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Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okata 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 series is akin to the custom models.
The design is inspired by 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.
The body is ash, the fingerboard is maple – a classic choice.
While chambered bodies are common in custom models, the Hermes Series features solid bodies throughout.
Some players prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred solid too.)
The shape is a Dinky, not full-size.
This is one difference from the company's Three Dots line.
The tuners and bridge use HIPSHOT hardware.
It's become a global standard.
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
They resemble those used on Sadowsky Metroline basses made in Japan during a certain era.
Their defining characteristics are low noise and a trebly sound.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
It's a simple design, boosting only bass and treble.
It fits perfectly, as expected.
When boosted, the peak of the midrange dip is exquisite, making the bass tighten up stylishly.
Yet it never loses its bass character or its beautiful harmonic richness.
It eloquently demonstrates the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls are Volume, Balancer, Tone (push/pull switch for preamp bypass), Treble/Bass.
The factory string height is low, though not as low as a custom model, and the playability is exceptionally good.
It should feel comfortable even for players accustomed to Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings.
The neck precision, long highly regarded, is superb, and its quality is fully realized.
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, made possible precisely because Mr. Kikuchi crafts 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
String:4st:D’Addario .045 – .105, 5st:D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case:Original Semi HardcaseIncluded: Semi-hard case
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Inspection: Iwai
item will be packed with a hard cardboard box.
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