Gibson teams with Gene Simmons for joint venture

The launch of Gยฒ introduces new electric and bass guitar collections and streaming content

Iconic guitar brand Gibson has entered into a joint venture with KISS’ Gene Simmons to create Gยฒ. Gยฒ, from Gene to Gibson, will introduce new collections of right and left-handed electric guitars and basses across Gibsonโ€™s Gibson, Epiphone and Kramer brands, and develop new entertainment content that will be streamed to millions of fans worldwide on multiple online and social platforms.

To kick off the collaboration, Gยฒ will release the new Gยฒ Thunderbird Bass later this year. The Gยฒ Thunderbird Bass, which will be available in ebony with silver appointments and ebony with blood red, made its worldwide debut on stage with Simmons recently during KISSโ€™ epic New Yearโ€™s Eve concert in Dubai.

โ€œI have been designing and trademarking bass guitars for decades, and when I heard Gibsonโ€™s vision and learned about their creative process, it just made sense for us to join forces to take things to the next level,โ€ states Simmons. โ€œGibson is an outstanding company and has earned its place as a leading guitar brand with fans around the world. These guitars and basses will all be handmade, with a sound that is off the charts. The design is so beautiful and collectible that they are simply works of art.โ€

Following the launch of the Gยฒ Thunderbird Bass, Gยฒ has plans for a Flying V bass and Flying V guitar.

โ€œGene is not only one of the most celebrated musicians and rock stars of all time. He is also an entrepreneur, record producer, actor and overall creative person. His brain is always working, and I love that about him,โ€ says Cesar Gueikian of Gibson Brands. โ€œWhen we first connected, we immediately engaged in the most interesting conversations about guitars, entertainment, and business. Our shared vision compelled us to explore a partnership that would include developing instruments and creating a new platform to entertain and inspire new generations of Gibson and Gene Simmons fans to create music. Expect epic things.โ€

Simmons will join Director of Brand Experience of Gibson Brands, Mark Agnesi live on Monday, January 18th on Gibson TV at 11 am ET.

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn