Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

My favorite guitar shape is the 325 (so glad I've finally got one!)....

So, what does it mean if you're a FEMALE guitar freak?

Maybe I'm just jealous of all those curves, LOL!

Gene Simmons said that basses with unsymmetrical body shapes were a symbol of the devil. He said that is why he doesn't play them. That is why I own a 4004L in basic wicked black. When somebody wants to know what it is, I tell them I won it from the devil in a poker game, and that Gene Simmons verified it as authentic devil stuff.

Taking any kind of bass advice from Gene Simmons could be hazardous to your career. This was from the man who once didn't know what strings he used, or would sign with any amp or guitar manufacturer just because they paid him. And who can play a bass that looks like an axe, anyway?
And this coming from a former Kiss fan! Former = since I met them.

I read Gene hasn't played on a single KISS album (uses studio guys) How hard could it be to play a Kiss song on bass?

Gene made the bass shape comment in order to get a reaction from the interviewer, which is his standard way of doing an interview. His axe bass is VERY unsymmetrical, so he doesn't follow his own advice. He also likes to get a rise from readers, like when he mentioned that women had no business playing a bass in the same interview. I had a friend that was a huge KISS fan in the 70's, but I could see right off the bat they were 90% show and 10% talent. I can't deny their talent as showmen, but as musicians they left a bit to be desired. Gene would probably play a Rickenbacker if somebody gave him one. I doubt that he has ever paid for a bass in quite some time. He also made a statement in that same interview that there was no difference in a bass amp and guitar amp to him, and the way he plays, that is probably true. He might have also wanted a "guitar amp for bass" endorsement as well, and maybe was trying to put the thought into some amp manufacturer's head.