【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes M70-4 TWH 3.71kg #537【GIB Hyogo】【Plek-adjusted】

This bass has been leveled using PLEK, and will be shipped with a string height of 1.5mm to 2.0mm.

Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned immense trust from many professional bassists, especially for his work with Sadowsky.

While the initial products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, the Hermes series, in contrast, can be described as a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.

It might be a slight oversimplification, but the Hermes series is like the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era, while the TYO is like the custom model.

The newly created model is the Hermes “70” Series.

It features a full-size body shape and aims for a more classic sound and playability.

The design is based on the JB, a bass that is particularly well-regarded among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi.

It refines his previous work and brings together a more modern bass.

The body is made of ash, and the fingerboard is maple, a classic configuration.

While many custom models feature chambered bodies, the Hermes Series is entirely solid-body.

Some people prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred solid bodies.)

As mentioned earlier, the body size is full-size.

It has a typical JB shape.

Traditional Hermes models used a Dinky shape, resulting in a more refined and smoother sound and appearance. This model, however, is more traditional and dynamic.

Players who usually prefer Fender-style guitars will likely prefer this model.

It has 20 frets.

This is another difference from previous models.

While more frets generally result in a tighter, more compressed sound, this model maintains a traditional specification in this respect as well.

The pickups are the same as those used in the PASSIVE Series.

The low end is powerful, and the high frequencies are pleasing, making it very appealing.

Furthermore, the pickup configuration adopts the Fender locations from the 1970s.

In terms of nuance, the midrange is more scooped, emphasizing the depth of the lows and the crispness of the highs.

A distinctive feature is the two volume controls instead of a single volume and balancer.

I believe this model demonstrates a unified design philosophy down to the smallest detail.

The string height is relatively low at the factory, but not as low as a custom model, resulting in a very comfortable playability.

Even those accustomed to playing Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings will find it comfortable.

The neck construction, which has long been highly praised, is superb, and its quality is fully demonstrated.

The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.

It features the extremely fast, responsive playability characteristic of Kikuchi basses, yet with a more relaxed texture.

It boasts ample bass response, resulting in a rich, harmonically charged, and trebly sound.

This is a supreme instrument, made possible only by Mr. Kikuchi's modern approach to bass making.

SPECS

Model: 4st
Body：Full Size / Ash 2-Piece (Solid)
Neck：Maple, Thin Matte Nitro
Fingerboard: Maple
Fingerboard Radius: 10″(254R)
Nut Material: Tusq
Nut Width: 37mm
Fret：DHP24H, 20F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Body Color/Pickguard: British Racing Green/Parchment
Dark Lake Placid Blue / Mint
Natural / Black 3-ply
Trans Black / Black Pearl
Trans White / Black Pearl
Body Finish: Poly
Hardware Color: Chrome
Bridge: Hipshot 20mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups：Original Custom J (70’s locations)
Controls: Neck Volume
Bridge Volume
Passive Roll Off Tone (w/ Pull Switch for Preamp (Bypass)
Treble/Bass Boost
Strings: 4st: D’Addario Nickel .045 – .105
Case: Original Semi Hardcase

Delivered after being adjusted for easy playability by GIB's craftsmen.

Accessories: Semi-hard case, small hex wrench, wrench, warranty card, instruction manual

Text: Ryoma Terao

Product photos: Muragishi

Manufacturer's warranty included

(Warranty is only valid for purchases made within Japan)


●Price includes VAT & Duties & Shipping Fee
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