【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes M70-4 TBK 3.9kg #538【GIB Hyogo】

Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned tremendous trust from many professional bassists, particularly for his work related to Sadowsky.

While the initial products were all one-off custom models, the Hermes series can be considered mass-produced models with fixed specifications.

It might be a slight misnomer, but the Hermes series occupies a position similar to the Japanese-made Sadowsky Metroline, while the TYO series is akin to the custom models.

The newly introduced model is the Hermes “70” Series.

It features a full-size body shape, aiming for a more classic sound and playability.

Among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi, this model is based on the highly regarded JB design.

It refines his previous work, resulting in a more contemporary bass aesthetic.

The body is Ash, the fingerboard is Maple – a classic combination.

While chambered bodies are common in custom models, the Hermes Series exclusively uses solid bodies.

Some players may prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred the solid body.)

As mentioned, the body size is full-size.

It follows the standard JB shape.

Previous Hermes models used a Dinky shape, offering a more refined, smooth texture in both look and sound. This model, however, is more traditional and dynamic.

Players who typically favor Fender-style instruments will likely find this model more to their liking.

It features 20 frets.

This also differs from previous models.

While more frets generally yield a tighter sound with more compression, this model maintains a traditional specification in this regard.

The pickups are the same model used in the PASSIVE Series.

They deliver powerful low end and pleasant highs, creating an appealing sound.

The pickup placement also adopts the location used on 70s Fender models.

The nuance is a more scooped midrange, emphasizing the depth in the low end and the clarity in the high end.

Another distinctive feature is the controls: two volume knobs instead of a volume and balancer.

I believe this is a model where the design philosophy is consistent down to the smallest detail.

The factory string height is low, though not as low as a custom model, resulting in an exceptionally comfortable playing feel.

It should feel comfortable even for players accustomed to Fender-style basses with Fender-like settings.

The neck precision, long highly regarded, is superb, and its quality is fully realized.

The neck profile is slightly flatter and thinner.

It delivers that signature Kikuchi feel: extremely fast and responsive, yet with a more generous, open texture.

It possesses ample low end, resulting in a richly harmonic, trebly sound.

This is the ultimate instrument, made possible precisely because Mr. Kikuchi crafts 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
String：4st：D’Addario Nickel .045 – .105
Case：Original Semi Hardcase

GIB craftsmen have adjusted it for optimal playability before delivery.

Included Accessories: Semi-hard case, small hex wrench, wrench, warranty card, instruction manual

Text: Ryoma Terao

Product Photography: Yamamoto

item will be packed with a hard cardboard box.
we do ship internationally.