【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV5 DLPB 3.97kg #798【GIB Yokohama】【Plek-adjusted】

This product has been leveled using PLEK.
Unless otherwise specified, the string height will be set at 1.5mm for the G string and 2.0mm for the E string (2.3mm for the Low-B string) at the 12th fret.
Please feel free to let us know if you have a preferred setting.

Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the immense trust of 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, is a mass-produced model with fixed specifications, a further refinement of the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era.

Custom models occupy a similar position to the TYO series.

Among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi, this design is particularly well-regarded, based on the JB bass.

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

The body is made of alder, and the fretboard is rosewood—a classic combination.

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

Some people prefer solid bodies.

The shape is a Dinky.

The pickups are hum-canceling type manufactured by DiMarzio.

These are similar to those found in Japanese-made Sadowsky Metroline and NYC models.

Their distinctive features are their low noise and trebly tone.

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

This model doesn't lack in that respect.

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

It has a simple specification, boosting only 40Hz and 6kHz.

This fits perfectly, as expected.

The peak of the midrange dip when boosted is exquisite, giving the impression of a clean sound in ensembles, preventing clashes with other instruments.

Yet, it retains its bass-like character and beautiful harmonic richness.

It eloquently demonstrates the benefits of boosting with a 2-band EQ.

Controls include volume, balancer, tone (push/pull switch bypasses preamp), and treble/bass.

Tuning machines are HIPSHOT License Ultra-Light, and the bridge is a Hipshot 19mm Spacing.

Lightweight parts are used, giving it a vintage feel despite its modern design.

The string height is low at the factory, but the playability is excellent.

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.

It has 22 frets.

I feel this is the maximum number of frets that can maintain a classic sound.

However, the playability is comparable to a 21-fret instrument.

The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.

It also has a shape that reflects the recent trend in 5-string JB basses.

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 an extremely fast and responsive playing feel.

Yet, it has plenty of bass tones, resulting in a rich, harmonically full, and trebly sound.

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

SPECS

Model: 5st
Body: Alder 2-Piece (Solid)
Neck：Maple, Thin Matte Nitro
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12″ (305R)
Nut Material: Tusq
Nut Width: 5st: 46mm
Fret: 22F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Bridge: 5st: Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner: Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups: 5st: 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
Body Finish: Polyester
String: 5st: D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi Hardcase

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

Accessories: Semi-hard case, spec sheet

Text: Kaigo Kawami

Product photos: Higashi

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