Nah Gene Simmons is a dick, and his bass lines are sometimes very simple, but he has this cool running bass thing going which is pretty unique and sounds cool. All the latest gene simmons celebrity news, videos, and more. "The first instruments are the Thunderbird basses, which will come in a few different colors. While the price tag for the Axe basses might be high, they are often sold as a package deal with other perks. We now know that Gene Simmons doesnt always have the most popular opinions on people who use illegal substances. 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. Gene Simmons isn't telling California to kiss off yet. After having used a few different basses during the time in Wicked Lester, an Epiphone that was stolen and a Fender P-bass with a Gibson EB-0 pickup, Gene finally found his weapon of choice in the shape of a Charlie LoBue custom bass. During the time they were selling in Spencer's, various companies manufactured the . The problems with the bridge above promted another change. The result? The bass icon on bass rigs, riches and 50 years of music. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Ever the savvy businessman, Simmons ended up trademarking the term Axe as it refers to a musical instrument, as well as the shape of the bass. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. As mentioned in the Axe section this could be considered a comment of sorts on the differing sonic qualities of the two basses. Thankfully, some things have gone in her favor, as Sophie has done some modeling and worked as a reality TV star in a handful of shows, including Gene Simmons Family Jewels. Thats all when Sophie doesnt work as a body positivity advocate. This bass is authorized by Gene Simmons, and each Axe is adorned with Gene's signature on the headstock. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. The inception of the Axe Bass came from the adage of referring to a guitar as an axe. And most people know that he was partial to using it while spending time the many thousands of women the frontman claimed to have spent time with . Along with the refinish the knobs were changed to match the new color. 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. Guitar World is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. If there is one thing that many of us have learned, its that Gene Simmons knows a good business opportunity when he sees one. In a rather unprecedented move the bass is left alone with no noticeable modifications. On first glance, this debut in the seriesnot in the form of a Grabber or Ripper, but a Thunderbird, interestingly is certainly impressive. For Gene Simmons, playing with Kiss is more than being in a rock and roll band; its about being part of a rock and roll brand. Perhaps its no wonder that Gene has taken his idea of branding the band to the top and cultivated quite the brand over the years? Apparently, Gene thinks there are some similarities between the two as rockstars and teachers both have an audience; its just that one might have to perform to people who dont want to be there. Roland 555 space/echo (for solo) controlled by manipulating the intensity and . It looked as though he needed it as Genes outfit weighs quite a lot thanks to all those theatrical additions. I heard there's a special package including one of your Axe or Punisher basses. The luthier and Gene's fellow NYC resident (whom Gene describes as a consummate craftsman, something he feels is missing in today's world), would build Gene his first custom 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. The two volume controls allow for a blend of either orboth pickups, with the rhythm unit alone bringing a wonderfully articulate sound that has enough brightness to retain definition andclarity. The shot from Springfield 79.09.05 shows the new inlay. It seems this only made Gene even angrier than ever. Kramer Aluminum Gene Simmons Axe Bass KISS 1980 Black & Gray Autographed by Gene Simmons and numbered w/OHSC, Serial No. I sell out every night., Just as different paintbrushes might inspire us to paint differently, the Axe is a very different instrument and commands a different vibe when it is played. The first part of the Dynasty tour shows the Spector #1 mk III hanging in there. It looked as though he was all set to reach the big time as it wasnt long before his work gained plenty of fans worldwide. Believe it or not, but Gene is quite the entrepreneur when hes not working with the band. (The number of replicas that have turned up over the years is a clear indication of the bass' truly iconic status.) Whether or not this is the first Axe that Gene got or not is something of a mystery. There will be a guitar version and left-handed versions. He is the God Of Thunder, after all. 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. Some people love to embrace every different type of music, while others prefer to stick to what they know. Here we get to see it with a studded cover of some sort, probably leather. The two entities have teamed up for G, which will offer multiple electric guitar and bass collections across Gibson Brands, including Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer. Considering that the mkI version had a single coil pickup (possibly a stacked humbucker) the third knob is somewhat of a mystery. From the Spector site - For 20 years, Gene Simmons of the legendary band KISS recorded and toured with his custom made Spector bass. Every manufacturer will tell you that they try to ensure their guitars feel playable, but greater care needs to be taken with larger-bodied instruments like this Thunderbird, or they can end up feeling bulky and demanding. This is the first of many ways in which the G partnership will be paying tribute to Gene, his iconic status, and continue to inspire new generations of Gibson and Gene Simmons fans to play and create music.". Tweed and Simmons were together for 28 years before they decided to tie the knot in 2011. Sophie reportedly pestered major streaming sites instead. 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. Gi. The reddish metal flake Grabber appears at the Midnight Special taping on 75.04.01 where we get a fairly close look at the almost matte finish (and a taste of the obvious sonic qualities it possessed). LoBue custom LP Triumph Gibson EB-0. 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.. So, after a few short months in "the rotation" it is modified by removing the tone pot and moving the output jack up in its place. The picture on the far left here clearly shows that the body was beveled where Gene rested his right arm. Although he's spent the last 50 years . All that twerking and tongue flashing was enough to change peoples minds about the star. 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. You've written some truly timeless basslines over the years so what exactly is the Gene Simmons guide to finding the perfect part? Considering the rather complicated control layout, 3 knobs and 4 switches, it was probably not a Gene favorite. If theres one thing that Gene Simmons is proud of in his life, its the supposed number of women that hes been with throughout his career. The pics below are from a show in January, either on the 21st or 22nd. As for the modifications, it has been refinished and there's additional binding not on the original; under the bridge cover is a Leo Quan Badass bridge with the strings loading through the body via added string ferrules; a ca. Gone is the original witch-hat knob, in its stead we find a black speed knob. Since this part relies entirely on picture evidence of miniscule details clicking the individual pictures below will bring up higher-res images. Here we can see the outline of the tape coverup (check the full-size pic for better detail) for the last time. 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. The thunder starts with a Shure U4D-UHF into a Radial JD-7 Injector. The Fender Jazz basses Ive used on some songs, but live, theyre too boomy. There are a few pics that don't quite fit in. 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. GS Backstage M&G Vampire Bass Pkg = $7495. . It appears as if the Fender-style bridge that was previously under the bridge cover is moved back, sans the saddles, and a different bridge used in its stead. 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). 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. They both had the same body shape and the number only designated the number of pickups. Thank you for reading 5 articles this month*, US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year, UK pricing 2.99 per month or 29.00 per year, Europe pricing 3.49 per month or 34.00 per year, *Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription. 1980. BA1 1UA. Of course, it could also be so simple that the band and management felt that the new, more serious concept album KISS weren't properly represented by an instrument that looked like an Axe. Im clear about that. The iconic Kiss bassist promises his new signature instrument is "The most fun you'll be able to have with your pants on". Kiss were Gibson endorsees in those days so it could well be that Simmons got it as a promotional . 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. But did he ever imagine such a strange instrument would become as successful as it has? But in the three pictures below I'm having a. So the three mentioned is probably two #1's and one #2 (more of which later). 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