-Dragon Sakura-, a collection of Sakura models in collaboration with Karuizawa carving
In 2024, the year of the 10th anniversary of Sakura Guitar, we have been releasing limited edition models using Sakura wood from all over Japan and unprecedented designs that express our passion for this Japanese material. And for the upcoming Deviser One Day Guitar Show this year, a guitar that will be the culmination of these efforts is now in production! Let’s dive into some details in this article.
2024 is the year of the Dragon… So we bring you the -Dragon Sakura-!
The motif for the special model that marks the end of the 10th anniversary was entrusted to the “Dragon”, which is associated with this year’s Chinese zodiac sign. Like the phrase “Ascending Dragon” means to bring good luck to the superstitious, we want to algo take it and run with it as a wish for the future of the Sakura Guitar.
Headway and the year of the Dragon
As far back as 12 years ago, that is, in the previous Year of the Dragon, Headway had a guitar with a “dragon” design. This year, the Chinese zodiac has turned a full circle since then, and a new model will be born, incorporating the techniques and ideas cultivated with the Sakura guitar through the years until this point!
Headway
Motif of “The Dragon that lives in the headstock”
Let us introduce you to the gorgeous decorations that you saw in the photos at the beginning of this article, which are a fitting end to the 10th anniversary event.
These photos show the production of the dragon inlays that decorate the headstock. The parts are cut from abalone shells and various types of wood, and then embedded one by one by hand. This is truly a craftsman’s art, requiring careful and precise assembly of small parts that seem to fly away even under the breath of the nose.
Pictured above is master builder Yasui working in the workshop. The way he looked at the work made us realize how serious and precise the work is.
A design that marries the concept of “Sakura” and Dragons
The fingerboard is also decorated with inlays that give the proper impression of this being special model. On the low frets, the tail of a dragon, which is connected to the inlay on the headstock, is powerfully expressed by the expressive Avalon shell. The scales then dance down to the high frets, finally transforming into cherry blossom petals. This is another example of the expressive method of weaving a story within a single guitar, a method that we have been working on for many years with the Sakura guitar.
Sides and back made of Yamazakura
For the side backs of the body, beautifully grained Yamazakura, or mountain cherry wood, was carefully selected from our wood collection. Adirondack spruce is used for the top, which conveys the clear and sweet tone of Sakura wood from the sound side. The body back is a three-piece construction with rare Madagascar rosewood, and the Dragon and Sakura seen in the fretboard inlays are prominently represented.
Three special colors
Three designs of Headway’s “Dragon Sakura” are being produced, each colored differently in a color inspired by the design. The deep green and natural Sakura color, reminiscent of the dragon, are waiting in the workshop for completion. What about the rest of the colors? Please look forward to the One Day Guitar Show event to find out!
Momose
“Dragon” brought to life by Karuizawa carving
This time, a special model is being produced that incorporates a common design not only for Headway, but also for Momose, on an electric guitar. The body top is made of Japanese Sakura wood, which adheres to the policy of our Sakura Guitars which is to not only represent them in the design but also the actual use of Sakura wood.
The distinctive arch-top body is carved with traditional Karuizawa carving by “Karuizawa Carving Shibazaki”, with whom we have collaborated in the past. The cutaway part is also carved with a cherry blossom design, which is impressive even before painting. Please look forward to the finished product!
Deviser One Day Guitar Show 2024
Information on limited editions and new products of various Deviser brands will be available on a special website on November 13 (Wed.)!
Please keep an eye open on our Announcement page for more news that will be regularly uploaded until the day of the event!