The unwavering techniques passed down eternity
Since Headway’s inception, our philosophy has remained the same: a “guitar that grows alongside you” that is durable and can be played with confidence over a long period of time.
This philosophy, which was set forth by Yasuo Momose, who sadly passed away in 2024, has been passed on to his disciples and has become the foundation of Headway.
In his later years, Momose, despite his illness, found time to research his next work.
The -LEGACY- was completed based on the blueprint that Momose was proud of as the perfected form he had reached in his study, by gathering Momose’s ideas and the technologies of his disciples.
His beloved disciples breathe life into the greatest legacy,
The -Legacy- left by Yasuo Momose.
About Yasuo Momose
Job Title: Master luthier
Aska Ltd.: Honorary Technical Advisor
Together with Headway’s founder Megumi Yatsuzuka, he has supported many brands to this day as a master builder and technical advisor to the workshop.
The jigs and tools that Momose devised and used in guitar manufacturing are still Aska Ltd.’s treasures and the foundation of its unwavering techniques and technology.
He received the “Shinshu Master Craftsman” award from the Governor of Nagano Prefecture as a craftsman who possesses outstanding skills and is regarded as the best in his field in the prefecture.
Features
LG-ARS
Legacy Advanced Rear Shift
The “rear-shift bracing”, in which the bracing crosses close to the bridge, was Momose’s favorite specification in his later years. The original bracing “LG-ARS Bracing” was adopted, which Momose described as “the closest to the ideal form”, and which he pursued through a series of minor changes in search of a balance between better sound and reinforcement as he continued to build new guitars.
M’s Scalloped
We also follow Momose’s later years specifications in the amount of scalloping that adjusts the vibration of the board by shaving the bracing. By setting the scalloping to a shallow depth, we have recreated the perfect balance between maintaining the rigidity of the top board and creating a woody sound. This is a specification that allows the guitar to be played for a long time and to be “nurtured” even more.
MV Neck (Momose V Neck)
While Mr. Momose was still among us, he used to say, “The thicker the neck, the more durable it is, and above all, the warmer and woodier the sound it produces”, and he preferred to produce necks with a firm, comfortable grip. Using the jig that he actually used to use, we have faithfully reproduced the slightly thicker V-shaped neck.
44mm Nut width
The slightly wider 44 mm nut width favored by Momose is used.
Carefully Selected Materials
When selecting wood, it is very important not only to select wood for its beautiful grain, but also to imagine the sound of the finished guitar in order to maximize the individuality of the guitar. The wood selection process that Momose was so particular about was carried out by his apprentice, who selected the wood for these model.
Jigs
During his career as a craftsman, Momose has made many jigs and tools on his own. He has produced various jigs and tools from his unique perspective and sensibility, such as a special tool for shaving a few millimeters of bracing, some of which are still being used by our craftsmen today.
Lineup
HD-115 LEGACY/ATB
MSRP・・・JPY 350,000
HF-415 LEGACY/ATB
MSRP・・・JPY 350,000
Information about production
Production of the “Headway HD-115 LEGACY/ATB” and “HF-415 LEGACY/ATB” may be unavoidably discontinued due to tight production conditions or a shortage of wood supply. The first shipment is scheduled for early April.
Demo Videos
