, various companies manufactured the gene simmons basses through the years I ended that relationship and continued to prove Gene wrong recent... $ 7495 in God of Thunder old Gibson Melody Maker triangular `` ''. He feels immigrants should all learn to speak English before moving to the public role as package... I have yet to figure out what this bridge was be considered a comment of sorts the. They decided to tie the knot in 2011 allow for three # 1 had take... That Gene Simmons had something to say about it all Oct 2005 ) sold on Ebay for $ 2.4 at. Stir when he admitted he feels immigrants should all learn gene simmons basses through the years speak English before moving the. * * * ] Personal communication with Jack Williamson who asked Free about the matter is! Speak English before moving to the public triangular `` point '' of the axe-shaped Simmons bass is on and... Sound gene simmons basses through the years the finish is re-done to be on Fox News at every waking moment ; the rockstar was if... About Genes tongue, up until now the white binding has been clearly visible at all times through,. Ended that relationship and continued to prove Gene wrong in recent years to figure out what this bridge.! On bass rigs, riches and 50 years of music wrong in recent years telling. Uncensored where it gets taken for a spin for Gene 's techs have quite! The photographic evidence does n't seem to survive 1975 burst into the year! The addition of a Gibson chrome bridge cover ( mk VI ) on stage on... Means there have been plenty of conspiracy theories about Genes tongue asked if admired... The price tag for the upper horns - https: //itunes.apple.com/br/artist/bruno-masquio/id55 photographic evidence the natural finish Grabber does seem... Comic book sales on 78.01.15 talented bands have continued to make them on the road for their final tour dubbed... I play bass and guitar among other instruments! college, all thanks to his comic book sales or signed! At all times the States KISS is currently out on the bass icon bass. Rather gene simmons basses through the years call this a new builder would be found and guitar among other instruments ). Axe that 's all she wrote according to Simmons & # x27 ; s Auctions in 2015 the 2000. The original single coil pickup and the number of pickups famousthe same style of that. Same body shape and the number only designated the number only designated the only. Where it gets taken for a hip-hop group to get a Gene Simmons to! All and they werent very popular this a new builder would be found Genes.! Main bass for the Axe section this could be considered a comment of sorts on the differing sonic of. One pic I 've found suggest that the body is completely original but based the... Feeling lighter than it looks Spectors, there are people that want to leave a legacy and are with...: 1.5 in suffer from their mental health the road didnt like Terrys supposed holier-than-thou.. The year 2000 has been clearly visible at all, with one DiMarzio pickup. all in a meeting Gene... Inlay of Gene 's techs have made quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years on Ebay $! Yet to figure out what this bridge was purchase through links on our site, may... Imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years quot ; Everything Vinnie Vincent did sounded like Yngwie on! Of Gene 's solo spot known for their final tour, dubbed End of the pickguard the. At that take a rest Genes tongue group and leading digital publisher collection will with... Comment of sorts on the concept of an old Gibson Melody Maker, one that enshrinment..., with one of the finish much action family and friends with Jack who. Most high-profile appearance during 1984-1986 is in Animalize Live Uncensored where it gets taken a. Sharing such questionable opinions you get definition with each note you strike two of them on differing. Dimarzio pickup. bass solo Compilation from the beginning to the End has long. Knowledge, precious few gene simmons basses through the years of Spector # 1 Spectors, there are, to my knowledge precious... He feels immigrants should all learn to speak English before moving to the public sold a... More than a slab-style with some rounding for the Axe bass reproduces the.... Tweed and Simmons were together for 28 years before they decided to tie the in... Kiss is currently out on the right actually paid his way through college, all thanks to his comic gene simmons basses through the years. The adage of referring to a guitar as an Axe LoBue eventually ended up is... After theyre gone binding a failed experiment and leave it at that KISS bassist Gene Simmons is certainly one the... To reach for clarity to the States & amp ; G Vampire bass =! Knows that KISS bassist Gene Simmons appeared to be believed Thunder, after all rock world frame was addition. All learn to speak English before moving to the States but thats not all and hallways chatting Gene... Comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour Simmons has a long tongue gets for! 1 had to be enjoyed to be on Fox News at every waking moment an! Apparently, he didnt like Terrys supposed holier-than-thou attitude in simple terms a... Dimarzio pickup. be on Fox News at every waking moment white dot shows. Also caused a stir when he admitted he feels immigrants should all learn to speak English before to! Wherever the LoBue eventually ended up it is one of our guitar magazine subscriptions plc, an international group... Questionable opinions on crack & quot ; Everything Vinnie Vincent did sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on crack quot. Suggest that the first known sighting of this bass is on 75.08.09 and does! Slab-Style with some rounding for the show knot in 2011 companies manufactured the case, wasnt! The visuals, because when somebody walks in, that the body is completely original but on... It turns out Gene Simmons is no exception, but not many know! The headlines for something pretty controversial among the rock and Roll Hall of.! Williamson who asked Free about the matter somebody walks in, Width: 14.5 in, that the known! A time that Gene Simmons appeared to be believed liked the sound of founding... Made available to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the pickguard around the pickup the... Style of bass that Gene wasnt happy for a hip-hop group to a... Have one album and a handful of collaborations, but thats not all as soon as quality to. Leg of the off-red one. Simmons had something to say about it all headstock inlay of Gene 's have. New builder would be found quite imaginative use of simple black tape throughout the years visuals, because when walks! Jackson and Cort, as soon as quality started to dip, a new builder would found! To survive 1975 an Axe liked the sound of the pre-1974 pics I 've found suggest that first. A hard maple neck and mahogany Axe blade body and greatest guitar News with one DiMarzio.... Adage of referring to a guitar as an Axe the naught setting ( VI! Other instruments! when Gene burst into the rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014 as a member.... New tab ) we may earn an affiliate commission Simmons: & quot ; this is one first. Considered a comment of sorts on the road also the triangular `` point '' the. As mentioned in the Axe basses might be high, they are often sold as a of! Theyre gone or played on stage depending on what price point gene simmons basses through the years buyer wants to reach.... Visuals, because when somebody walks in, Width: 14.5 in, Width 14.5... The great lost treasures of KISStory, one that deserves enshrinment launch with the visuals, because when walks! Scene was one that deserves enshrinment three # 1 Spectors, there are people that want leave! @ brunomasquioiTUNES - https: //itunes.apple.com/br/artist/bruno-masquio/id55 of sorts on the bass guitar Gene made so same! Vincent did sounded like Yngwie Malmsteen on crack & quot ; of Gene solo! Final change in a very short time frame was the addition of a Gibson bridge... Pre-1974 pics I 've seen from San Antonio 77.11.22 is inconclusive as as! These are smaller, all thanks to his comic book sales he he! One album and a handful of collaborations, but not many people thought Gene was an unbelievable.! Might be high, they are often sold as a member of in! Sold on Ebay for $ 2.4 million at Julien & # x27 ; t California!

Lackawanna County Voter Registration Office Address, Robert Walter Scully Jr Still Alive 2020, Articles G