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 tuners and bridge are HIPSHOT.
They've become a global standard.
The pickups are split-coil types manufactured by DiMarzio.
These are similar to those used when the Sadowsky Metroline was made in Japan.
Distinctive features include low noise and treble.
The preamp is a custom type designed specifically by EMG for this model.
It has a simple design that only boosts bass and treble.
Naturally, it fits perfectly.
When boosting, the peak of the recessed mid-range is exquisite, tightening the bass in a stylish way.
Yet it retains its bass-like character and beautiful overtones.
It speaks volumes about the significance of boosting with a 2-band EQ.
Controls include volume, balancer, tone (preamp bypass with push/pull switch), treble/bass.
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-hardcase
GIB craftsmen will adjust the instrument for optimal playability before delivery.
Accessories: Semi-hardcase
Text: Shunsuke Saga
Quality Inspector: Hayakawa
Product Photos: Miura
Manufacturer's warranty included
◯ About the GIB and TONIQ Warranty
● Lifetime free maintenance
Instruments purchased from our store are eligible for lifetime free ""string vibration setup"" (normally ¥4,400). (Reservation required)
- Please present your signed warranty card.
- This offer is only available to the original purchaser at a GIB or TONIQ store or online shop.
・Please bear all shipping and other expenses.
●Repurchase Price Guarantee
If you sell your purchased item within six months of purchase, we guarantee the purchase price. This guarantee is 50% for new items and 70% for used items.
●Defect Guarantee
All products sold by Basic Co., Ltd. are guaranteed against defects. With the exception of some consignment items, we will repair any malfunctions that occur under normal use within the warranty period from the date of purchase free of charge (returns and refunds will only be accepted if repairs are not possible).
The warranty period is three months for used items and one year for new items.
Please note that even within the warranty period, repairs will be charged in the following cases:
・Failure or damage caused by transportation, moving, dropping, etc.
・Replacement of consumables.
・Failure or damage caused by fire, earthquake, salt damage, gas damage, or abnormal voltage.
・Failure or damage caused by handling that violates the precautions in the instruction manual.
・Failure 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 information has been altered.
- If the warranty card is not presented or lost.
(Warranty coverage is limited to purchases made in Japan.)
Items will be shipped in a hard cardboard box.
We ship internationally.
Contact Information
LINE: vwj2699r
Email: info@bassick.jp
TEL: 045-594-7308