"Initially, Kiss' Paul Stanley outperformed Gibson in crafting Les Paul guitars, leading him to swap his Gibsons for Ibanez, and later forming a collaborative signature model with the reputable Japanese brand."
Jammin' with Paul Stanley of KISS: From Gibson to Ibanez
🤘🎶 Hey there, music aficionados! You know Stanley Eisen, right? Or perhaps better known as KISS' Paul Stanley, the man who wielded some iconic Gibson guitars back in the legendary Alive! era, commemorating its 50th anniversary this year.
Before you jump to any conclusions, let's get the story straight. Fast forward a few decades, and the rock legend took a turn towards the Far East. In the late '70s, Paul struck a new chord, breaking with tradition and venturing off the beaten path, swapping his Gibson for the Japanese titan Ibanez. Why, you ask?
"Rockin' in the '70s, weekends were my ticket to witnessing bands like Humble Pie, Led Zeppelin, the Yardbirds, and Derek and the Dominos," Paul explains. "Most of these badass bands, including me, were Gibson players. But when I landed in Japan and met Hoshino, the Ibanez folks, I witnessed top-notch quality. By golly, Greco and Tokai Love Rocks Les Pauls were making rock-solid Les Paul replicas, even better than what Gibson had to offer."
🎸 The Japanese Connection
"Gogoro Yubari, Tokyo, March 1978. I set eyes on Ibanez, and it was love at first sight," Paul grins. "Saw real quality instruments. Whether it was Greco or Tokai Love Rocks, they blew Gibson out of the water at that point. The Japanese knew how to create a killer guitar. They might not have understood why they did certain things, but they were open to real collaboration – as opposed to a mere endorsement."
🎸 The Signature Sound
When signature guitars weren't as omnipresent as today, Paul teamed up with Ibanez to craft his first signature model, the PS10, a masterpiece that stirs memories of some of his old Gibson guitars – with a little twist of genius, of course.
"I yearned for a guitar that rocked my world," Paul declares. "The PS10, closing my eyes and striking a chord, feels like it was born from the blues of some of my trusty old Gibson templates. As a compliment, you can say it's inspired by them, kicking it up a notch."
🔥 An Unmasked Celebration
KISS, the band that doesn't stop giving, will perform a one-off unmasked show in November to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kiss Army fan club. Stay tuned for our website's in-depth interview with Paul Stanley, coming soon!
🤘🎸 Happy strummin', warriors of rock! 🤘🎸
- Embracing the Unexpected: Initially a Gibson man, Paul Stanley of KISS found himself captivated by the quality of Ibanez guitars during his visit to Japan in the late '70s.
- One Love, Two Guitars: After experimenting with Japanese brands like Greco and Tokai Love Rocks, Paul's preference shifted from Gibson, as he felt the Japanese guitars were producing impressive Les Paul replicas, even better than Gibson's offerings.
- The Partnership That Rocked: In a time when signature guitars were less common, Paul collaborated with Ibanez to create his first signature model, the PS10, a craft that pays tribute to his old Gibson guitars while introducing an original spin of genius.
- A Symphony of Brands: Paul's musical journey spans across various iconic guitars, including both Gibson and Ibanez, showcasing his adaptability and openness to evolving technology and entertainment in music.
- Music, Technology, and the Future: As we delve into the world of gadgets and technology, Paul Stanley's enduring passion for music continues to inspire, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation.
