【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes MV5 TBK 3.930kg #772【GIB Yokohama】

Kikuchi Guitars is a brand launched in 2023 by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi, one of Japan's leading luthiers.

In 1993, Mr. Kikuchi traveled to the United States alone and studied at Roger Sadowsky's NYC workshop.

After returning to Japan, he established Sadowsky Tokyo, then Three Dots Guitars, before launching Kikuchi Guitars as the culmination of his work.

The brand embodies the spirit of Sadowsky while directly reflecting his deep understanding of instruments cultivated through years of experience.

The Hermes series is the brand's standard line.

The basic specifications and manufacturing quality are almost identical to custom models, achieving high cost performance by offering regular models with fixed specifications.

This particular instrument is the MV5, a 5-string model combining an ash body with a maple fingerboard.

The body is a two-piece ash, and the neck and fingerboard are maple.

This guitar combines the bright, crisp tone characteristic of a maple fretboard with the dry, punchy sound unique to ash wood.

The color is TBK (Turkish Black).

The black body, black pearl pickguard, and mirrored control plate create a sharp, refined look.

The neck has a Thin Matte Nitro finish.

With a comfortable grip that maintains a moderate thickness, it allows for smooth playing from the low to high positions, and makes wide 5-string muting easy.

The frets are high-hardness nickel frets (DHP24H) with 22 frets.

They suppress noise when fretting and deliver a punchy sound despite being nickel.

The neck joint is positioned closer to the bridge, making it feel similar to a 21-fret bass even with 22 frets.

The pickups are DiMarzio custom model (5HC), the same as those used in the Custom Series, mounted in a 60's Locations configuration.

They deliver a powerful yet sharp and crisp sound, and the hum-canceling structure suppresses noise.

The preamp is also a Kikuchi Guitars original, shared with the custom series.

When boosted, the low and high frequencies are clearly and naturally enhanced, and the mids are nicely scooped.

The preamp can be bypassed via a pull switch on the tone knob, and the design minimizes the noticeable difference in volume and tone when switching between active and passive modes, which is a welcome feature.

The bridge is a Hipshot with 19mm string spacing, and the tuners are Hipshot License Ultra-Light, using lightweight Hipshot parts throughout.

This directly transmits the characteristics of the wood, resulting in a more natural sound.

Despite being a standard line model, it boasts the same high precision as custom models, allowing for low action settings.

Weight is 3.930kg, making it a manageable weight for a 5-string guitar.

This is a guitar we highly recommend for anyone looking for a modern JB-style 5-string.

●SPECS

Body: Ash 2-Piece (Solid)
Neck: Maple, Thin Matte Nitro
Fingerboard: Maple
Fingerboard Radius: 12" (305R)
Nut: Tusq
Fret: DHP24H, 22F
Scale: 34"
Bridge: Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups: 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

Neck Width (Nut): 46.8mm
Bridge String Spacing: 19mm
Scale: 34inch

This guitar will be delivered after being adjusted for easy playability by GIB's craftsmen.

Accessories: Semi-hard case, wrench, warranty card

Inspection 담당: Higashie
Product photos: Higashie

●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.