【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV5 PAS TCB 3.9kg #431【GIB Hyogo】【Plek-adjusted】

This bass has been leveled using PLEK, and will be shipped with a string height of 1.5mm to 2.3mm.

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 time, a new passive version has been created.

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

His previous work has been refined and brought together to create a more modern bass.

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

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

Some people might prefer a solid body. (Personally, I preferred the solid body.)

The shape is a Dinky, not full-size.

This is one of the differences from the Three Dots series produced by the same company.

The pickups are original designs newly developed for the PASSIVE Series.

Passive pickups for 5-string JBs often lack the trebly tone of a 4-string JB.

Furthermore, with passive specifications, while sacrificing trebly tone can sometimes result in a loss of overall power, making the balance very difficult to achieve.

However, this model overcomes these issues.

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

The string height is low at the time of shipment, but not as low as a custom model, and the playability is excellent.

Even those who usually play Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings should find it comfortable.

The precision of the neck, which has long been highly praised, is superb, and that quality is fully demonstrated.

The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.

It also feels like it follows the recent trend in 5-string JB bass shapes.

One of the factors that creates the difference between 4-string and 5-string basses is the difference in neck mass.

The neck is thin and slender, and this design makes it feel less like a typical 5-string bass, in a good way.

It features a high-speed and smooth playing feel.

Compared to active models, it has a somewhat more traditional feel.

It might be one of the perfect answers for a modern-style passive 5-string JB type.

This is a supreme instrument that could only be realized because Mr. Kikuchi is making basses in the modern era.

SPECS

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：DHP24H, 22F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Body Color/Pickguard: Natural/Black 3-ply
Body Finish: Poly
Hardware Color: Chrome
Bridge: 4st: Hipshot 20mm Spacing 5st: Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups: 4st: Original Custom J (4st) 5st: Original Custom J (5st)
Controls: Volume (Neck) Volume (Bridge) Tone
Strings: 4st: D’Addario Nickel .045 – .105 5st: D’Addario Nickel .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi Hardcase

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

Accessories: Semi-hard case, spec sheet

Text: Ryoma Terao

Product photos: Muragishi

Manufacturer's warranty included

(Warranty is only valid for purchases made in Japan)


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