Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the utmost trust from many professional bassists, particularly for his work with Sadowsky basses.
While the initial products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, the Hermes series is what could be described as a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit misleading, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era was like the Hermes series, and the TYO was like a custom model.
A new passive model has now been produced.
The 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 alder and the fingerboard is made of rosewood, a classic construction.
While many custom models are 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 of the differences from the Three Dots models produced by the same company.
The pickups are original, newly developed for the PASSIVE Series.
Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often lack the treble character of 4-string JBs.
Furthermore, with passive specifications, trying to maintain treble can sometimes result in a loss of overall power, making it very difficult to achieve that balance.
However, this model overcomes such issues.
The low end is powerful and has a pleasant high range, making it appealing.
The factory string height is low, but not as low as custom models, and the playing feel is very good.
I think it will be comfortable even for those who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision of the neck, which has long been particularly highly praised, is excellent, and its quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.
This also feels like a trendy shape for 5-string JBs in recent years.
One of the factors that creates differences 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 a high-speed, smooth playing feel.
It also has a somewhat more traditional impression compared to active models.
This may be one of the best solutions for a modern-style passive 5-string JB type.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be realized because Kikuchi is making basses in the modern era.
SPECS
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：DHP24H, 22F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Body Color/Pickguard: Natural/Black 3-ply
Body Finish: Poly
Hardware Color: Chrome
Bridge: 4st: Hipshot 20mm Spacing 5st: Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups: 4st: Original Custom J (4st) 5st: Original Custom J (5st)
Controls: Volume (Neck) Volume (Bridge) Tone
Strings: 4th string: D'Addario Nickel .045 – .105 5th string: D'Addario Nickel .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi-Hardcase
Gib craftsmen will adjust the instrument for optimal playability before delivery.
Accessories: Semi-Hardcase, Spec Sheet
Text: Tatsuma Terao
Quality Inspector: Hayakawa
Product Photography: Wakatsuki
Manufacturer's Warranty
◯ About the GIB and TONIQ Warranty
● Lifetime Free Maintenance
Instruments purchased from our store are eligible for lifetime free ""string vibration setup"" (normally ¥4,400). (Reservation required)
- Please present your signed warranty card.
- This offer is only available to the original purchaser at a GIB or TONIQ store or online shop.
- Please cover shipping and other related costs.
●Repurchase Price Guarantee
If you sell your product within six months of purchase, we guarantee a full repurchase price. This guarantee 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 consignment items, we will repair any malfunctions that occur during 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, repairs will incur a fee 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 lost.
(Warranty is only available for purchases within Japan.)
●Up to 15% off with trade-in
Get a 10% discount on your purchase when you use our trade-in service. (Consignment items are not eligible. Only applicable if the trade-in value is 20% or more of the sales price.)
In addition, if you trade in an instrument eligible for our monthly buy-back campaign, you will receive a 15% discount.
We ship in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also ship internationally.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045-594-7308