Kikuchi Guitars is a high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the utmost trust from many professional bassists, especially 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 considered a mass-produced model 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, one of Kikuchi's most acclaimed basses.
It refines his previous work and is more like a modern bass.
The body is made of alder and the fingerboard is made of rosewood, a classic choice.
While many custom models feature chambered bodies, all Hermes Series models are solid bodies.
Some people may prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I prefer solid bodies.)
The shape is Dinky, not full-size.
This is one difference from the Three Dots basses the company also produces.
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
These are similar to those used when the Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Notable features include low noise and a treble sound.
The preamp is a custom type designed specifically by EMG for this model.
It has a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.
Naturally, this is a perfect fit.
When boosting, the mid-range recess peaks exquisitely, tightening up the bass in a stylish way.
Yet, it doesn't lose its bass-like character and retains its beautiful overtones.
It speaks volumes about the significance of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls include volume, balance, tone (push/pull switch to bypass the preamp), and treble/bass.
The string height is low when shipped, but not as low as on custom models, and the playing feel is excellent.
I think it will also be comfortable for people who normally play Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision of the neck, which has long been particularly highly praised, is excellent, and that quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.
It is characterized by an extremely fast, speedy playing feel.
And yet it has ample bass tones, with a rich, treble-heavy sound.
This is a supreme guitar, made possible only by Kikuchi building basses 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-hard case
Accessories: Original semi-hard case
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Inspection: Ryuzaki
Photography: Wakatsuki
Manufacturer's warranty included
Item will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard box.
International shipping is also available.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 594 7308