【new】Kikuchi Guitars / Hermes MV5 DLPB 3.8kg #499【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 oversimplification, 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 design is inspired by the JB, a particularly well-regarded model among the many basses designed by Mr. Kikuchi.

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

The body is ash, the fingerboard is maple – a classic choice.

While chambered bodies are common in custom models, the Hermes Series features solid bodies throughout.

Some players prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I preferred solid too.)

The shape is a Dinky, not full-size.

This is one difference from the company's Three Dots line.

The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.

They're similar to those used on Sadowsky Metroline basses made in Japan back in the day.

Their defining characteristics are low noise and a trebly sound.

Passive pickups for 5-string J-Basses often lack the trebly character found on 4-string J-Basses.

That deficiency is completely absent here. It's appealing.

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

Its simple specification boosts only bass and treble.

It fits perfectly, as if it were meant to be.

When boosted, the peak of the midrange dip is exquisite, making the bass tighten up stylishly.

Yet it never loses its bass character or its beautiful harmonic richness.

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

Controls include Volume, Balancer, Tone (with push/pull switch for preamp bypass), and Treble/Bass.

This model omits the control plate to showcase the beautiful top wood.

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, fully showcasing its quality.

The neck profile is slightly flatter and thinner.

It also feels like a shape trending in recent 5-string JBs.

One factor creating the difference between 4-string and 5-string models is the neck mass.

The neck is slimmer and thinner; this design makes the 5-string feel less like a typical 5-string bass in a good way.

It features an exceptionally fast, speedy playing feel.

Yet it still delivers ample low end, resulting in a richly harmonic, trebly sound.

This is the ultimate instrument, made possible precisely because Mr. Kikuchi crafts basses for the modern era.

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：22F
Scale：864mm (34″)
Bridge：4st：Hipshot 20mm Spacing, 5st：Hipshot 19mm Spacing
Tuner：Hipshot License Ultra-Light
Pickups：4st：DiMarzio 4HC in 60’s Locations, 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：4st：D’Addario .045 – .105, 5st：D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case：Original Semi Hardcase

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

Delivered fully played-in and adjusted by GIB craftsmen for optimal playability.

Text: Shunsuke Saga

Product Photos: Terama

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