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 ash and the fingerboard is made of maple, 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, which the company also makes.
The pickup is a split coil type manufactured by DiMarzio.
This is similar to the one used when Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Its characteristics are low noise and treble.
Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often do not have the treble of 4-string JBs.
There is no lack of this in this model. It is attractive.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
It has a simple specification that only boosts the 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 maintains a beautiful overtone.
It speaks eloquently of the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls are volume, balancer, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull SW), treble/bass.
This model does not have a control plate to take advantage of the beautiful top material.
Although the string height is low at the time of shipment, it is not as high as a custom model, and the playing feel is very good.
I think it will be comfortable even for those who usually play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around the neck, which has been particularly highly praised since long ago, 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 is the difference in neck mass.
The neck is thin 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 and speedy playing feel.
And yet it has a sufficient amount of bass, and is finished with a rich overtone and treble sound.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be realized because Mr. Kikuchi makes 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: Original gig bag
Text: Saga Shunsuke
◯About GIB, TONIQ warranty
●Maintenance: Free forever
For instruments purchased at our store, you can use the “string vibration setup” (usually 4,400 yen) free of charge forever. (Reservation required)
・Please present a warranty card with your name written on it.
・Only applicable to the person who purchased the instrument at a GIB or TONIQ physical store or online shop.
・Please bear various expenses such as shipping costs.
●Repurchase price guarantee
If you sell the purchased item within 6 months of purchase, we will guarantee the purchase price at our store. The price is 50% for new products and 70% for used products.
●Defect warranty
Products sold by Basic Co., Ltd. are guaranteed against defects. With the exception of some products such as consignments, any malfunctions that occur during normal use within a certain warranty period from the date of purchase will be repaired free of charge (returns and refunds will only be made if this is not possible).
The warranty period is 3 months for used products and 1 year for new products.
Please note that even within the warranty period, there will be a fee for the following cases.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by transportation, moving, dropping, etc.
・In the case of replacing consumables.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by handling that violates the precautions listed in the instruction manual.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage to parts repaired or modified by parties other than our company.
・If the name, model name, serial number, etc. are not written on the warranty card. Or if the wording has been altered.
・If the warranty card is not presented or is lost.
(Warranty only applies to purchases made in Japan)
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 594 7308