The axe bass. Just the name conjures images of rock theatrics and larger-than-life stage personas. For many, the instrument is inextricably linked with the iconic Gene Simmons of KISS. But beyond the visual spectacle, how does the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar actually perform? This review dives deep into this signature instrument, exploring its features, playability, and sonic capabilities to determine if it’s more than just a stage prop.
A Bass Born from Rock Legend
Gene Simmons, the Demon of KISS, is as famous for his on-stage antics and persona as he is for his bass playing. His signature axe bass has become legendary, instantly recognizable and synonymous with the band’s over-the-top image. While Simmons himself now produces his own Axe basses, for a period, Cort Guitars, known for their quality and affordability, offered a licensed version – the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass. This collaboration brought the iconic axe shape to a wider audience, offering fans and musicians a chance to wield a piece of rock history without breaking the bank.
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Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar: Unpacking the Specs
Let’s move beyond the striking shape and delve into the nuts and bolts of the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar. On paper, the specifications tell a story of solid, if not spectacular, construction. Made in Indonesia, this bass utilizes a bolt-on neck construction, a common and reliable method. The body is crafted from mahogany, a tonewood known for its warm and resonant qualities, often found in higher-end instruments as well. The neck is made of maple, providing brightness and snap, and is topped with a rosewood fingerboard, adding warmth and a smooth playing surface. It features a comfortable 21 frets.
The pickup configuration is where things get interesting for tone enthusiasts. The Cort Axe Bass is equipped with Mighty Mite pickups – a MMJB-R in the bridge position and a MMPB-4 in the neck position. This combination suggests a versatile tonal palette, aiming to capture both the punchy growl of a bridge humbucker and the rounder, warmer tones of a neck position pickup.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Indonesia |
| Construction | Bolt-on Neck |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Number of Frets | 21 |
| Pickups | Mighty Mite MMJB-R (Bridge), MMPB-4 (Neck) |
While these specs might not jump off the page as extraordinary, they represent a solid foundation for a playable and good-sounding instrument, especially considering the original price point of around $600. The value proposition here lies in getting the iconic axe shape combined with reliable components.
Examining the Components and Build Quality
While the allure of the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar is undeniable, a closer look at its parts and construction reveals a focus on functionality and value. The mahogany body, as mentioned, is a positive feature, offering a good tonal starting point. While the specific grade of mahogany is not specified, the bass is noted as being surprisingly light, suggesting a less dense cut, which contributes to playing comfort, especially for longer sets on stage.
The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard are standard choices, offering a comfortable and familiar feel. The hardware is chrome finished and unbranded, typical for instruments in this price range manufactured in Eastern factories. It’s functional and gets the job done, even if it lacks the prestige of high-end branded components.
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The construction quality is surprisingly good, especially considering common perceptions of instruments made in this region. Inspecting the neck joint, a critical area for stability and sustain, reveals a clean and tidy join. The hardware is securely fastened, indicating attention to detail in assembly. The absence of fret markers on the top of the fingerboard, with side markers being the only visual guides, is a design choice that might be seen as both aesthetic and potentially cost-saving.
light audio recording axe bass joint
Sonic Performance: What Does the Axe Bass Sound Like?
Moving onto the crucial aspect – the sound. While subjective, the tonal capabilities of the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar are important to assess. The Mighty Mite pickup combination aims for versatility. The bridge position MMJB-R pickup likely delivers a punchier, more aggressive tone, suitable for rock and heavier styles, while the neck position MMPB-4 pickup should provide a warmer, rounder sound, useful for more mellow genres or providing a solid fundamental tone.
User experiences suggest the bass is tonally flexible and performs adequately across various genres. While not explicitly designed for nuanced or highly specialized tones, it is reported to be capable of producing a warm and satisfying bass sound, suitable for live performances and recording. The pickups, while not high-end boutique models, are functional and contribute to a usable and rock-oriented sound profile. Experimentation with effects, particularly fuzz or overdrive, can further enhance its rock capabilities, aligning with the Gene Simmons aesthetic.
Playability and Handling: Wielding the Axe
The unique axe shape undoubtedly impacts the playability and handling of the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar. Weight distribution can be a concern with unconventional body shapes, but this bass is noted as being surprisingly light, mitigating potential balance issues. While the shape might feel a little awkward initially to players accustomed to traditional bass designs, it is generally considered playable and comfortable, especially during energetic performances.
The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard contribute to a comfortable playing experience, allowing for smooth and fast playing styles. The 21 frets offer a standard range for bass playing. Despite its unusual shape, the Cort Axe Bass is designed to be a functional instrument, not just a novelty item. However, its distinctive shape does make it more susceptible to dings and bumps, as the review mentions, requiring a bit more awareness when handling and playing.
light audio recording axe bass ding
Conclusion: The Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar – Fun and Functional
The Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar is an instrument that delivers on its promise: it provides the iconic axe bass shape in a playable and reasonably priced package. While its specifications might be considered average, the combination of a mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, and Mighty Mite pickups results in a solid and versatile instrument.
This edition of the Axe Bass is currently discontinued, with Gene Simmons now producing his own line. Used Cort versions can be found on the secondary market, often at prices reflecting their value as both playable instruments and pieces of rock memorabilia.
For bassists seeking a high-end, sonically pristine instrument purely for studio recording, there might be more conventional options within the same price range offering slightly superior components. However, the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar offers something unique: stage presence and rock star appeal. It’s an instrument that turns heads, sparks conversation, and most importantly, is genuinely fun to play. If you’re looking to inject some visual flair and rock and roll attitude into your bass playing, the Cort Gene Simmons Axe Bass Guitar is a worthy contender.
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