【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes RV5 PASSIVE OWH 3.835kg #439【GIB Hyogo】【Plek-adjusted】

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 making basses in the modern era.

This product has undergone precise fret leveling using PLEK.

Because all frets are perfectly level, it theoretically produces a stable tone without buzzing.

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

Inspector: Hayakawa

Product Photos: Wakatsuki

Manufacturer's warranty included

(Warranty is only valid for purchases made within Japan)


●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.