Axe Bass
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The axe bass is a bass guitar which is visually designed in similarity to that of an axe. This design is (though rare) highly prized among bass players usually in hard rock and heavy metal music. Some electric guitars have also sported the axe design though they are moderately popular and sometimes discredited. Since its creation the axe bass has been highly desired, very expensive, and a very rare prize among guitar shops and music stores.
[edit] Origin
Rock legend Gene Simmons is to be credited with the "axe" design. In 1978 Gene was searching for a new bass guitar that would either blend in or stand out from his garish make up and costume, would be a good trademark, and would show his philosophy of how a bass should be handled - like a weapon. After garnering enough wealth from touring with his band KISS, at that time considered the hottest band in the world, Gene went to renowned luthier "Steve Carr" to build the first prototype of the axe bass and then the popular bass itself. Since then the axe bass has been a running trademark for KISS.
[edit] Appearances in popular culture
- Gene Simmons of KISS has used an axe-bass numerous times during live prefomrances.
- On an episode of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Zakk Wylde guest stars as himself and is seen carrying an electric guitar with the "axe" design fused with his trademarked "bullseye"
- On the Backstreet Boys' faux-metal video, "I Just Want You To Know", a fictional band named Sphincter is seen with a bass player carrying the axe design.
- On the first episode of 12 oz. Mouse, Fitz breaks into a guitar shop where an axe bass can be seen in the background
- Rick James appeared on the cover of his album "Throwin' Down" with a Kramer Axe bass.
- On an episode of The Angry Beavers, Daggett is on stage and becomes entangled in a red "axe" guitar, and while trying to escape ends up smashing the guitar and an amp in the process. Afterwards he becomes a star at the music festival where this takes place, and plays on another blue "axe" guitar.
