Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the trust of many professional bassists, especially for his work with Sadowsky.
The first products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, but the Hermes series is a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit misleading, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japan-made era is like the Hermes series, and the TYO is like a custom model.
This design is based on the JB, which is particularly well-known among the many basses designed by Kikuchi.
It has refined his work to date and is more like a modern bass.
The body is made of alder and the fingerboard is made of rosewood, a classic choice.
There are many chambered bodies in the custom models, but all the 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 of the differences from the Three Dots made by the same company. The tuners and bridge are HIPSHOT.
It has become a global standard.
The pickups are split coil type manufactured by DiMarzio.
This is similar to the ones used when Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Its distinctive features are its low noise and treble.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
It has a simple specification that only boosts bass and treble.
Naturally, it fits perfectly.
When boosting, the peak of the recess in the mid-range is exquisite, and the bass tightens up stylishly.
At the same time, it does not lose its bass-like quality and retains its beautiful overtones.
It speaks eloquently of the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls are volume, balancer, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull switch), treble/bass.
Although the string height is low at the time of shipment, it is not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is very good.
It will also be comfortable for people who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around the neck, which has long been particularly highly praised, is excellent, and its quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is a little flat and thin.
It is characterized by an extremely fast, speedy playing feel.
And yet it has a sufficient amount of bass, with a rich, treble sound.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be made by Mr. Kikuchi making 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 (w/Pull Switch for Preamp Bypass), Treble/Bass Boost
Body Finish: Polyester
Strings: 4th: D’Addario .045 – .105, 5th: D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi Hardcase
Accessories: Semi hard case, warranty card
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Manufacturer’s warranty included
Item will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also ship internationally.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 594 7308