Headway: The Dawn of a New Chapter
Founded in 1977, Headway, which has been in business for over 45 years, has released a “completely new Headway” in 2023 with the intention of moving into a new era. While retaining the style of Headway’s flagship HD-115 model, the specs and design were completely revised, and the craftsmen of the Aska Team Build team collaborated with Yasuo Momose, founder of Headway, to develop this model from scratch. It is called “The Eagle”. The concept of “The Eagle”, which has been a symbol of previous Headway models, was used to brush up the design. Inspired by the eagle, the king of the skies, the Headway logo on the headstock has been redesigned to resemble a crown. Momose himself has special feelings for “The Eagle”, which was reconstructed by his apprentices, whom he has nurtured over the course of his craftsmanship career.
Headway: The Dawn of a New Chapter
Founded in 1977, Headway, which has been in business for over 45 years, has released a “completely new Headway” in 2023 with the intention of moving into a new era. While retaining the style of Headway’s flagship HD-115 model, the specs and design were completely revised, and the craftsmen of the Aska Team Build team collaborated with Yasuo Momose, founder of Headway, to develop this model from scratch. It is called “The Eagle”. The concept of “The Eagle”, which has been a symbol of previous Headway models, was used to brush up the design. Inspired by the eagle, the king of the skies, the Headway logo on the headstock has been redesigned to resemble a crown. Momose himself has special feelings for “The Eagle”, which was reconstructed by his apprentices, whom he has nurtured over the course of his craftsmanship career.
-The Eagle’25-
Sakura Guitar 10th anniversary specs
~ The Eagle’25は桜ギター10周年記念仕様 ~
To commemorate the 10th anniversary of Sakura Guitar in 2024, we have selected select Sakura (Japanese cherry) wood from our premium Sakura wood stock. This will be the first time that The Eagle model will be produced using Sakura wood.
Cherry blossoms, the theme of this year’s collection, are subtly sprinkled throughout the model, creating a unique look that combines the heroic appearance of the Eagle, the king of the sky, with the dignified image of cherry blossoms.
New bracing evolving from Headway’s past
New bracing evolving from Headway’s past
Based on the standard bracing that Momose has used since the inception of Headway, custom builders Yasui and Furihata have taken on the challenge of redesigning the Mid Point Shifted X Bracing for The Eagle, incorporating modern adjustments.
The “Shallow Scalloped” specification, in which the bracing support frame wood is shaved shallower than usual, was previously used only on Momose’s CustomShop models, but has now been adopted as a standard specification for The Eagle model.
The tone has a good articulation that allows you to cleanly separate each note and a strong, bassy sound. The well-balanced sound profile that seems to surround all of these notes with overtones maintains the sound quality Headways has always been known for, but also shows new possibilities for the Headway of the future.
Carefully-selected High-quality Wood
Carefully-selected High-quality Wood
Our custom builders carefully selected the wood for the 15 units that were be produced in this limited edition. The custom builders selected flamed Sakura wood that would also have the perfect tonal balance and resonance.
Adirondack spruce, a high-grade wood characterized, is used for the top of the body to achieve a supreme sound-making effect.
Our Latest Neck Grip – ESV-CUSTOM
Our Latest Neck Grip – ESV-CUSTOM
The “ESV-Custom” neck shape is a reshaped version of the “ESV” used on previous ATB models, designed for a more comfortable grip. The thickness at the 12th fret is 0.5mm thinner than the “ESV” as it tapers to the high position, making it less difficult to grip even at the high frets and thus enhancing playability.
However, based on Headway’s belief that “we want the user who picks up a Headway to love it for a long time”, two carbon support bars have been incorporated into the neck. This maintains the neck’s solidity and also leads to a quick response that transmits vibrations at the moment of playing.
Crown Logo
The brand logo is inspired by the Eagle, the king of the sky, so to match it, the headstock is adorned with the “Headway crown logo”, which shines brilliantly atop the guitar.
Headstock inlay
The inlay is a redesign of the “Eagle” that Headway has used as a symbolic motif since the company’s founding. The image of an eagle spreading its wings and soaring through the sky is cut out to symbolize a flight into a new era.
This model also uses Madagascar rosewood for the head top, creating a special feeling when you step out in front of the gallery as a player.
Limited Plate
The name “The Eagle” and the limited edition number of 30 units are engraved on a machined brass plate to make for a more satisfying and luxurious design.
Fretboard Inley
The fretboard depicts an eagle feather fluttering alongside cherry blossoms. In Japan, the eagle feather is said to have the role of showing the way to go forward and to make a leap forward into the future, and this design is a wish for a new start for Headway and for everyone who holds this instrument in their hands.
Sakura wood is used for the cherry petals to further evoke the feeling of Japanese cherry blossoms without losing the cohesiveness of the design.
3-piece Back
Custom builder Furihata’s comment on the three-piece back were: “I wanted to take the sweet core tone that is characteristic of Sakura wood and tighten the tone with a harder wood to give it a new character|. The sides and back are made of Yamazakura, or mountain cherry, and selected Madagascar rosewood is used for the body back centerpiece.
The rich sound obtained by using Madagascar rosewood for the centerpiece makes for a more intense and emotional soundmaking.
Soundhole Cover
In this model, the characteristic Eagle design is expressed in Sakura wood and decorated with a mother-of-pearl white shell ring for a sense of luxury.
The soundhole cover helps to regulate moisture inside the body and reduce output volume when playing.
Soundhole Label
An eagel’s piercing stare decorates the soundhole label, which is also made out of Sakura wood.
Pickguard
The pickguard, without sparing any expenses, is made of Madagascar rosewood, and the design features Eagle wings and cherry blossom petals. The use of Sakura wood for the petal design creates harmony with the design and plays into the overall design of the instrument.
Videos
The Eagle’25 Type D
The Eagle’25 Type F
Brand Movie
Earlier this year before his passing, we asked Yasuo Momose about the new Eagle models, and asked him to get hands-on with the model and talk about the latest in Headway’s flagship line of products that have been passed down from generation to generation. Please click on the link below for more details.
Headway『The Eagle’23』A new beginning
Gallery
Gallery
