Kikuchi Guitars is a new high-end brand created by Yoshiyuki Kikuchi (and Okada International), who has earned the trust of many professional bassists, especially for his work with Sadowsky.
The first products were all one-of-a-kind custom models, but the Hermes series is a mass-produced model with fixed specifications.
This may be a bit misleading, but the Sadowsky Metroline from the Japan-made era is like the Hermes series, and the TYO is like a custom model.
This design is based on the JB, which is particularly well-known among the many basses designed by Kikuchi.
It has refined his previous work and is more like a modern bass.
The RV5 often has an alder body and rosewood fingerboard combination, but this time it is made of ash body and rosewood fingerboard.
There are many chambered bodies in the custom models, but all the 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 of the differences with the Three Dots, which is also made by the same company.
The tuners and bridge are HIPSHOT.
They have become a global standard.
The PU is a split coil type manufactured by DiMarzio.
This is similar to the one used when the Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Its distinctive features are its low noise and treble.
The preamp is a custom type specially designed by EMG for this model.
It has a simple specification that only boosts the bass and treble.
Naturally, it fits perfectly.
When boosting, the peak of the concave mid-range is exquisite, and the bass tightens up stylishly.
And yet it does not lose its bass-like quality and retains its beautiful overtones.
It speaks volumes about the meaning of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls are volume, balancer, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull switch), and treble/bass.
The factory string height is low, but not as low as a custom model, and the playing feel is very good.
It will also be comfortable for people who normally play Fender basses with Fender-like settings.
The precision around the neck, which has long been highly praised, is excellent, and its quality is fully demonstrated.
The neck shape is a little flat and thin.
It is characterized by an extremely fast, speedy playing feel.
And yet it has a sufficient amount of bass, with a rich, treble sound.
This is a supreme guitar that could only be realized because Mr. Kikuchi is making 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 (w/Pull Switch for Preamp Bypass), Treble/Bass Boost
Body Finish: Polyester
Strings: 4th: D’Addario .045 – .105, 5th: D’Addario .045 – .130T
Case: Original Semi Hardcase
GIB craftsmen will adjust the strings to make them easier to play before delivery.
Accessories: Semi hard case, wrench
Text: Saga Shunsuke
Inspector: Inagawa
Product photos: Miura
Manufacturer warranty included
◯ About GIB and TONIQ warranty
● Maintenance free forever
For instruments purchased at our store, you can use the “string vibration setup” (normally 4,400 yen) free of charge forever. (Reservation required)
・Please present a warranty card with your name written on it.
・Only the person who purchased the instrument at a GIB or TONIQ physical store or online shop is eligible.
・Please cover shipping and other expenses.
●Repurchase price guarantee
If you sell your purchased item within 6 months of purchase, we will guarantee the purchase price. The price is 50% for new items and 70% for used items.
●Defect guarantee
Products sold by Basic Co., Ltd. are guaranteed against defects. With the exception of some products such as consignments, we will repair any malfunctions that occur during normal use within a certain warranty period from the date of purchase free of charge (returns and refunds will only be made if this is not possible).
The warranty period is 3 months for used items and 1 year for new items.
Please note that there will be a fee for the following cases even during the warranty period.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by transportation, movement, dropping, etc.
・When replacing consumables.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage caused by handling that violates the precautions listed in the instruction manual.
・In the case of malfunctions or damage to parts repaired or modified by someone other than our company.
・If the name, model name, serial number, etc. are not written on the warranty card. Or if the wording has been altered.
・If the warranty card is not presented or is lost.
(Warranty is only available for purchases made in Japan)
Item will be shipped in a sturdy cardboard box.
We also ship internationally.
Contact Info
LINE : vwj2699r
email : info@bassick.jp
TEL : 045 594 7308