HF-SHIKIZAKURA’22 SF,S-ESU/ATB

Introduction

A sakura tree that blossoms in autumn – Shikizakura

If you mention Sakura- meaning Cherry blossom trees- one immediately thinks of spring. Still, there are also many cherry trees that bloom even after the weather turns cold, providing the enjoyment of their appearance in each of the four seasons.
Among them, “Shikizakura” blooms from fall to winter and presents a fantastic view alongside the rest of the regular autumn trees.

We took inspiration from that autumn-blooming sakura tree and created this year’s sakura model, the “HD-SHIKIZAKURA’22 SF, S-ESU/ATB”.

Kawami Shikizakura inspired headstock inlay

The inlays for this model are inspired by Kawami, a famous location that exists within Obara, since the “Kawa” in its name means river, we figured it was a great fit for our flowing autumn cherry blossom petal design. The detailed parts are hand-inserted by craftsmen, and various materials are used to create a three-dimensional finish.

A flowing river design is also included on the jet-black ebony fingerboard. Cherry blossom petals and autumn leaves are placed at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th, and 12th frets, and are flowing with the river from the headstock to the neck end so that the player can play without losing sight of his position when switching from the regular dot position model.

A momentary scene of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves falling on the surface of the water is used in the pickguard design. In addition, two different acrylic materials are used for the rosette around the sound hole to express the coloring produced by the four seasons of cherry blossoms.

Extra-slim U neck

The extra-slim U-neck is the thinnest in Headway’s history and has a shape that is easy to grip. The neck is reinforced with carbon rods to maintain Headway’s traditional characteristics of durability and stability. This is a trustworthy neck grip that women and players with smaller hands should try. The semi-glossy finish, which resembles a neck that has been used and worn in for a while, provides a good grip that allows the hand to stick to the neck when just right. In addition, the carbon port increases rigidity and leads to a better response.

34 Bracing

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

Original soundhole cover included

A sound hole cover is also included, incorporating a design of a woman in kimono, a common theme for the 2022 Sakura model.