Guitar Kisstory: Gene Simmons

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.
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#kiss #genesimmons #guitars

[@jameshughes6049]

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.

[@RikJSmith]

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 .

[@jeffhodge7272]

Very much influenced by Wymann and McCartney. Those rolling bass lines in Love Gun and some of the others are great.

[@OtherMike5000]

1000% The riffs and runs are SICK!!

[@leokimvideo]

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.

[@negroknievel]

I saw the Axe Bass being made at Valdez Guitars on Sunset blvd. across from Sunset Grill

[@Hibari9420]

This is what youtube should be all about. Kudos to you, Sean. Greetings from Peru

[@billjackson9702]

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.

[@wingnutrocks1697]

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.

[@RikJSmith]

Another great Video I'll be watching on a regular basis. Well done , Sean. 🎸

[@tojorozombie]

This was a lot of work! Thanks for sharing!👍😎

[@markm5101]

Fantastic series well done !!

[@WATTScostumes]

A great series of Videos on the Kiss Instrument arsenal.....Loved em....Good work !!

[@RikJSmith]

Hey Dude. Great video ! That's a lot of work and research to put together. Cheers. 🎸

[@MrCamarra]

Very cool man..good to see your son into it like some of us, especially musicians, THANK U!!

[@scottbull8309]

Great episode!!! , You really have done your homework (outstanding) and thank you so much!!!, This is the info and tid bits I love.

[@giacomomederico5625]

I own a Cort Punisher and it's, in my opinion, one of the most comfortable basses ever.

[@jonathonrees7921]

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".

[@danielsan3681]

Wow! A lot of info here! Thank you for sharing this with us. 😃

[@DF-ee8vt]

Ever since I saw the Grabber on the cover of "Alive!", it's been my favorite for Gene.

[@picassoboy52]

It's the coolest of all. About ten years ago that actual bass was for sale on eBay. Had pics of him with it etc. some lucky buyer has it

[@RikJSmith]

Hi Sean . How are you doing ? I love coming back to revisit your older Videos . Makes them even better . 🎸😎🎸

[@SeanBlumenshine]

Thank you very much!

[@tommysaints8281]

Gentry Riley is the man who did the graphics for most all of KISS guitars including the Dragon and Paul's American Flag.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Really enjoy your channel great info thanks

[@noelgonzalez7390]

Wow... incredible video.. thanks

[@MobiusBandwidth]

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.

[@cpurvis73]

5:07 stage shot from the spring break 1990 Galveston concert. I was there!! West Beach Pocket Park #2, I still have my photos!!!

[@jeffreybabino8161]

I remember that bass when I saw kiss in 74 great sound

[@tyorbs6277]

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

[@acefrehley6410]

Excellent video..👍

[@ksharpe10]

There are photos of him using an Ibanez Iceman bass too. Surprised no one mentioned this one sooner.

[@scottsunders]

So weird seeing Gene with the P Bass

[@bobbypay7911]

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.

[@SeanBlumenshine]

Yes, you’re right. He had a blood spattered Warlock in the God Gave Rock and Roll to You music video.

[@mrbuster1964]

Cort made his signature series bass guitars that he sold personally.

[@sonomamagic]

the gibson grabber had a sliding pickup that could be moved from front to back

[@SeanBlumenshine]

That's interesting. I hope Gene brings the Grabber and Ripper back as part of his new Gibson deal.

[@mishegoss6311]

Cool channel. Thank you

[@user-ye9ph5iq5z]

Great information thanks

[@azmiraclegirl441]

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 😹

[@HexxHenderson]

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]

That's interesting. I do remember how much Kiss merch Spencers had at the time.

[@HexxHenderson]

@@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.😥

[@jonvisser1509]

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

[@in2anthr]

Are we sure they had teh Grabber painted? They came in the oxblood color which had a speckled appearance.

[@MrZerosRememberWhen]

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

[@rodneyriddnauer]

What song is playing at the very end of this video? Super cool groove.

[@SeanBlumenshine]

It's a royalty free track available on KZbin called Street Smart.

[@amazingcaucasian4679]

Cool but I don't recall any of the guitars in the unplugged sessions, Ace and Paul too?

[@SeanBlumenshine]

I just decided to do the electric guitars for all the major tours. Probably could/should have included the Unplugged/Konvention tour stuff.

[@amazingcaucasian4679]

@@SeanBlumenshine hey man, great job on these videos. Very enjoyable I must say.

[@SeanBlumenshine]

@@amazingcaucasian4679 Thanks!

[@austinhennington4536]

What about the Cort axe basses?

[@allendean9807]

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…

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

If you're a lefty with $7500 to spare...

[@allendean9807]

@@DunmoresMovieMania i thought that too. But it’s my understanding there are going to be several lines.

[@AlmostReady504]

When I saw him he used a 58 Ripper with a Gibson grabber

[@christopherpeay3750]

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.

[@willchew4040]

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.

[@Steeleyes61]

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.

[@markoutwithmark]

Those stolen guitars are still out there and I bet the "owners" of them would love to see this video too.

[@leebailey6181]

What about when Gene went to cort?

[@ajjy1110]

77 love gun tour spector #1

[@lmfs4032]

sad to not see the les paul triumph bass!

[@SeanBlumenshine]

Yeah, I couldn't find any confirmation of him actually playing it, just backstage pics of him holding it. Cool looking bass though.

[@lassel1644]

His own punisher bass..was a Cort bass ..right?🤔

[@SeanBlumenshine]

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.

[@lassel1644]

@@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]

@@lassel1644 Really? I assumed that was the Valdez.

[@lassel1644]

@@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.

[@gpbbassman500]

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.

[@jmsmikey]

Gotta love Gene~ he could squeeze a dollar out of a tic tac

[@mckenzierussell4934]

Does anyone know if there will be anymore (cheap) punishers?

[@SeanBlumenshine]

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.

[@mckenzierussell4934]

@@SeanBlumenshine thanks. Just have to wait and see.

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

Was there ever such a thing as a cheap Punisher?

[@rafaelsatriatama]

@@DunmoresMovieMania yes there's a Cort punisher and Axe that i think is super cheap for a signature

[@SeanBlumenshine]

Major kudos again to axeology.com which was a great resource for information and images.

[@CaseyWood-mn9vm]

53 second mark :)

[@brandonlefton1346]

For some reason I thought Gene played a Hagstrom for a time

[@davidpaul6656]

It's strange to see Gene with a Fender Presicion bass

[@bryanfrombuffalo7685]

He wants you to hear him...we know....

[@exhausted9523]

He kinda sounds like Paul if u dint noticed

[@saulmartinez2114]

The punisher, all the way!!!

[@mattrosenboom4810]

Dude I was a huge kiss fan for 40 years. Without ace they suck

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

Ace wasn't with the band for 40 years though. I'm sensing a disconnect...

[@mattrosenboom4810]

@@DunmoresMovieMania you really think I don't know that

[@DunmoresMovieMania]

@@mattrosenboom4810 No. I don't really think you don't know that. You know that I know that you knew that.

[@heftosprod]

Totally agree

[@hopper1]

Find Gene's Logue bass.

[@picassoboy52]

Surely you must know the difference in something being a "drawing " as opposed to something having been "painted"? Cmon dude

[@spaceace1006]

Chaim Witz...August 1949, Haifa, Israel!!!

[@hansolo-mx4xt]

Love the music, hate the attitude. I actually feel sorry for Gene, he will NEVER have enough.

[@_Only_Zuul]

gene $immon$..

[@williamroark]

I HATE Simmons ever owned “Pedullas” 😡

[@GodsTruthMinistries]

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).

[@sonijam]

Never liked the look of the Punisher bass.

[@frankortolano5886]

He does everything but play it

[@joekustek2623]

Gene is probably the most over rated player. He is horrible and does not have any talent,. Sorry to inform ya all on this.