Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned tremendous trust from many professional bassists, particularly for his work related to Sadowsky.
While the initial products were all one-off custom models, the Hermes series can be considered mass-produced models with fixed specifications.
It might be a slight oversimplification, but the Hermes series occupies a position similar to the Japanese-made Sadowsky Metroline, while the TYO models are akin to the custom models.
The design is based on the JB, a particularly well-regarded model among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi.
It refines his previous work, resulting in a more contemporary bass aesthetic.
This particular model is one of a limited run featuring exclusive colors.
The body is Alder, the fingerboard Rosewood – classic choices.
While chambered bodies are common in custom models, the Hermes Series features solid bodies exclusively.
Some players prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred solid too.)
The shape is Dinky, not full-size.
This is one difference from the company's Three Dots line.
It employs HIPSHOT tuners and bridge.
They've become a global standard, haven't they?
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
These are similar to those used during the era when Sadowsky Metroline guitars were made in Japan.
Their defining characteristics are low noise and a trebly tone.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
Its simple specification boosts only bass and treble.
It fits perfectly, as one would expect.
When boosted, the peak of the midrange dip is exquisite, making the bass tighten up stylishly.
Yet it retains its bass character and beautiful harmonic richness.
It eloquently demonstrates the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls include Volume, Balancer, Tone (with push/pull switch for preamp bypass), and Treble/Bass.
The factory string height is low, though not as low as a custom model, and the playability is excellent.
It should feel comfortable even for players accustomed to Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings.
The neck precision, long highly regarded, is superb, fully showcasing its quality.
The neck profile is slightly flatter and thinner.
It features an exceptionally fast, speedy feel.
Yet it delivers ample low end, resulting in a richly harmonic, trebly sound.
This is the ultimate instrument, realized precisely because Mr. Kikuchi crafts basses for 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
String：4st：D’Addario .045 – .105, 5st：D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case：Original Semi Hardcase
GIB craftsmen have adjusted it for optimal playability before delivery.
Included Accessories: Semi-hard case, small hex wrench, wrench, warranty card, instruction manual
Text: Ryoma Terao
Product Photos: Yamamoto
item will be packed with a hard cardboard box.
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