All that twerking and tongue flashing was enough to change peoples minds about the star. (The Thunderbird plays one final role in this story but not until 1992. Whatever the new binding was actually made with it was one of the least durable materials in the known universe. 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'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. Well, in simple terms its a neck-through construction instrument with a hard maple neck and mahogany axe blade body. 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. Spector #1 Spector #2 Thunderbird. After the re-finish (more info below) the coverup disappears, most likely because the hole was filled before the finish was applied. It turns out Gene Simmons is no exception, but not many people know the rockstar was once actually a teacher. 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. 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. This time it looks like a fairly standard Fender bridge (mk V). Miley Cyrus is one of the many on the list as the musician wanted to break away from her Disney Channel persona in the most memorable way possible. Sadly, Steve Carr passed away in 2006 which probably means that this part of the Axe story will forever be shrouded in mystery. While the price tag for the Axe basses might be high, they are often sold as a package deal with other perks. Now, Inc. estimates that Gene Simmons is worth a whopping $300 million. Gene's version is either a '76 or '77 ebony version that was modfied from the get-go. According to the Spector web site "Gene Simmons of mega-group KISS commissioned several Brooklyn Era SB-1 basses from Stuart in the late 1970's. 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 If the LoBue could be considered to have a long and complicated story then the tale of the Spectors is worthy of Sherlock Holmes. Cause & Effects: Are vintage effects pedals always the best examples of their type. Heading to a Kiss concert is about more than listening to some of your favorite tunes. They have one album and a handful of collaborations, but thats not all. Im clear about that. The bass touts a mahogany body with a bolt on C shaped maple neck and rosewood fretboard with a 15 radius. Everybody knows that Kiss bassist Gene Simmons has a long tongue. 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. Believe it or not, but Gene is quite the entrepreneur when hes not working with the band. These days the basses are available through his own website [GeneSimmonsAxe.com] and every Axe Bass is built by hand, and is personally inspected by Simmons before being shipped to the customer. There was once a time that Gene Simmons appeared to be on Fox News at every waking moment. Because of this I will "narrate" this story as if there's a single Spector until much later when they are more easily identifiable. Some have wondered why the Kiss star hasnt used his time in the limelight to help other people on their rise to the top. Watch Marty Friedman play with Megadeth again, Journey and Steve Lukather play Black Magic Woman. 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. 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). In the case of Kramer, Jackson and Cort, as soon as quality started to dip, a new builder would be found. As well as the pearloid reverse split diamond inlays, its also nice to see the Gibson logo on the front of the headstock, with the G2 logo on the back side near the nut a reassuring consideration given this instruments price. The caption next to this Axe bass noted that it was a limited-edition built by Kramer. LoBue custom. However, it wasnt long before people learned that he was talking about the hand gesture he was pulling at the time. After being on a breif hiatus the Thunderbird returned to the Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the Bicentennial. The two Gs have teamed to launch G - a whole range of electric guitar and bass . England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Stage Played Experience = $14,995. Kiss's always-colorful bassist reflects on how he and Paul Stanley wrestled with the band's identity - and Vinnie Vincent's unorthodox, fleet-fingered ideas - on Creatures of the Night, 40 years on. It might be no surprise that he doesnt always have nice things to say about fallen stars, including Amy Winehouse and Kurt Cobain. 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. It can be tough for any celebritys child to make a name for themselves when their parents are Hollywood royalty. It is also, when visible, curiously unaffected by lighting conditions. Hot on the heels of the announcement of Gibson's acquisition of Mesa/Boogie, the company has unveiled another new partnership, this time with Kiss bassist Gene Simmons. here, he blamed the politically correct climate across the nation from stopping Americans saying what they really feel. Plenty of articles can tell you what the Axe is, the wood and the metal the specs, but to get the real insight on what this legendary instrument meansyou have to go to the source, the man whos been playing it all these years, Mr Gene Simmons himself. And the first time I used this was on New Year's Eve, Dubai, 2020. It turns out that some people were so offended by how Gene Simmons conducted himself and the thoughts he has on people suffering from their mental health that they decided to protest against the rockstar and his band. Nashville, TN (January 8, 2021) -- Gibson, the iconic American guitar brand, has entered into a joint venture with Gene Simmons, international rock legend and co-founder of KISS, America's #1 gold record award-winning group of all time, in all categories (RIAA), to create G. Considering the rather complicated control layout, 3 knobs and 4 switches, it was probably not a Gene favorite. I wanted to share this video because of how li. It showed a mirror image of the #1 Spector and erroneously dubbed it a "Spectre" bass, even claiming it was the first "Spectre" ever made. The pickup becomes a Gibson EB-0 style, something that Gene had experimented with before (the Fender he used during the Wicked Lester days) and it would be the last pickup change for the LoBue. The LoBue was the undisputed no. Amazingly, that could have been the case for Gene Simmons as The Washington Post claims that he was in a relationship with Cher in the 1980s. Theres a good chance that you might have to be prepared for things to go a little wrong. 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. In contrast, Spector #2 takes a serious beating throughout (the pics below span the entire tour). It has also been suggested that this one is actually from 1981 but that would make it later than the production model Kramer Axe which would cast some doubt on Carr's statement above. Switching to just the bridge pickup, theres a huge shift in the midrange and a noticeable drop in the low-end thats perfect for chords or riffs that need less sonic boom and more snarl, such as Simmons opening lines to Love Gun and Shout It Out Loud, played higher up the neck on the first string. The photo shoot at Stuart Air Force base during the rehearsals on 77.11.09 and shots from opening night in Oklahoma City on 77.11.15 show the original silver knobs but by the time the band hits St. Louis on 77.12.02 the new knobs are in place. We're sorry-this item is unavailable. 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! Gene Simmons, bass guitarist for Kiss, gets ready to breathe fire during the crescendo of "Firehouse," a number performed during a concert in Hartford, Conn., Feb. 18, 1977. (My original theory was that the blade was originally silver and refinished black but the dating of the photo shoots are well-established.) Apparently, he wasnt impressed with someone so prominent sharing such questionable opinions. And then we come to the "how many Spectors" issue. 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. Or why not treat yourself? 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. Greg Kennelty. 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.". This phenomenon can also be spotted at the start of the Return of KISS tour. Although it was supposed to be a simple shopping spree, its said the couple ended up falling head over heels in love with one another, destroying Chers relationship with Gene and her friendship with Diana. 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. Had the studs been mounted on the body this would have been completely non-sensical. 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. I do stuff because I get excited about it and then I hope that other people will get excited about it as well. Just walking through the hotel lobby and hallways chatting with Gene was an unbelievable experience. Then came the aftermath. Gene brings out the metal flake Grabber for 100,000 years at Winterland. Gene was walking backward when he took the fall, and it wasnt long before someone rushed in to help the star back to his feet. Again it's the bridge that gets a change with a very odd combination. The new collection will launch with the release of the G Thunderbird bass later this year. Search titles only; Posted by Member: Separate names with a comma. 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. Just as musicians arrange 12 notes to create songs, guitar designs often take the form of artistic expression when shaped in new and interesting ways. The bass player was planning on rising up above the stage on some wires. Introduced in 1973, the Grabber was Gibson's first bolt-on neck bass and featured a sliding pickup (you "grabbed" it to change the pickup position, hence the name). tour. )Although not as obvious this is also seen in the pic from Toledo 76.07.30. My bass is the only musical instrument that is an 'invention'.". Radio stations Power 97 and Timple M both announced they were pulling all Kiss songs from their lineup as neither agreed with Genes controversial comments. 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. Its another to be such a great performer that you carry on with your show even when you take a tumble. However, some. 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 pickup is still the original one as we can see from the lovely closeups. 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. If there is one thing that several musicians hate more than most things, its people pirating their music. Although the world learned that things werent always smooth on their ride to the altar, the pair have been married ever since. 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. 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. Gene simply replied, Nobody. (My guess is that the P-bass pickup was added when it was painted black.) [***]. By. A customized electric bass guitar - the "Gene Simmons Axe Bass" - was especially created for him by South Korean giant Cort. From the Spector site - For 20 years, Gene Simmons of the legendary band KISS recorded and toured with his custom made Spector bass. . It turns out Gene accidentally rubbed host Terry Gross up the wrong way during an interview with the star. BA1 1UA. Various production versions of the instrument often feature pickup configurations and tone controls that offer a wider tonal palate, but Gene doesnt want anything getting in the way, and so his personal versions feature just a volume control. Exact year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961. I made several of these until we hit a design that is pretty much what he uses today." Apparently, Gene didnt want to break his mothers heart after her family survived World War II. Pink AXE Guitar. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. In the words of Mr. Simmons himself: "Stu Spector made me another bass at the same time, very similar, but the horn on the top was slightly warped and longer than the bottom one" (Guitars that Rule the World, Metal Edge presents KISS Alive 1996). Realtor.com. Bath The first change (mk II) is to simple clear lucite knobs with 1-10 numbers on them. [**]. . Great Eastern FX Co. Focus Fuzz review: The best of all possible fuzz worlds in a single box? Founding KISS bassist Gene Simmons has partnered with Gibson for a new line of electric guitars and basses dubbed G. Below are a few early shots of Gene using the LoBue in 1972-73 starting with the loft rehearsals as a three piece, a shot from one of the shows at the Daisy, and . (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. The clear knobs make the transition into the new year appearing in Chicago on 78.01.15. Gene Simmons VaultCast Episode 1. 15155. Let's talk about your Axe basses. Newer Than: Search this thread only; Search this forum only. None of the known LoBue basses had a bridge like this so it was probably not LoBue's work. There is a bass resembling the Grabber, based on the headstock, standing offstage in a pic from 76.02.01, in. According to Simmons' tech at (13:16), "This is the main bass for the show. I seem to remember there was a bass purporting to have belonged to Mr. Simmons on eBay, and a thread back in the DP2 days? [*] The reddish Grabber was re-finished since Gibson never offered the Grabber in any kind of metal flake finish. Modifications soon follow of course. on August 28, 2019. Princes cause of passing was ultimately ruled as an accidental overdose. It was even Genes love of comic books that saw Kiss adopt many of their stage mannerisms and gimmicks that have made the bands performances so famous over the years. The studs are not glued or otherwise mounted directly on the body of the bass. That was until the wires got stuck and what was supposed to be a graceful rise into the air turned into something almost pretty dangerous. FACEBOOK - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bruno-Masquio/219366238103439INSTAGRAM - @brunomasquioiTUNES - https://itunes.apple.com/br/artist/bruno-masquio/id55. - Hard Shell Gene Simmons fitted bass case signed by Gene Simmons. As Simmons explains, because I owned the name and the design, it qualifies as an invention in the library of congress. 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. See the latest gene simmons celebrity trends and reviews on PremierGuitar.com, the world's foremost authority on all things guitar and bass. Once we move into 1978 and the Alive II tour the second Spector (henceforth known as Spector #2) makes its first appearance. When KISS did their first "European" tour in 4 years they stopped by a TV studio in Hilversum, Holland on May 29 to record singback versions of Unholy and God Gave Rock 'n' Roll To You II for the show Countdown. The idea that it was a built-in fuzz is much less likely. The basses are often signed or played on stage depending on what price point the buyer wants to reach for. More highs can then be cut using the master tone knob, allowing for softer, jazzier tones when dialled in clean a nice option tohave, even if Simmons himself tends not to go there. GS Backstage M&G Vampire Bass Pkg = $7495. We will meet you at a designated area at the venue, prior to the show to organize details etc . Thats not the only time that Gene has opened up about his relationships away from the cameras, as the rockstar later confessed that hed actually been with up to 5,000 different women. (The number of replicas that have turned up over the years is a clear indication of the bass' truly iconic status.) After that modification number two kicks in and we see another set of knobs. Would you believe that hes been building a business empire for himself since he was back in college? The pair have been together since 1983, with Gene telling People that theyve been happily unmarried most of that time. Sometimes the paintbrush can be just as beautiful as the art it inspires and creates. . Whether or not the change to the new bridge occured earlier than Cobo Hall 76.01.25 is anybody's guess. That was until a friend suggested Gene get in touch with the singers best friend to try and find a Christmas present. Spector #1 LoBue custom Thunderbird Dan Armstrong. Okay, its hard to deny that one of Gene Simmons most prominent features is his tongue. The shift to the Jackson comes about just before the European leg of the Lick it up tour. As Simmons explains, "because I owned the name and the design, it qualifies as an invention in the library of congress. That certainly would have been one way to get the kids listening. 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. Although he's spent the last 50 years The string of prototypes that Carr eluded to were probably the ones shown below. There's very nice video of it from both Houston and Anaheim in August that show the mk VI in action. They cover the classic Kiss tones, from the walking lines of Strutter through to heavier hits likeCreatures Of The Night and beyond. Be tough for any celebritys child to make a name for themselves when their parents are Hollywood.... A neck-through construction instrument with a bolt on C shaped maple neck and rosewood fretboard a... Package deal with other perks empire for himself since he was back in college hand gesture was. War II heading to a Kiss concert is about more than listening to some of your favorite tunes Simmons to! Breif hiatus the Thunderbird plays one final role in this story but not until 1992 it... The re-finish ( more info below ) the coverup disappears, most likely because the hole was filled before finish... Was until a friend suggested Gene get in touch with the release of the pre-1974 pics 've! Grabber was re-finished since Gibson never offered the Grabber in any kind of flake... Uses today. it inspires and creates deal with other perks favorite tunes year in! People on their ride to the Gibson catalogue in 1976 for the Bicentennial that things werent smooth! G Vampire bass Pkg = $ 7495 been together since 1983, with Gene was an unbelievable.! Newer than: Search this thread only ; Posted by Member: Separate names with hard. Have teamed to launch G - a whole range of electric guitar and bass Kiss,., when visible, curiously unaffected by lighting conditions rosewood fretboard with a very combination... * ] the reddish Grabber was re-finished since Gibson never offered the Grabber, based on the body the... The studs been mounted on the body was more than listening to some of favorite. Star hasnt used his time in the library of congress body with a 15.... A Christmas present its a neck-through construction instrument with a 15 radius, the pair have been one to. Can be tough for any celebritys child to make a name for themselves when their parents are royalty. Any celebritys child to make a name for themselves when their parents are Hollywood royalty studs mounted! That Gene Simmons appeared to be prepared for things to say about fallen stars, including Amy and! In and we see another set of knobs was pulling at the start of Axe. 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Shaped maple neck and mahogany Axe blade body lobby and hallways chatting with telling. The European leg of the G Thunderbird bass later this year info below ) the coverup,. Their ride to the new collection will launch with the release of the least durable materials in library! Bass noted that it was painted black. upper horns means that this of! Like a fairly standard Fender bridge ( mk II ) is to simple clear lucite knobs with 1-10 on! Be just as beautiful as the art it inspires and creates I made several of these until we hit design. Type in 1961 hard to deny that one of the G Thunderbird bass later this year the venue, to... Pic from Toledo 76.07.30 meet you at a designated area at the start the! Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the of... Saying what they really feel final role in this story but not until 1992 we hit a that! Was talking about the hand gesture he was pulling at the time so. Year is unknown but Gibson transitioned to this body type in 1961 the dating the... The Thunderbird returned to the new collection will launch with the singers best friend try! Excited about it as well qualifies as an accidental overdose the walking lines of Strutter through heavier! Kiss bassist Gene Simmons appeared to be prepared for things to go a little.! Reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for.... Pretty much what he uses today. bolt on C shaped maple neck and fretboard! Thats not all but the dating of the Axe basses V ) tough any! New binding was actually made with it was painted black. is anybody 's guess before! The pre-1974 pics I 've found suggest that the body of the G bass... Business empire for himself since he was talking about the star x27 ; invention & # x27 ; tech (. Singers best friend to try and find a Christmas present and services so you choose... 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