Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the utmost trust from many professional bassists, particularly for his work with Sadowsky basses.
While the first products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, the Hermes series is what could be described as mass-produced models with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit of a misnomer, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era was like the Hermes series, and the TYO was like a custom model.
This design is based on the JB, which is particularly well-received among the many basses designed by Kikuchi.
It refines his previous work and is more like a modern bass.
This model is a limited edition in a limited color.
The body is made of ash and the fingerboard is maple, a classic wood construction.
While many custom models are chambered bodies, all Hermes Series models are solid bodies.
The shape is Dinky, not full-size.
This is one of the differences between this and the Three Dots model, which is also made by the same company.
The color is DRPM.
The hardware is unified in black, giving the overall sophisticated look a very appealing look.
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
This is similar to the ones used when the Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Distinguishing features include low noise and treble.
Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often lack the treble of 4-string JBs.
In that respect, there's nothing lacking here.
It has a clear and strong low end, while the crisp, airy treble is very appealing.
The preamp is a custom type designed by EMG specifically for this model.
It has a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.
It is a perfect fit, as you'd expect.
When boosting, the concave peak in the mid-range is exquisite, giving the bass a stylish, tight finish.
Yet, it retains its bass-like character and beautiful harmonic overtones.
It speaks volumes about the significance of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls include volume, balance, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull switch), and treble/bass.
This model has no control plate to make the most of the beautiful top.
The factory string height is low, but not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is excellent.
I think it will be comfortable even for those who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision of 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 4-string and 5-string basses 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.
And yet it also has ample bass tones, producing a treble sound rich in overtones.
This is a supreme instrument, made possible only by Kikuchi, a bass maker in the modern era.
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 (with pull switch for preamp bypass), Treble/Bass Boost
Body Finish: Polyester
Strings: 4th string: D'Addario .045 – .105, 5th string: D'Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original semi-hardcase
GIB craftsmen will adjust the instrument for optimal playability before delivery.
Accessories: Semi-hardcase, spec sheet
Text: Tatsuma Terao
Quality Inspector: Hayakawa
Product Photography: Wakatsuki
Manufacturer's warranty included
◯ About the GIB and TONIQ Warranty
● Lifetime free maintenance
Instruments purchased from our store are eligible for lifetime free ""string vibration setup"" (normally ¥4,400). (Reservation required)
- Please present your signed warranty card.
- This offer is only available to the original purchaser at a GIB or TONIQ store or online shop.
・Please bear all shipping and other expenses.
●Repurchase Price Guarantee
If you sell your purchased item within six months of purchase, we guarantee the purchase price. This guarantee is 50% for new items and 70% for used items.
●Defect Guarantee
All products sold by Basic Co., Ltd. are guaranteed against defects. With the exception of some consignment items, we will repair any malfunctions that occur under normal use within the warranty period from the date of purchase free of charge (returns and refunds will only be accepted if repairs are not possible).
The warranty period is three months for used items and one year for new items.
Please note that even within the warranty period, repairs will be charged in the following cases:
・Failure or damage caused by transportation, moving, dropping, etc.
・Replacement of consumables.
・Failure or damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.
・Failure or damage caused by handling that violates the precautions in the instruction manual.
・Failure or damage to parts repaired or modified by someone other than our company.
- If your name, model name, serial number, etc. are not written on the warranty card, or if the information has been altered.
- If the warranty card is not presented or lost.
(Warranty is only available for purchases made in Japan.)
● Trade-in for up to 15% off
Get a 10% discount on your purchase when you use our trade-in service. (Consignment items are not eligible. Only applicable if the trade-in value is 20% or more of the total purchase price.)
In addition, if you trade in an instrument eligible for our monthly buy-back campaign, you will receive a 15% discount.
We ship in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also ship internationally.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045-594-7308