A new Headway in the tradition of the 500 Series – “The Five”
The 500 series has been a longtime Headway staple, producing Long-time bestseller models represented by product numbers such as 531 and 523. The basic structure, including the bracing pattern, which is the key to the sound, has been retained, and a renewed model has been created in pursuit of maximizing playability for the modern player. The biggest change is the nut width. By changing it from 43 mm to 43.5 mm, the new model ensures optimal playability for fingerstyle players as well as a better grip when holding the guitar. In terms of design, the features of the 500 series have been developed in a more modern way, with a newly designed pickguard and eagle inlays on the headstock. The position marks on the fretboard incorporate the distinctive shape that was a favorite of late master builder Yasuo Momose.
ATB & STD Shared specs & design
Nut width change
The nut width has been changed from 43mm to 43.5mm. The slight 0.5mm difference improves the feel when gripping the neck, and it fits more naturally with today’s diversified playing styles, such as fingerstyle. The change in neck width also changes the contour of the sound, resulting in a clearer and deeper sound.
Special position markers
The mark that master builder Yasuo Momose used to use on the models he produced is adopted for this model. This is one of the specifications that distinguishes “The Five”, giving a sense of the love of the original master in this new design.
New pickguard design
-The Five- features a newly designed pickguard. Combining tradition and innovation, a new and refined shape comes to life.
Renewed headstock logo
Along with the renewal, the eagle inlay on the head has also been redesigned. The new design is warm and inviting, skillfully made using different types of wood.
ATB model limited specification
The ATB (Aska Team Build) series is handcrafted by Aska workshop’s proud and experienced craftsmen. In addition to the use of carefully selected materials, other detailed adjustments have been made.
Side-scalloped processing
The side scalloped fretboard reduces stress when changing positions or gripping the neck. The slight scalloping, which does not affect the tone, improves the neck feel more than you would expect from looking at pictures alone.
Silk logo on pickguard
The pickguard features “The Five” and the words “Aska Team Build”, which attest to the Aska Team craftsmanship.
Type C Shape
In response to changes in playing style, -The Five- also features a cutaway “Type C” version, which has been requested by many users. The body shape is similar to the smaller Type F, but the body size, thickness, and scale have been adjusted compared to those of the Type F. The overall balance of the sound has been improved even though it is a cutaway model. As with the Type F and Type D models, the nut width has been changed to 43.5 mm to ensure optimal playability for fingerstyle players as well as improved grip when holding the guitar.
Because these models are made of natural wood and handcrafted by artisans, they may vary slightly in their aspect from unit to unit.
Lineup
Aska Team Build Series
Standard Series
Model comparision
Since Headway’s inception, our philosophy has remained the same: to make “guitars that can grow alongside you” that are durable and can be played with confidence over a long period of time.
Every model has its own personality and uniqueness, and every model is designed with the player in mind,
so we hope you will find your own one-of-a-kind Headway that is not only sturdy but also will be your companion for a long time.
Actual sound and durability may be affected by various factors such as string action, aging, storage conditions, and individual differences in the wood.
The Five
Evolution of Headway
