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Cort Gene Simmons Punisher Bass??

pudgychef

pudgychef

In Memoriam
Jan 22, 2005
3,847
1,931
Chongqing, China
#1
I may need a bass to play Gene in a KISS project that looks like it has quickly expanded from a one off.

I hope we can keep this from being a Gene hating thread....would like to focus on the Punisher or other bass options you would consider if you were getting hired to be in a KISS tribute show. (If you would never lower yourself to such a thing, please move on...we get it)

I have always liked the Punisher best of his post Gibson basses. A few searches haven't turned up any used ones (other than a couple of the old, neck thru models).

Anyone on TB have one? Anyone seen one anywhere for sale recently?

I have seen a knock-off of the Cort version here...no Cort on the headstock, clearly not the Mighty Mite PUs...so I worry it would be less than stable hardware wise..(I know...who knocks off a Cort...but it exists)

Obviously the Mighty Mites are nothing special...just a note of it not being a legit licensed by Cort model.

When it was going to be a one-off...I was planning on using my black and maple Ibby RKB900 PJ...now sounds like it will be at least 6 shows 3 here in China, 2 in Seoul, 1 in Pusan with maybe a BK run...

Any reviews? Tips? Suggestions?
 
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#2
The Gene Simmons Cort Basses are becoming rare nowadays and for this reason I have bought the Punisher and the Axe, last year, in my country. I like very much these Basses and in my opinion the Might Mites Pick ups do a decent job. The Punisher is more rare than the Axe, but if you find an Axe, don't hesitate: pull the trigger! Both Basses suffer the neck dive problem, which is very easy to solve. And believe me, the Axe is more balanced than the Punisher, the Neck dive is less severe. The Gene Simmons Cort Basses are the cheapest option.
 
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#3
pudgychef said:
I may need a bass to play Gene in a KISS project that looks like it has quickly expanded from a one off.

I hope we can keep this from being a Gene hating thread....would like to focus on the Punisher or other bass options you would consider if you were getting hired to be in a KISS tribute show. (If you would never lower yourself to such a thing, please move on...we get it)

I have always liked the Punisher best of his post Gibson basses. A few searches haven't turned up any used ones (other than a couple of the old, neck thru models).

Anyone on TB have one? Anyone seen one anywhere for sale recently?

I have seen a knock-off of the Cort version here...no Cort on the headstock, clearly not the Mighty Mite PUs...so I worry it would be less than stable hardware wise..(I know...who knocks off a Cort...but it exists)

Obviously the Mighty Mites are nothing special...just a note of it not being a legit licensed by Cort model.

When it was going to be a one-off...I was planning on using my black and maple Ibby RKB900 PJ...now sounds like it will be at least 6 shows 3 here in China, 2 in Seoul, 1 in Pusan with maybe a BK run...

Any reviews? Tips? Suggestions?
Click to expand...
We (Italy) used to come across many punishers over here, 'cause BackLine (our local Cort distributor) is really of the fast and smart operatin' ones, yet, stickin' to the point, I really think a mid '90s (or even contemporary Arch Enemy/Spiritual Beggars Sharlee D'Angelo signature) Ibanez Iceman would easily get the trick done for ya!

Cheers,
Wallace
 
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#6
going with the Ripper might get you more cred from musicians and KISS diehards...plus, it's a hell of a step up from the Corts
ShockmeGene.jpg


...AND you can play it in situations that don't involve spitting up blood. For example, that Faith No More tribute band you've also been contemplating (don't tell me you haven't)
 
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#9
pudgychef said:
When it was going to be a one-off...I was planning on using my black and maple Ibby RKB900 PJ...now sounds like it will be at least 6 shows 3 here in China, 2 in Seoul, 1 in Pusan with maybe a BK run...
Click to expand...
Congratulations @pudgychef! That'll be a fun series of shows.
pudgychef said:
Tips? Suggestions?
Click to expand...
Finding anything in Communist China that isn't a counterfeit has got to be daunting. I'd go with the Axe as that is the most visually striking and well known KIZZ icon to fans as much as the Hofner is to Paul McCartney. Good Hunting!
 
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#10
Plucker Tom said:
Gene played the Gibson grabber in the early days......easiest way to tell right away is the ..Flying Vee headstock....Rippers have the Lespaul looking headstock..
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Aberdumbie said:
I tend to identify the 70's era Kiss more with the Gibson "Ripper" bass. I haven't searched but it seems I see them available here and other places semi-regularly. Good luck with the gig. Sounds like great fun.
Click to expand...

Pirate Captain said:
going with the Ripper might get you more cred from musicians and KISS diehards...plus, it's a hell of a step up from the Corts
View attachment 1069243

...AND you can play it in situations that don't involve spitting up blood. For example, that Faith No More tribute band you've also been contemplating (don't tell me you haven't)
Click to expand...


Thank-you for the replies.

I agree 100% I would love to have a Grabber or Ripper, the 70s Gene bass....heck I want one KISS project aside...but they are very rare over here (like $3000+) BUT there was an Epiphone version a few years back (might be PJ...but begging/choosing it would work..)

I will keep hunting and update on how it goes...

Also - significant exercise uptake...have to fit in to that outfit in three months! Ha...nobody wants a barrel bellied Gene.. :)
 
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#13
pudgychef said:
I agree 100% I would love to have a Grabber or Ripper, the 70s Gene bass....heck I want one KISS project aside...but they are very rare over here (like $3000+)
Click to expand...

Didn't notice the location. What about a Matsumoku Grabber? there's an Aria on sale on eBay in your price range that says "worldwide shipping"...I'd stack one of those up against the real deal any day.
 
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#15
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#19
Pirate Captain said:
Didn't notice the location. What about a Matsumoku Grabber? there's an Aria on sale on eBay in your price range that says "worldwide shipping"...I'd stack one of those up against the real deal any day.
Click to expand...
That would be a nice bass I bet! I like that era MIJ stuff - thanks for the link.
 
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#20
Aberdumbie said:
Oh cool!!! I just saw that you are in China!! Rock & Roll truly knows no boundaries. That will be a fun show and I will look forward to updates from the "tour".
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Its funny - the last tribute act I was in that did shows like this here in Asia was a Grateful Dead Band based out of Seoul from 2006-2008 - they actually recently re-launched as the band leader moved back to Seoul...

Where I am (Chongqing..tiny little city of 30million) live music in the form of bands and pop is still relatively in its infancy...decades behind Beijing or Shanghai as the city was one of the last to open...have played some decent places here...but some of the clubs are still trying to figure out what they are.
 
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