Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the utmost trust from many professional bassists, especially for his work with Sadowsky basses.
While the first products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, the Hermes series is essentially a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit misleading, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japanese-made era is like the Hermes series, and the TYO is like a custom model.
This design is based on the JB, one of Kikuchi's most acclaimed basses.
It refines his previous work and is more like a modern bass.
The body is made of alder and the fingerboard is made of rosewood, a classic choice.
While many custom models feature chambered bodies, all Hermes Series models are solid bodies.
Some people may prefer solid bodies. (Personally, I prefer solid bodies.)
The shape is Dinky, not full-size.
This is one difference from the Three Dots basses the company also produces.
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
These are similar to those used when the Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Notable features include low noise and a treble sound.
The preamp is a custom type designed by EMG specifically for this model.
It has a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.
Naturally, this is a perfect fit.
When boosting, the peak of the mid-range recess is exquisite, and the bass tightens up stylishly.
Yet, it doesn't lose its bass-like character and retains its beautiful overtones.
It speaks volumes about the significance of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls include volume, balance, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull switch), and treble/bass.
This model does not have a control plate to highlight the beautiful top wood.
Although the string height is low at the time of shipment, it's not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is extremely good.
It will likely be comfortable even for those who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around the neck, which has long been highly praised, is excellent, and this quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is slightly flat and thin.
It is characterized by an extremely fast, speedy playing feel.
And yet it still has ample bass tones, producing a treble sound rich in overtones.
This is a supreme guitar, made possible only by Mr. Kikuchi building basses in 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 (with pull switch for preamp bypass), treble/bass boost
Body Finish: Polyester
Strings: 4th string: D'Addario .045 – .105, 5th string: D'Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original semi-hard case
Accessories: Original semi-hard case
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Inspector: Hosoya
Manufacturer's warranty included
Item will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard box.
International shipping is also available.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045 534 7133