【used】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes M70-5 NAT 4.650kg ##634【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 Sadowsky.

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.

This is the Hermes “70” Series.

It features a full-size body shape and is a model aimed at a more classic sound and playability.

The design is based on the JB, a bass that is particularly well-regarded among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi.

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

The body is made of ash, and the fingerboard is maple, a classic configuration.

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

Some people may prefer solid bodies.

As mentioned earlier, the body size is full-size.

It has a typical JB shape.

While previous Hermes models used a Dinky shape, resulting in a more refined and smoother tone both visually and sonically, this model is more traditional and dynamic.

Players who usually prefer Fender-style guitars will likely prefer this model.

It has 20 frets.

This is another difference from previous models.

While an increased number of frets generally results in a tighter, more compressed sound, this model maintains a traditional specification in this respect as well.

The pickups are the same as those used in the PASSIVE Series.

The low end is powerful, and the high frequencies are pleasing, making it very appealing.

Furthermore, the pickup configuration adopts the Fender locations from the 1970s.

In terms of nuance, the midrange is more scooped, emphasizing the depth of the lows and the crispness of the highs.

Another distinctive feature is the use of two volume controls instead of a single volume and balancer.

This model demonstrates a unified philosophy down to the smallest detail.

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

A pickup fence is installed.

The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.

It features the extremely fast, responsive playability characteristic of Kikuchi basses, yet with a more relaxed texture.

It boasts ample bass response, resulting in a rich, harmonically full, and trebly sound.

This is a supreme instrument, made possible only by Mr. Kikuchi's contemporary bass-making approach.

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, but overall it is clean.

The electronics are in good condition.

A pickup fence is installed.

Controls: Neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, master tone (push/pull - active/passive), treble, bass
Neck width (nut): 46.2mm
Bridge string spacing: 19.0mm
Scale: 34 inches
Year of manufacture: Unknown
Country of manufacture: JAPAN

During setup, we use our original GIB BASIC / Standard Bass Strings.

These strings are characterized by their straightforward sound and stable playability, naturally bringing out the instrument's inherent character.

These are highly reliable strings that we actually use in our repair and setup workshops.

Please enjoy these strings, which aim to be a new standard for bassists.

We deliver the instrument after GIB's craftsmen have adjusted it for easy playability.

Accessories: Original semi-hard case, pickup fence

Text: Mizune Ishikawa

Inspection 담당: Hirayama

Product photos: Higashie

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Note: All electronic devices, such as effect pedals and amplifiers, are set for use in Japan.
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