【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV5 PAS TCB 3.632kg #578【GIB Hyogo】

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 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 configuration.

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

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

The shape is a dinky, and it is 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 slender and thin, and 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 that could only be realized by Mr. Kikuchi's contemporary bass-making.

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
String: 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

◯GIB, TONIQ Warranty Information

●Lifetime Free Maintenance

Instruments purchased from our store are eligible for lifetime free ""String Vibration Setup"" (normally ¥4,400). (Reservation required)

・Please present your warranty card with your name filled in.

・Only applicable to the person who purchased the instrument at a GIB or TONIQ physical store or online shop.

・Please bear the cost of shipping and other miscellaneous expenses.

●Re-purchase Price Guarantee

If you sell your purchased item within 6 months of purchase, we guarantee the re-purchase price. The price is 50% for new items and 70% for used items.

●Warranty against defects

Basic Co., Ltd. provides a warranty against defects for products sold by the company. Excluding some items such as consigned goods, we will repair (or refund if repair is not possible) any malfunctions that occur during normal use within a certain warranty period from the date of purchase free of charge.

The warranty period is 3 months for used items and 1 year for new items.

Please note that the following cases will incur a charge even within the warranty period:

* Malfunctions and damage caused by transportation, movement, dropping, etc.

* Replacement of consumables.

* Malfunctions and damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.

* Malfunctions and damage caused by handling contrary to the precautions described in the instruction manual.

* Malfunctions or damage to parts repaired or modified by a party other than our company.

* If the warranty card does not have your name, model name, serial number, etc. filled in, or if the wording has been altered.

* Failure to present the warranty card, or if it is lost.

(Warranty is only valid for purchases made within Japan.)

● Up to 15% OFF with Trade-in

When you purchase a new item, you will receive a 10% discount on the purchase price when you use our trade-in service. (Consignment items are excluded. This discount applies only if the trade-in value is 15% or more of the purchase price.)

Furthermore, if you trade in an instrument eligible for our monthly buyback campaign, the discount rate will be 15%.

We will ship with sufficient packaging.
We ship internationally.

●Price includes VAT & Duties & Shipping Fee
Free Shipping Worldwide. All import duties and taxes are included in the price. There are no hidden fees upon delivery.

If you return a product, you will be responsible for all shipping and customs fees.

Note: All electronic devices, such as effect pedals and amplifiers, are set for use in Japan.
Please be sure to check the voltage and power specifications of your country before purchasing and using.