HD-SC’24 SF,S/STD 菫青 (Iolite)

Introduction

Headway’s Sakura Guitar’s 10th Anniversary

Our Sakura wood guitars began with a single ukulele built in 2014. Headway has been working with this wood, which has a different sound and quality than imported wood, with the knowledge and skills we have gained over the years of making guitars. This year, Headway celebrates its 10th anniversary and has created a special model with the hope that it will take another leap forward and spread its wings to the world.

Limited color: Iolite

Iolite, also known as “cordierite” has a deep blue color like a violet flower. The name is said to be derived from the Greek words “Io” meaning “blue” and “lite” meaning “stone”.
It is said that the Vikings used iolite as a compass during their voyages, and because of its bluish violet color, it was also called “sapphire of the sea” or “water sapphire”.
It is said to be the “stone of vision” that guides us along the way, opening our inner eye and enhancing our intuition.

10th Anniversary Commemorative Design

Two dancing cranes

The headstock will feature a special design commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Sakura Guitar. The cranes spread their wings and dance to communicate with their friends and family, and to court their mates. The inlay expresses our gratitude to all Headway users and our joy at celebrating this special year with the cranes, who are the bearers of good luck in Japanese culture.

Blooming cherry blossom inlay and purple heart material pickguard

One of the symbolic elements of the Sakura model is the cherry blossom inlay on the fingerboard, skillfully rendered in acrylic and wood. In addition, purple heart wood with its purple-colored grain was used for the pickguard.

Body made of Japanese Yamazakura

Yamazakura cherry wood, also known as wild sakura or mountain sakura, is used for the side backs. It is very hard and has a peak in the low midrange, but also produces a sweet sound characteristic of cherry wood. The center of the body is decorated with a centerline made of purple heart, the same material used for the pickguard.

Anniversary logo commemorating the 10th anniversary

The back of the headstock is engraved with the anniversary logo, inspired by the “woman with a Japanese umbrella” which is a recurrent theme of Headway’s Sakura models, and exclusive to the 10th anniversary models.

34 Semi-forwards Shifted Bracing

This model uses the bracing developed by Mr. Momose based on vintage 1934 guitar bracing.
The cross position of the X is a semi-forward shift close to the soundhole, the bass response is better than that of recent designs, and it has a loud sound to it. By being closer to the bridge by about 5 mm than the forward shift, the stability of the top plate is also taken into consideration and improved in the design.

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