An undertaking of this magnitude would never have been possible without help from the great KISS Community. Most of the inspiration has come from discussions on the KISS FAQ forums where several users are almost frighteningly into Gene's basses. The many threads there that have dealt with obscure details have led me down many dark paths but usually there's been a nugget or two in each heated argument that has led to some new info. Some of the threads at Talk Bass have also been insightful (and entertaining).
A great "thank you" to Swordandstone, Fasterpdiddy and Demonfan68 who managed to either find upon request or just randomly post a lot of excellent pics that helped clear up some issues along the way. Special thanks to C for tossing some ideas around and for his undying enthusiasm for Spector#2.
Video clips for the site are all from my personal collection and I've tried to trim (and watermark) them to make my point. I'm sure there are more clips out there that might shed light on some things and any and all clues are welcome. Pics are always welcome so if someone has some pics that are pertinent to this research (and don't mind sharing) don't hesitate to find me (ebon00) at KISS FAQ.
Lastly, you may wonder why I've "randomly" chosen to stay within the confines of 1973-1992. To my eyes this is the period of searching for Gene. He knows there is a working bass out there that does what he wants/needs and no more. Although the Punisher as we know it isn't fully formed until 1995, seen in the natural finish Punisher that shows up for the recording of Carnival of Souls, and then realised in 1996 when Gene goes into production for himself, the introduction of the B.C. Rich version of it in 1992 is the end of the quest. The fact that Gene has played the same instrument for almost 20 years is evidence enough of that. So the journey that leads to the Punisher is the interesting one and it begins the day Gene finds the LoBue.
A great "thank you" to Swordandstone, Fasterpdiddy and Demonfan68 who managed to either find upon request or just randomly post a lot of excellent pics that helped clear up some issues along the way. Special thanks to C for tossing some ideas around and for his undying enthusiasm for Spector#2.
Video clips for the site are all from my personal collection and I've tried to trim (and watermark) them to make my point. I'm sure there are more clips out there that might shed light on some things and any and all clues are welcome. Pics are always welcome so if someone has some pics that are pertinent to this research (and don't mind sharing) don't hesitate to find me (ebon00) at KISS FAQ.
Lastly, you may wonder why I've "randomly" chosen to stay within the confines of 1973-1992. To my eyes this is the period of searching for Gene. He knows there is a working bass out there that does what he wants/needs and no more. Although the Punisher as we know it isn't fully formed until 1995, seen in the natural finish Punisher that shows up for the recording of Carnival of Souls, and then realised in 1996 when Gene goes into production for himself, the introduction of the B.C. Rich version of it in 1992 is the end of the quest. The fact that Gene has played the same instrument for almost 20 years is evidence enough of that. So the journey that leads to the Punisher is the interesting one and it begins the day Gene finds the LoBue.
