【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV4 LE Dark Purple Metallic 3.73kg #605【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.

This 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.

This model is a limited edition, limited-color version.

The body is made of alder, and the fingerboard is rosewood—a classic choice.

While many custom models feature chambered bodies, all Hermes Series basses are solid-body.

Some people might prefer a solid body.

The shape is Dinky, not full-size.
This is one of the differences from the Three Dots model produced by the same company.

The tuners and bridge are HIPSHOT.

They've become a global standard.

The pickups are split-coil type, manufactured by DiMarzio.

These are similar to those used in Sadowsky Metroline guitars from the era when they were made in Japan.

Their distinctive features are their low noise and trebly tone.

The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.

It's a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.

And it fits perfectly, as expected.

When boosted, the peak of the midrange dip is exquisite, making the bass sound stylishly tight.

Yet, it doesn't lose its bass character, and it retains its beautiful harmonics.

It eloquently demonstrates the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ. The controls are volume, balance, tone (push/pull switch bypasses the preamp), and treble/bass.

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 an extremely fast and responsive playing feel.

Yet, it possesses ample bass response, resulting in a rich, harmonically full, and trebly sound.

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

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: 4st: D’Addario .045 – .105, 5st: D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi Hardcase

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

Accessories: Semi-hard case, wrench

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
Free Shipping Worldwide. All import duties and taxes are included in the price. There are no hidden fees upon delivery.

If you return a product, you will be responsible for all shipping and customs fees.

Note: All electronic devices, such as effect pedals and amplifiers, are set for use in Japan.
Please be sure to check the voltage and power specifications of your country before purchasing and using.