Guitar Kisstory: Gene Simmons

แชร์
ฝัง
  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 เม.ย. 2021
  • 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
  • เพลง

ความคิดเห็น • 101

  • @jameshughes6049
    @jameshughes6049 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    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
      @RikJSmith ปีที่แล้ว +5

      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
      @jeffhodge7272 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @OtherMike5000
      @OtherMike5000 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      1000%
      The riffs and runs are SICK!!

  • @leokimvideo
    @leokimvideo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    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
    @negroknievel 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @Hibari9420
    @Hibari9420 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

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

  • @billjackson9702
    @billjackson9702 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    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
    @wingnutrocks1697 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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
    @RikJSmith 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @markm5101
    @markm5101 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fantastic series well done !!

  • @tojorozombie
    @tojorozombie 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @WATTScostumes
    @WATTScostumes 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @scottbull8309
    @scottbull8309 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

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

  • @RikJSmith
    @RikJSmith 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @MrCamarra
    @MrCamarra 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

  • @giacomomederico5625
    @giacomomederico5625 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

  • @danielsan3681
    @danielsan3681 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @jonathonrees7921
    @jonathonrees7921 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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".

  • @noelgonzalez7390
    @noelgonzalez7390 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow... incredible video.. thanks

  • @jeffreybabino8161
    @jeffreybabino8161 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really enjoy your channel great info thanks

  • @DF-ee8vt
    @DF-ee8vt 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @picassoboy52
      @picassoboy52 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      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

  • @tommysaints8281
    @tommysaints8281 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @MobiusBandwidth
    @MobiusBandwidth 11 วันที่ผ่านมา

    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.

  • @acefrehley6410
    @acefrehley6410 ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video..👍

  • @RikJSmith
    @RikJSmith ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @tyorbs6277
    @tyorbs6277 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    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

  • @mishegoss6311
    @mishegoss6311 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool channel. Thank you

  • @cpurvis73
    @cpurvis73 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @scottsunders
    @scottsunders 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    So weird seeing Gene with the P Bass

  • @user-ye9ph5iq5z
    @user-ye9ph5iq5z 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great information thanks

  • @jeffreybabino8161
    @jeffreybabino8161 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @azmiraclegirl441
    @azmiraclegirl441 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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 😹

  • @sonomamagic
    @sonomamagic 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @ksharpe10
    @ksharpe10 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @mrbuster1964
    @mrbuster1964 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @bobbypay7911
    @bobbypay7911 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    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
      @SeanBlumenshine  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @MrZerosRememberWhen
    @MrZerosRememberWhen ปีที่แล้ว

    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

  • @in2anthr
    @in2anthr 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @austinhennington4536
    @austinhennington4536 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What about the Cort axe basses?

  • @allendean9807
    @allendean9807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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
      @DunmoresMovieMania 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @allendean9807
      @allendean9807 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @jmsmikey
    @jmsmikey 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @leebailey6181
    @leebailey6181 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What about when Gene went to cort?

  • @markoutwithmark
    @markoutwithmark 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

  • @HexxHenderson
    @HexxHenderson 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    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
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @HexxHenderson
      @HexxHenderson 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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
      @jonvisser1509 ปีที่แล้ว

      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

  • @AlmostReady504
    @AlmostReady504 2 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @rodneyriddnauer
    @rodneyriddnauer 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a royalty free track available on TH-cam called Street Smart.

  • @amazingcaucasian4679
    @amazingcaucasian4679 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @amazingcaucasian4679
      @amazingcaucasian4679 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@amazingcaucasian4679 Thanks!

  • @christopherpeay3750
    @christopherpeay3750 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @Steeleyes61
    @Steeleyes61 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    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.

  • @ajjy1110
    @ajjy1110 ปีที่แล้ว

    77 love gun tour spector #1

  • @lassel1644
    @lassel1644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      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
      @lassel1644 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@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
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @lassel1644
      @lassel1644 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@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
      @gpbbassman500 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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.

  • @mckenzierussell4934
    @mckenzierussell4934 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      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
      @mckenzierussell4934 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @DunmoresMovieMania
      @DunmoresMovieMania 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Was there ever such a thing as a cheap Punisher?

    • @rafaelsatriatama
      @rafaelsatriatama ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

  • @lmfs4032
    @lmfs4032 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    sad to not see the les paul triumph bass!

    • @SeanBlumenshine
      @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @willchew4040
    @willchew4040 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    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.

  • @SeanBlumenshine
    @SeanBlumenshine  3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @brandonlefton1346
    @brandonlefton1346 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

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

  • @davidpaul6656
    @davidpaul6656 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @bryanfrombuffalo7685
    @bryanfrombuffalo7685 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @CaseyWood-mn9vm
    @CaseyWood-mn9vm 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    53 second mark :)

  • @exhausted9523
    @exhausted9523 ปีที่แล้ว

    He kinda sounds like Paul if u dint noticed

  • @saulmartinez2114
    @saulmartinez2114 ปีที่แล้ว

    The punisher, all the way!!!

  • @mattrosenboom4810
    @mattrosenboom4810 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

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

    • @DunmoresMovieMania
      @DunmoresMovieMania 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

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

    • @mattrosenboom4810
      @mattrosenboom4810 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @DunmoresMovieMania
      @DunmoresMovieMania 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

    • @heftosprod
      @heftosprod ปีที่แล้ว

      Totally agree

  • @hopper1
    @hopper1 9 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Find Gene's Logue bass.

  • @picassoboy52
    @picassoboy52 3 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @spaceace1006
    @spaceace1006 ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @hansolo-mx4xt
    @hansolo-mx4xt ปีที่แล้ว

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

  • @_Only_Zuul
    @_Only_Zuul 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    gene $immon$..

  • @williamroark
    @williamroark 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I HATE Simmons ever owned “Pedullas” 😡

    • @GodsTruthMinistries
      @GodsTruthMinistries 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      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
    @sonijam หลายเดือนก่อน

    Never liked the look of the Punisher bass.

  • @frankortolano5886
    @frankortolano5886 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    He does everything but play it

  • @joekustek2623
    @joekustek2623 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

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