Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Ocata 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 ash and the fingerboard is made of maple, 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.
Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often lack the treble of 4-string JBs.
This pickup does not lack in these respects. It's appealing.
The preamp is a custom type designed by EMG specifically for this model.
It has a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.
Naturally, it fits perfectly.
When boosting, the mid-range recess peaks exquisitely, tightening the bass in a stylish way.
At the same time, it retains its bass-like character and beautiful overtones.
It speaks volumes about the significance of boosting with a two-band EQ.
Controls include volume, balance, tone (push/pull switch to bypass the preamp), and treble/bass.
This model does not have a control plate to make the most of the beautiful top.
The factory string height is low, but not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is excellent.
It will also be comfortable for those who normally play Fender basses with a Fender-like setting.
The precision around the neck, which has long been highly praised, is excellent and its quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is a little flat and thin.
This 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 basses is the difference in neck mass.
The neck is narrow 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 still has plenty of bass, producing a treble-heavy sound with plenty of overtones.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be realized because Mr. Kikuchi is creating 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-hardcase
Accessories: Semi-hardcase
Text: Shunsuke Saga
◯ About the GIB and TONIQ Warranty
● Lifetime free maintenance
Instruments purchased from our store are eligible for a lifetime free ""string vibration setup"" (normally ¥4,400). (Reservation required)
- Please present your signed warranty card.
- Only the original purchaser from a GIB or TONIQ store or online store is eligible.
- Please note that shipping and other related costs are the responsibility of the purchaser.
● Repurchase Price Guarantee
If you sell your instrument within six months of purchase, we guarantee a full repurchase price. The price is 50% for new products and 70% for used products.
● Defect Guarantee
All products sold by Basic Co., Ltd. are guaranteed against defects. With the exception of some products such as consignment items, we will repair any malfunctions that occur under normal use within the warranty period from the date of purchase free of charge (returns and refunds will only be accepted if repairs are not possible).
The warranty period is three months for used products and one year for new products.
Please note that even within the warranty period, a fee will be charged for repairs in the following cases:
- Malfunctions or damage caused by transportation, moving, dropping, etc.
- Replacement of consumables.
- Malfunctions or damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.
- Malfunctions or damage caused by handling that violates the precautions in the instruction manual.
- Malfunctions or damage to parts repaired or modified by parties other than our company.
- If your 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 within Japan.)
Items will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also ship internationally.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045-594-7308