Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand produced by Mr. Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okata International), who is highly trusted by many professional bassists, especially in his work related to Sadowski.
The first products that appeared were all one-of-a-kind custom models, but the Hermes series can be said to be mass-produced with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit of a misnomer, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era is the Hermes series, and the TYO is a custom model.
This design is based on the JB, which is particularly popular among the many basses designed by Kikuchi.
It has refined his previous work and has been compiled into a more modern base.
The body is ash and the fingerboard is maple, a classic choice.
Many custom models have chambered bodies, but all Hermes Series models are solid bodies.
I think some people prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred solid)
The shape is dinky and not full size.
This is one of the differences from the company's Three Dots.
The PU is a split coil type manufactured by DiMarzio.
This is similar to the one from the era when Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Its characteristics are low noise and trebly.
Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often don't have the treble of 4-string JBs.
I don't feel that we are lacking in this respect. It's fascinating.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
A simple specification that only boosts the bass and treble.
This naturally fits perfectly.
When boosting, the peak of the mid-range concave is exquisite, and the bass seems to tighten up stylishly.
Even so, it does not lose its bass-like feel and retains its beautiful overtones.
It seems to eloquently explain the meaning of boosting with 2-band EQ.
Controls are volume, balancer, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull SW), treble/bass.
There is no control plate for this model to take advantage of the beautiful top material.
Although the string height at the time of shipment is low, it is not as high as the custom model, and the playing comfort is very good.
I think it will be very comfortable for people who usually play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around the neck, which has long been highly praised, is excellent, and its quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is a little flat and thin.
It also feels like a trendy shape for 5-string JBs in recent years.
One of the factors that creates the difference between a 4-string and a 5-string is the difference in neck mass.
The neck is narrow and thin, and this design makes it feel less like a 5-string bass, in a good way.
It is characterized by an extremely fast playing feel.
Despite this, it has a sufficient amount of bass, and is finished with a trebly sound that is rich in overtones.
This is a supreme piece that was made possible because Mr. Kikuchi creates a base in modern times.
Model：4st or 5st
Body: Ash 2-Piece (Solid) or Alder 2-Piece (Solid)
Neck：Maple, Thin Matte Nitro
Fingerboard: Maple or Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12″ (305R)
Nut Material: Tusq
Nut Width: 4st: 37mm, 5st: 46mm
Fret: 22F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Bridge: 4st: Hipshot 20mm Spacing, 5st: Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups: 4st: DiMarzio 4HC in 60’s Locations, 5st: DiMarzio 5HC in 60’s Locations
Preamp: Kikuchi Guitars Original Preamp
Controls: Master Volume, Pickup Balancer, Passive Roll Off Tone (w/Pull Switch for Preamp Bypass), Treble/Bass Boost
Body Finish: Polyester
String: 4st: D’Addario .045 – .105, 5st: D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case：Original Semi Hardcase
Accessories: Semi-hard case
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Inspection person: Kusano
Manufacturer's warranty included
Ships in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also support overseas shipping.
Contact Info
LINE: vwj2699r
email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 594 7308