Kiss – Psycho Circus

[V.G.]: How are your guitars typically set up? Do you set up guitars based on what each is used for?

[B.K.]: I usually use S.I.T. .010-.046 gauge strings. Some guitars behave better tuned down a half-step; the only two tunings on my record are standard and down a half-step. I didn’t fool with open tunings. “Fate” is standard tuning with dropped D, and so is “No Friend Of Mine,” the song with Corabi. Gene’s and Nick’s songs are a half-step down, as are most of the songs where I use a Floyd Rose. Les Pauls can be tuned to anything, and the PRS guitars also behave in any key.

You have to use guitars that behave in the studio, because time is money. If they don’t play well at home, don’t take them to the studio.

I used .012s on the Martin and the Gibson Dove [Acoustics]. The Gibson LG-1 probably has a custom set of .011s because I use that guitar for riffs.

[V.G.]: What type of picks do you prefer?

[B.K.]: They’re .73-mm gray nylon Dunlops with the grip. They’re kind of like the old Hercos. I don’t use anything else for guitar. For bass, I may use something a little heavier, or play with my fingers.

Seen on Bruce’s recent simplified board. Used by him during all of his Kiss and solo career. Also at home practice.