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, in contrast, is what could be described as mass-produced models with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit of a misnomer, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era was like the Hermes series, and the TYO was like a custom model.
The newly created Hermes “70” Series.
This model features a distinctive full-size body shape and aims for a more classic sound and playability.
The design is based on the JB, which is particularly well-received among the many basses designed by Kikuchi.
It refines his previous work and is more like a modern bass.
The body features an ash body and a maple fingerboard, a classic configuration.
While many custom models are chambered bodies, all of the Hermes Series are solid bodies.
Some people may prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I prefer the solid body.)
As mentioned above, the body size is full-size.
It has the standard JB shape.
Previous Hermes guitars used a Dinky shape, which gave them a more streamlined, smooth texture in both appearance and sound, but this model is more traditional and dynamic.
Players who normally prefer Fendar-style guitars will likely prefer this model.
It has 20 frets.
This is also different from previous models.
The more frets you add, the tighter the sound becomes and the more compressed it becomes, but this model is also traditional in this respect.
The pickups are the same as those in the PASSIVE Series.
The low end is powerful and has a pleasant high range, making it very appealing.
The pickup placement also adopts the same location as Fenders from the 1970s.
The nuance is that the midrange is more scooped, emphasizing deeper bass and crisper highs.
Another notable feature is that the controls are two volume controls rather than a volume and balancer.
I think this is a model that has been designed with consistency down to the smallest detail.
The factory-set string height is low, but not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is extremely good.
I think it will be comfortable even for those who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around 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.
It has the extremely fast-paced playing feel that is characteristic of KIkuchi, while also having a more generous texture.
It has ample bass tones and a treble sound that is rich in overtones.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be achieved because Kikuchi is making basses in the modern era.
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: 4th string: D'Addario Nickel .045 – .105
Case: Original Semi-Hardcase
GIB craftsmen will adjust the instrument for optimal playability before shipping.
Accessories: Semi-Hardcase, small hex wrench, wrench, warranty card, instruction manual
Text: Ryuma Terao
Inspector: Oshima
Product Photography: Miura
Manufacturer's warranty included
◯ 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 made in Japan.)
● Trade-in for up to 15% off
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.)
Additionally, 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.
We offer free shipping.
Please note that customs duties, taxes, and other fees are the customer's responsibility.
If you return an item, you will be responsible for all shipping and customs fees.
Note: All electronic devices, such as effect pedals and amplifiers, are configured for use in Japan.
Please be sure to check the voltage and power specifications of your country before purchasing and using.
Contact Information
Contact Info
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 594 7308
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