Kikuchi

Kikuchi bass guitars are Japanese boutique basses built under the brand of luthier Yoshiyuki Kikuchi. The best-known model is the Kikuchi Hermes, a modern take on the classic J-style bass. You can play Kikuchi basses in our showroom in Hilversum, or order them online with delivery across Europe.

About Kikuchi Guitars

Kikuchi Guitars is a Japanese boutique bass brand founded by luthier Yoshiyuki Kikuchi. Despite the name, the focus is on bass guitars.

Before starting his own brand he founded Atelier Z in the 1980s. He also worked in New York alongside Roger Sadowsky and John Suhr, and later built the Sadowsky Metroline basses in Japan.

Kikuchi Hermes: a J-style bass for today

The flagship Kikuchi Hermes is inspired by the classic J-style basses of the sixties and seventies. It is refined with carefully selected tonewoods, premium hardware and electronics, and a meticulous setup.

Hermes options

• Fretboard: maple (MV) or rosewood (RV)
• Strings: four-string or five-string bass
• Versions: seventies pickup spacing or passive electronics

Specifications can differ per instrument, so check the individual product page for the details of each bass.

Choosing a Kikuchi bass

If you are comparing J-style basses, the fretboard is a good place to start. Maple and rosewood feel and look different under the fingers, so it helps to try both. The choice between four and five strings depends on the music you play and the range you need.

Pickup spacing and electronics also shape the character of a J-style bass. Playing a few basses side by side is the easiest way to hear the difference.

Try a Kikuchi in Hilversum or order online

At House of Guitars you can play Kikuchi basses in our showroom in Hilversum. Prefer to shop from home? You can order online with delivery across Europe.

FAQ

What is Kikuchi Guitars?

Kikuchi Guitars is a Japanese boutique bass brand founded by luthier Yoshiyuki Kikuchi. The brand is known for its J-style basses.

What is the Kikuchi Hermes?

The Kikuchi Hermes is the flagship model of the brand. It is inspired by the classic J-style basses of the sixties and seventies.

Does the Kikuchi Hermes come as a five-string bass?

Yes, the Hermes is available as a four- or five-string bass. It comes with a maple (MV) or rosewood (RV) fretboard.

Can I try a Kikuchi bass before buying?

Yes, you can play Kikuchi basses in our showroom in Hilversum. You can also order online with delivery across Europe.

Who is Yoshiyuki Kikuchi?

Yoshiyuki Kikuchi is a Japanese luthier who founded Atelier Z in the 1980s. He worked in New York alongside Roger Sadowsky and John Suhr, and later built the Sadowsky Metroline basses in Japan.