【used】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV5 DLPB 3.915kg #378【GIB Yokohama】

Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned immense trust from many professional bassists, particularly for his work with Sasowsky.

While the initial products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, the Hermes series, in contrast, can be described as a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.

It might be a slight oversimplification, but the Hermes series is like the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era, while the TYO is like the custom model.

Among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi, this design is particularly well-regarded for its JB motif.

It refines his previous work and brings together a more modern bass aesthetic.

The body is made of alder, and the fingerboard is rosewood—classic choices.

While many custom models feature chambered bodies, all Hermes Series basses are solid-body.

Some people may prefer solid bodies.

The shape is a dinky, not full-size.

This is one of the differences between this and the Three Dots series, also produced by the same company.

The pickups are split-coil type, manufactured by DiMarzio.

This is similar to the pickups used in Sadowsky Metroline basses during the era when they were made in Japan.

Their distinctive features are their low noise and trebly tone.

Passive pickups for 5-string JB basses often lack the trebly tone of a 4-string JB.

This model doesn't feel lacking in that regard.

The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.

It has a simple specification, boosting only bass and treble.

This fits perfectly, as expected.

The peak of the midrange dip when boosting is exquisite, making the sound stylishly tight.

Yet, it doesn't lose its bass character, and it retains beautiful harmonics.

It eloquently demonstrates the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.

Controls are volume, balancer, tone (push/pull switch bypasses preamp), and treble/bass.

The neck's precision, which has long been highly praised, is superb, and its quality is fully demonstrated.

The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.

It feels like a shape that is in line with the recent trend in 5-string JB basses.

One of the factors that creates the difference between 4-string and 5-string basses is the difference in neck mass.

The neck is thin and slender, and this design makes it feel less like a typical 5-string bass, in a good way.

It features an extremely fast and responsive playing feel.

Yet, it has ample bass response, resulting in a rich, harmonically full, and trebly sound.

This is a supreme instrument that could only be realized by Mr. Kikuchi making basses in the modern era.

The frets have approximately 90% remaining.

The truss rod is in good condition.

The neck is in good condition.

The body and paintwork show some minor scratches on the back of the body, but no noticeable damage. There are some scratches on the pickguard, likely from picking.

The electronics are in good condition.
No obvious modifications were observed.
Controls: Master Volume, Balancer, Master Tone (Push/Pull - Active/Passive), Treble/Bass
Nut Width: 46.7mm
Bridge String Spacing: 19.0mm
Scale Length: 34 Inch
Year of Manufacture: Unknown
Country of Manufacture: JAPAN

GIB's craftsmen will adjust the guitar for easy playability before delivery.

Accessories: Semi-hard case

Text: Mizune Ishikawa

Inspection 담당: Hirayama

Product Photos: Tei

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