cetera

The two basses he used in the 'Turn On The Night' video were a black Pedulla Buzz (originally got in 1983) which he had customised with a painted dragon face on the body in 1987..... and his Jackson Axe. The Jackson Axe is either his original one from 1983, dipped in chrome, or a second one.... Actually, on the subject of his Pedulla.... he also had a white one from 1983... which he subsequently had painted with his 'make-up face' in 1987. Both Pedullas were sold in the Butterfields KISS auction for many $thousands a few years back...

[quote name='MacDaddy' post='159554' date='Mar 18 2008, 01:07 PM']I love this thread! BTW who made the Axe bass for him?[/quote] There have been various 'Axes' that Gene has used. There were two Steve Carr prototypes (1979-1981), which he posed with but I don't believe he ever used live.... Then there was the Kramer Axe (1981-1982).... which was released to the public in limited numbers in 1982. However, the public model was NOTHING like the one he actually played.... Then there was the Jackson Axe (which he used from 1983 until about 1987). Then there was the Staccato MG (double-axe blade look) bass he used from 1987-1988. Finally there is the current 'Gene Simmons' Axe which he had made in the Fernandes factory (I believe) and which he sold direct. This is the current one he uses.... I have an 'accurate' copy of the Kramer Axe, as well as a Staccato MG & his current 'Gene Simmons Axe'....

[quote name='NancyJohnson' post='158484' date='Mar 16 2008, 06:14 PM']in my defence, there is a BCR that looks almost identical to that bass. P[/quote] Rather than the Punisher, I believe you're referring to the BC Rich Eagle which does share a similar 'horn identity' if I may coin a new phrase!

[quote name='NancyJohnson' post='158785' date='Mar 17 2008, 09:10 AM']Do you know what happened to the Charlie Lobue bass? I loved how that early bass looked, especially with the armour. P[/quote] Apparently Gene lent the Charlie Lobue bass to Micki Free. Micki was in various bands in the 80's & was a friend of Gene's. He was later in 'Crown Of Thorns', a superb rock band that Gene & Paul Stanley managed. The band also featured Jean Beauvoir (Plasmatics) and Tony Thompson (Chic)! From what I hear, Micki never gave it back and it's unknown as to whether he still has it.

That replica in the first post was mine. I sold it recently What do you want to know about Gene's 2nd Spector? It was made for him around the same time as his first one in late 1976 I believe, though he didn't use it much until the early 80's.... It's not much different from his first one, except the longer top horn and a mirror scratchplate. Stuart is correct, Gene used a Charlie Lobue bass from the first tour in 1973/4 through to 1976 (Rock n Roll Over Tour). He also used a Gibson Grabber/Ripper from 1974-1976 (Hotter Than Hell Tour to Alive Tour). Gene started working with Spector in 1976 & I believe the first recording the 'original' Spector was used on was the 'Love Gun' album. The original Spector was eventually sold at the Butterfields Auction for many thousands of dollars.... Gene still has the 'second' Spector referred to as the topic of this thread....

1: Billy Sheehan 2: Geddy Lee 3: John Giblin 4: John Taylor 5: Steve Harris

1. Peter Cetera (Chicago) 2. Tiran Porter (Doobie Brothers) 3. Dee Murray (Elton John) 4. John Deacon (Queen) 5. Bernard Edwards (Chic)

Thanks for the referral to my cab chaps.... I used to have an original EV loaded Diesel 6x10 as well and it was brilliant....! The newer Powerhouse 6x10's are loaded with celestions and are also very good, but personally I'd look for an older EV loaded diesel cab or save a bit more and get a Bergantino NV610.....

[quote name='NancyJohnson' post='152638' date='Mar 6 2008, 07:44 PM']Cetera...you need this. [url="http://tinyurl.com/2l5nbp"]Gene Simmons Axe Bass[/url] P[/quote] I've already got one....!

Sounds good mate.... let me get the next couple of weekends out of the way first....

UK tour dates for June went on presale this morning..... and will go on public sale on Friday. I got tickets for the Wolverhampton gig instead of London because I'll be in Paris watching KISS on the night of the London gig

[quote name='GremlinAndy' post='151452' date='Mar 5 2008, 12:08 AM']Does anyone know of a guitarist or singer that might be interested in a Journey tribute band?[/quote] Sorry, no...... but if you want a bassist, let me know....!-

[quote name='jono b' post='150366' date='Mar 3 2008, 02:36 PM']Use [url="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/The-STRATosphere_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm"]The STRATosphere[/url]. For the same price you can get a decent Mexican or Jap Fender body from a reliable seller that's not going to rip you off. It's bass porn but chopped up into bits.[/quote] +1. Great service....

I had them make me a solid maple Euro made NS2CRFM rather than a EuroLX.... It's lovely and I don't believe there is a noticeable difference between it and a US made equivalent. All the Euro models are superb value for money and I swear by them... Re: the Peavey.... yep, Randy plays one on his tuition vid from years back.... I'm stunned by the quality of this bass.... particularly at the price I paid!

Spector make excellent entry level basses... but regardless, does it feel good, play well & sound good to you? If so, that's all you need to make the decision I'd try to bring it down to £150 though if it is used and has some scuffs. Alternatively, if you're willing to save a little more I'd go for a Spector Legend bass, or for a little more again a Spector Re-Bop! Both excellent value for money basses....

Journey RULE!!! So many classic songs, such great musicians..... They're playing Dublin as well..... expect more UK dates to be announced very shortly,

[quote name='bass_ferret' post='146909' date='Feb 25 2008, 08:56 PM']its not £550 that is what has been bid and is below reserve. There is a Diesel cab for sale on here.[/quote] Indeed there is. You can have mine for £350 and it's in BETTER condition.

Superb stuff..... particularly the vocals of Jeff Scott Soto!

Thanks guys....! Yep, the white Spector really is something to behold. There's just something about the colour, clean lines, ergonomic shape etc.... The 'P' is a revelation....I'll be putting flats on it too. I'm sorting a black Jap 70s P RI anyday now....which will get a Wizard Thumper and some roundwounds on it... The Peavey is a kinda grey/silverburst with a hint of sparkle...... looks even better close up... and the sound is superb!

Just thought I'd post a 'porn' update. These are my three latest purchases..... From left to right: 1) 2007 Spector Euro NS2CRFM (not LX) in 'custom' gloss white. This is my first 'endorsement bass' and it's a cracker... looks stunning, plays like buttah and growls like a growly thing! Another Spector is now on order... 2) s/h Fender Precision Jap 62RI. This bass is approx 10 years old but almost mint and the vintage white is just starting to yellow nicely.... Never particularly wanted a Precision before (except Phil Lynotts), but this one just spoke to me as soon as I picked it up. It feels like part of me and has a lovely round tone.... 3) Early 90's Peavey RJ-IV 'Randy Jackson' signature bass. I got this active beauty for under £200 and it really is quite superb! A full, bright tone with a lot of oomph, a hipshot de-tuner as standard and a very fast thru-neck. I love it!