1977 – Establishment of Headway
Kei Yatsuzuka and guitar craftsman Yasuo Momose establish Headway is established by Kei Yatsuzuka and guitar craftsman Yasuo Momose, and begins manufacturing Headway acoustic guitars under the company’s brand name.
1991 – Establishment of Deviser
Deviser was established as the sales division of the Headway factory, commencing this way a two part system that worked in tandem.
1994 – The Bacchus brand is launched
Production of the Bacchus brand of electric guitars and electric basses starts.
1999 – The Bacchus Handmade series is launched
The “WOODLINE” was launched as Bacchus’ top-of-the-line line with new features such as oil finish. The “WOODLINE” continues to be Bacchus’ flagship series to this day.
2000 – The Headway brand is re-launched
A limited number of re-released HD-115s were produced, thanks to the support of users and fans of Classic Headway guitars made in the Showa era(1977 – 83).
2002 – The Momose brand is launched
Launch of our Momose bramd, an original electric guitar and bass line named after craftsman Yasuo Momose.
2002 – First participation in “Music China”
We had our first exhibit at MUSIC CHINA, an international musical instrument fair held in Shanghai, China, that year. Since then, we have continued to participate almost every year, and has expanded into the Chinese market.
2004 – Establishment of Aska Ltd.
Established as a new factory taking over the custom line of the Headway factory. Satoru Yatsuzuka, a craftsman, becomes the representative.
2006 – The STR brand is launched
Aska Factory’s master builder Satoru Yatsuzuka begins selling STR, a one-of-a-kind custom brand made with the finest materials and parts.
2007 – STR Brand NAMM Exhibit
Participated in the NAMM even in the United States, focusing on STR brand products, which had been launched the previous year, entering the American market.
2007 – The SeventySeven brand is launched
The SeventySeven hollow guitar brand, which inherits the commitment to organic sound that the Headway brand has built up, is launched.
2009 – Exhibited at Musikmesse Frankfurt, Germany
Exhibited at an international musical instrument fair in Frankfurt, Germany. Expanding into the European market.
2011 – Headway’s ATB series is launched
Launch of the Headway Aska team Build series, produced by a group of skilled craftsmen at the Aska factory who have gained experience under Momose’s teaching.
2014 – Distributorship Agreement with Mojotone Pickups
We started handling Mojotone Pickups, from Mojotone, an American handmade pickup manufacturer.
2014 – We began production of the Sakura models
The Sakura- or “Cherry Blossom Guitar” made from cherry wood was first released under the Headway brand. Since then, we continued to produce products based on the same concept, including other brands, and they have become a popular line of distinctive Deviser products.
2015 – Yasuo Momose awarded “Master Craftsman of Shinshu
Our own Yasuo Momose was awarded the “Master Craftsman of Shinshu” award (Governor’s Award for Outstanding Technicians) by the Governor of Nagano Prefecture.
2016 – The Headway JT series is launched
A new series of guitars made in overseas factories was launched, with our Japanese craftsmen making thorough adjustments to enhance playability before hitting the stores, getting the Japan Tune-up series name.
2016 – First Business Fair
We held our first business fair where we invite a lot music stores to our headquarters to display our new and limited edition products in our showroom. Since then, this event has become an annual event due to the good reception.
2017 – Launched the Japan Red Pine project
Started a project of “JRP Guitars” (short for Japanese Red Pine) using red pine wood damaged by pine weedles in our local city of Matsumoto.
2017 – Workshop Deviser Guitars launched
We rented a new space near the headquarters for the expansion of the Deviser Assembly Department, and started the new “Workshop Deviser Guitars”.
2018 – JRP Guitars Wood Design Award
It was recognized as an amazing product and initiative that rediscovered the goodness and value of this wood, and won the Wood Design Award of 2018.
2018 – Deviser Secret Base Completed
A new showroom space, the Deviser Secret Base, was built. It’s only be open to the public on occasions such as business meetings.
2018 – Exhibited at Guitar Summit in Germany
We partook for the first time at the guitars trade fair in Germany.
2019 – The Momose Modern Virtuoso series is launched
A new series of products was launched with new features and unique colors made for the modern musician in mind. A line with more of Momose’s original colors.
2019 – First One Day Guitar Show
In November, a one-day event was held for the first time as an autumn version of the previously mentioned business fair. Since then, it has been held often from on then.
2020 – The SeventySeven JT series was launched
A new SeventySeven series is released, which enhances playability through final adjustments made by our Japanese craftsmen in our workshop.
2024 – Yasuo Momose passes away
Yasuo Momose passes away leaving behind an unrivaled legacy as a master craftsman who was admired and beloved by everyone around him.
2024 – The Deviser Technical Center is completed
Deviser completes the new Technical Center meters away from its head office which features a new warehouse, workshop, showroom, and a photo and video studio.
