Now, in 2020, we will release the -HJ-523 Osamuraisan Edition-, a signature model of Osamuraisan which has further improved on the HJ-523STD. In developing this machine, Headway tried to more accurately reproduce the specifications of the original HJ-523 and to incorporate the custom parts that Osamuraisan has incorporated throughout the years. We will give you all the details on this special site.
GOTOH SGV510Z-L5 C
Equipped with the high-quality among high-quality GOTOH models, which are the standard for guitar machine heads, is the 510 series machine heads. A gear ratio of 1:22 allows for smooth and accurate tuning. The smooth and rounded design of the L5 knobs fit comfortably in your hand.
Reproduction of the original HJ-523’s sunburst painting
In developing this model, the Asuka craftsman once again analyzed the actual HJ-523 that Osamuraisan owns in order to reproduce the original qualities of that HJ-523, including the original sunburst painting.
Non-scalloped double X bracing
We went for the same non-scalloped double X bracing that the original HJ-523 had. The top is firmly reinforced to achieve outstanding stability and durability, and it also produces a solid sound profile with great intonation on every note for every single note. It is a little stiff when new, but as you play it, the bass will grow richer and richer. Because it has very good durability, it is a model that you can play with confidence over many years without having to worry about a thing.
Cell binding and parfling specs
Using the same tortoiseshell cell binding as the original. Furthermore, after analyzing the original HJ-523, the stripe pattern of the purfling was faithfully reproduced.
Jumbo Frets
The HJ-523 used by Osamuraisan himself has been re-fretted several times and as of now, it has jumbo size frets unlike the original specifications of the HJ-523 models. We are looking to reproduce Osamuraisan’s guitar as closely as possible, so for this new model, we also went for jumbo frets.
Strings
We went for -Elixir Nanoweb Phospher Bronze Custom Light gauge- strings, which are similar to those used by Osamuraisan on his guitar. It is one step thinner than the Light gauge that Headway normally uses, and, together with the jumbo frets, it results in a very easy to hold and play guitar.
*Please refer to the “Advanced specs” section at the bottom of the page for personalized gauges.
String action
Utilizing the lowest possible string action setting that we could manage at our Aska factory to match Osamuraisan’s style.
Strap pin
Equipped with a strap pin on the side of the neck heel just like Osamuraisan’s guitar. You can play with a strap.
Conversion endpin
To make it easier to attach a pickup later, a conversion endpin with the same diameter as a general endpin jack is used. As long as the pickup you add uses a regular endpin jack, you will be able to install it without much hassle.
*Please refer to the “Advanced specs” section at the bottom of the page for personalized pickups.
Soundhole label
The soundhole labels are made out of Japanese parchment and personally signed by Osamuraisan himself.
Includes a special certificate of authenticity with serial number and Osamuraisan’s autograph.
Pick-shaped key-chain made out of the same mahogany material used for the HJ-523 Osamuraisan Edition model’s side & back material. Antique metal fittings are included. Aska factory craftsmen carefully finish each one of the key-chains details with oil painting.
Tablatures of a new song from the upcoming album “Ai o omou” to be released in August 2020.
Osamuraisan HJ-523s History
| 2006 | Osamuraisan gets his HJ-523 at a Tokyo Ochanomizu Music Store. |
| 2015 | The Headway Standard Series’ -HJ-523STD- is released. |
| 2016 | Introduced the first HJ-OSAMURAISAN signature model with the concept of “A guitar that even beginners can play easily”. It was developed based on the design of the HJ-523. |
| 2018 | HJ-OSAMURAISAN II, a model that improved upon the HJ-OSAMUURAISAN, started production after. |
| 2019 | The signature mini-guitar HM-OSAMURAISAN with the motif of Osamuraissan’s original song “Soshibana” (a synonym for cluster amaryllis) was released. |
| 2020 | Release of the -HJ-523 Osamuraisan Edition- based on that original model that he keeps using to this day. |
Advanced Specs that are even closer to those of Osamuraisans own guitar
String’s gauge
Based on Elixir’s Custom Light gauge, Osamurai himself changed the high E string to a 0.02 thicker string thickness compared to the regular size (0.11→ 0.13) and the B string to a 0.01 thicker one (0.15 → 0.16) in order to get a more rounded sound for an optimal setup to play melodies on those strings.
Pickups
Osamuraisan has a “RAPTOR SYSTEM” produced by the TRIAL brand installed in his HJ-523. The complete setup is comprised of a dual pickup system with RAPTOR SYSTEM’s original “body microphone” piezoelectric pickup, and the magnetic pickup SUNRIZE S2 that creates a high-quality dual system that works in combination with an external preamp. For inquiries about the TRIAL RAPTOR SYSTEM, please contact AceK in the following link.AceK
Included with your purchase of the HJ-523 Osamurai Edition, Osamuraisan’s personal comments about the guitar and equipment.
Osamuraisan’s Comments
I’m Osamuraisan, and I’m here to announce the release of my third signature model, the HJ-523 Osamuraisan Edition. I’d like to tell you a little bit about my first encounter with the Headway HJ523. More than ten years ago, I decided to get a high-grade guitar for the first time as my third guitar. I was looking for one in Ochanomizu, a standard place in Tokyo, and found it right away in a store in front of the station.
I had tried many brands and guitars before, but Headway was not famous at that time, and the HJ-523 was the first Headway guitar I played. However, I was surprised at the quality of the sound and the density of the sound, which was unthinkable for the price, and I remember well that I decided to buy it on the spot, even though it was slightly over my budget. I remember well that I decided to buy it on the spot, even though it was slightly over my budget. I was so excited that I had found a great bargain.
This guitar may become a lifelong companion while further developing its sound. Just like my HJ-523.