【used】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes MV5 PASSIVE NAT 3.985kg #384【GIB Yokohama】

Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned immense trust from many professional bassists, particularly 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 is a passive model.

The 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 feel.

The body is made of ash, and the fingerboard is maple, a classic configuration.

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

Some people prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I prefer solid bodies.)

The shape is Dinky, and it's not full-size.

This is one of the differences between this model and 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, the overall power can sometimes be lost, 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 relatively low at the time of shipment, 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 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 a trendy shape for recent 5-string JBs.

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; this design, in a good way, makes it feel less like a typical 5-string bass.

It features a high-speed, smooth playing feel.

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

It might be one of the perfect examples of a modern passive 5-string JB-type bass.

This is a supreme instrument, made possible only by Mr. Kikuchi's contemporary bass-making.

The frets have approximately 90% remaining.

The truss rod is in good condition.

The neck is in good condition.

The body and paintwork are generally clean.

The electronics are in good condition.

No obvious modifications were observed.

Controls: Neck pickup volume, bridge pickup volume, master tone
Neck width (nut): 47.0mm
String spacing at bridge: 19.0mm
Scale length: 34 inches
Year of manufacture: Unknown
Country of manufacture: JAPAN

GIB craftsmen will adjust the guitar for easy playability before delivery.

Accessories: Semi-hard case

Text: Ryoma Terao

Inspection 담당: Oshima

Product photos: Wakatsuki

GIB 3-month warranty included

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