A 2023 model with a “cherry blossoms and autumn leaves” motif based on the Shikizakura (four seasons cherry) in Obara

The beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves decorating the Japanese countryside at the same time The Shikizakura (Four-season Cherry) model was started to convey the charm of Obara’s seasonal cherry blossoms. It has incorporated a design that allows you to feel the cherry blossoms and autumn leaves everywhere, This model is one of the most popular models in the Headway cherry blossom series. The use of Japanese wood, which is one of the major characteristics of the Headway brand, has also been incorporated into the design. The use of Shikizakura and Kaede (Japanese maple) wood to meet the scenery of cherry blossoms in the four seasons makes the sound character of the model more like Japanese wood. It has a truly unique sound to it thanks to the influence of the Japanese wood materials used in its construction. One of the most distinguishing features of this model, which is now in its third year, is the gradation color with diagonal changes. The gradation of the color is expressed by the whole body of the Four Seasons Cherry Blossom. Combined with the inlay work, it has an atmosphere that makes you feel familiar with the scenery of seasonal cherry blossoms in Obara. The inlay work and the atmosphere of the scenery of cherry blossoms in the four seasons in Obara can be felt close to the body. Of course, the latest features in regards of sound quality and construction have been incorporated. The guitar is finished with high playability.

Production Limited to 15 Units

HD-SHIKIZAKURA’23 SF,S-ESU/ATB

MSRP・・・JPY 380,000（w/o Taxes）

HD-SHIKIZAKURA23 SF,S-ESU/ATB Product Page

Production Limited to 15 Units

HF-SHIKIZAKURA’23 SF,S-ESU/ATB

MSRP・・・JPY 380,000（w/o taxes）

HF-SHIKIZAKURA23 SF,S-ESU/ATB Product Page

Headstock design with fluttering cherry blossoms and autumn leaves

The decoration adorning the headstock features inlay work depicting cherry blossoms and autumn leaves showing their beauty at the same time. The headstock top is made of maple wood with a beautiful flame pattern, and the petals that fall from the head continue to the fingerboard, enhancing the story of the guitar. In addition, the matching head specification, which is rare for acoustic guitars, is adopted, and the head is colored in the same diagonal gradation color as the body. In addition, the gold pegs combine to give the guitar a luxurious finish.

Inlay work of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves on a purple heart fingerboard

The Purple Heart fretboard, which goes well with cherry blossom guitars, is decorated with a design of cherry blossom petals and maple leaves. The petals fluttering down from the head side are placed in large sizes at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th fret positions, designed with consideration for playing without losing sight of the position when switching from the regular dot-position model. In particular, the large cherry blossom and maple leaf blooming inlay work on the 12th fret gives a dynamic image to the entire guitar.

Soundhole cover incorporating the scenery of Kawami Shikizakura Village

The sound hole cover is finished with inlay work of the scenery of Kawami Shikizakura Village, where you can see the most beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn leaves among the Shikizakura Blossoms in Obara. By using this cover, you can feel the beauty of Shikizakura more closely. As in previous Shikizakura models, two different acrylic materials are used for the rosette around the sound hole to express the coloring of cherry blossoms and the autumn leaves.

Coloring inspired by
the scenery of Obara’s four seasons cherry blossoms at sunset

One of the main features of this model is the gradation of colors with diagonal changes. Inspired by the seasonal cherry blossom scenery of Obara, the entire body of the model represents cherry blossoms and autumn leaves at their utmost beautiful state. In addition, only the maple wood in the center is painted with an orange gradation color that evokes the image of the setting sun, and this, together with the design of a woman in kimono, which has been incorporated into cherry blossom models in recent years, creates a narrative finish.

34 Bracing

Headway Master Builder Momose has adopted the “34 bracing” layout, which he has found to be the most responsive based on his recent production experience. The layout is closer to a “semi-forward shift” layout with the X-bracing crossed 4.6mm closer to the bridge side than the “forward shift” layout, which is very appealing in terms of strength and stability. The result is a sound that responds well to even the most delicate touch, while retaining the softness and overtones of the “forward-shift” bracing layout.

Extra Slim Neck

The extra-slim U-neck is the thinnest in Headway’s history and is shaped for easy gripping. Not only is the neck thinner, but it also retains Headway’s traditional characteristics of sturdiness and stability by adding carbon support reinforcement bars to the inside of the neck. This is a reliable neck grip that women and players with small hands should try. The semi-glossy finish, which resembles a neck after it has been used for a while, gives it a good grip that allows the hand to comfortable rest into the neck. In addition, the carbon support bar increases the overall rigidity and gives in turn a better response.

High-precision Neck Joint

Headway uses the traditional dovetail joint method. While in recent years there have been an increasing number of models with simpler bolted joints, the dovetail joint has a larger joint area, and when finished precisely, the neck and body produce a rich sound as if they were a single piece of wood. The joint’s protrusion, called a “dovetail” is made larger than a standard joint, and a special jig is used to join them together. Adjustment of the neck angle and other parts at this point greatly affects playability and sound, and is a process that requires a high level of skill to pull-off.

Sakura & Kaede

The sides and back of the body are made of Yamazakura (Mountain Cherry), a Japanese wood with distinctive flame-grain patterns. The body is constructed with a 3-piece construction, and Kaede (Japanese Maple), another Japanese wood, is used for the central piece. Both materials, Yamazakura, and Kaede, are relatively hard and solid, and the slightly sweet sound characteristic of Yamazakura is combined with the crisp and clear sound of maple, resulting in a sweet and refreshing sound.

About Shikizakura

Shikizakura is one of the varieties of cherry trees that bloom from fall to winter. Although cherry blossoms are most often associated with spring, there are also many cherry trees that bloom even after the weather turns cold. Cherry blossoms delight us in accordance with the four seasons in Japan. The best thing about cherry blossoms in the four seasons is that they can be enjoyed at the same time as autumn leaves. We have chosen Shikizakura as a motif for autumn so that the scenery created by Japan’s four seasons will never wither and will always be close to us. The design of the inlay work is based on materials provided by the Obara Tourist Association of Toyota City, which manages the Four Seasons Cherry Blossoms in Obara, a sightseeing spot famous for its cherry blossoms in the four seasons.