Headway: The Dawn of a New Chapter
Founded in 1977, Headway, which has been in business for over 45 years, has released a “completely new Headway” in 2023 with the intention of moving into a new era. While retaining the style of Headway’s flagship HD-115 model, the specs and design were completely revised, and the craftsmen of the Aska Team Build team collaborated with Yasuo Momose, founder of Headway, to develop this model from scratch. It is called “The Eagle”. The concept of “The Eagle”, which has been a symbol of previous Headway models, was used to brush up the design. Inspired by the eagle, the king of the skies, the Headway logo on the headstock has been redesigned to resemble a crown. Momose himself has special feelings for “The Eagle”, which was reconstructed by his apprentices, whom he has nurtured over the course of his craftsmanship career.
Headway: The Dawn of a New Chapter
Founded in 1977, Headway, which has been in business for over 45 years, has released a “completely new Headway” in 2023 with the intention of moving into a new era. While retaining the style of Headway’s flagship HD-115 model, the specs and design were completely revised, and the craftsmen of the Aska Team Build team collaborated with Yasuo Momose, founder of Headway, to develop this model from scratch. It is called “The Eagle”. The concept of “The Eagle”, which has been a symbol of previous Headway models, was used to brush up the design. Inspired by the eagle, the king of the skies, the Headway logo on the headstock has been redesigned to resemble a crown. Momose himself has special feelings for “The Eagle”, which was reconstructed by his apprentices, whom he has nurtured over the course of his craftsmanship career.
The Eagle ’26 -In Search of a Balance Between Sound and Individuality-
“The Eagle” – Headway’s groundbreaking new model. For this 2026 limited-edition model, we’ve carefully selected materials in pursuit of superior sound and unique character. Combining 80’s Sitka Spruce aged over 40 years with high-quality Indian Rosewood, this model further distinguishes itself with Premium Flame Mahogany at the center of the body back. Featuring a design inspired by the wings of an Eagle soaring high in the sky, we have created a unique aesthetic exclusive to “The Eagle” through both its tone and design.
New Bracing That Builds on the Legacy of Previous Headway Models
New Bracing That Builds on the Legacy of Previous Headway Models
Based on the standard bracing that Momose had been using since Headway’s inception, custom builders Yasui and Furihata incorporated modern elements and took on the challenge of redesigning it, developing the “Mid Point Shifted X Bracing” specifically for The Eagle.
In addition, the “Shallow Scalloped” specification, which features shallower bracing than usual, had previously been used exclusively on Momose’s Custom Shop models, but has now been adopted as the standard specification for the Eagle model. It delivers a well-defined tone with clear articulation for each note, combined with a resonant body resonance in the low end, all wrapped in harmonics to create a well-balanced sound. While this sound carries on the tradition of Headway’s signature sound, it also hints at new possibilities for the brand.
Exquisite wood that has aged for over 40 years
Exquisite wood that has aged for over 40 years
The “80’s Sitka Spruce” used for the top has undergone natural drying for over 40 years, resulting in a longer sustain than typical Sitka spruce and producing a tone with a dry quality and pleasant high frequencies.
Exquisite grain. Those are the perfect words to describe this Mahogany
Exquisite grain. Those are the perfect words to describe this Mahogany
“It’s rare to find mahogany with such striking grain patterns.” Even the artisans at Headway, who have worked with countless types of wood, all agree that Premium Flame Mahogany is exceptionally rare.
In addition to its beautiful appearance, which exudes a strong sense of individuality, the use of mahogany in the center of the body back adds mahogany’s characteristic warm midrange to the rosewood tone, elevating this model’s sound to a whole new level.
Made from carefully selected, top-quality wood
The Indian rosewood used for the body sides and back was carefully selected by a custom luthier specifically for this limited run of 30 guitars. This premium wood, handpicked by a craftsman with experience building thousands of guitars, serves as the foundation for this model’s sound.
Our Latest Neck Grip design: ESV-CUSTOM
Our Latest Neck Grip design: ESV-CUSTOM
The “ESV-Custom” neck shape is a reworked version of the “ESV” shape used in previous ATB models, designed to offer an even more comfortable grip. As the neck tapers toward the higher frets, the thickness at the 12th fret is about 0.5 mm thinner than that of the “ESV,” ensuring a comfortable grip even on the higher frets and delivering enhanced playability.
While simply making the neck thinner might raise concerns about its strength, based on Headway’s philosophy that “we want users who choose Headway to enjoy their instruments for many years to come”, we’ve incorporated two carbon support bars into the neck. This not only maintains the neck’s sturdiness but also ensures a quick response, allowing vibrations to be transmitted the moment you strum the strings.
Crown logo
Inspired by the eagle, the king of the skies, the brand logo features the “Headway Crown Logo”—symbolizing a crown—that shines brilliantly.
Headstock Inlay
We have revamped the “Eagle” motif, which Headway has used as its symbolic emblem since its founding. Capturing a moment in which the eagle spreads its wings wide and soars through the sky, the design evokes the image of soaring into a new era.
Limited Plate
The words “The Eagle” and a sequential limited edition number (limited to 30 pieces) are engraved on a machined brass plate. This design offers a greater sense of satisfaction when held and exudes a luxurious feel.
Fingerboard Inlay
The fingerboard features a design depicting eagle feathers in flight. Eagle feathers are said to show the path ahead and help propel one into the future; this design symbolizes our hopes for a fresh start, both for Headway and for everyone who plays this instrument.
Body top with a golden eagle feather, a golden eagle feather that also adorns the body top
True to its model name, “Eagle,” the guitar features eagle motifs throughout its design.
The top of the body features a holographic finish depicting golden eagle feathers. These feathers, which appear and disappear depending on the angle, were designed to express the joy of encountering an Eagle and the hope that your experience with this model will become a lifelong memory.
Soundhole Cover
In this model, the signature Eagle design elements are crafted from Premium Flame Mahogany and accented with mother-of-pearl rings to create a luxurious look.
Soundhole covers help maintain the humidity inside the body and reduce the volume when playing.
Soundhole Cover
Premium Flame Mahogany is also used for the soundhole label, which features the design of an eagle’s sharp gaze.
Pickguard
The pickguard also features eagle feather inlays, and the design of the guitar as a whole is expressed through a continuous flow of falling feathers that extends from the fingerboard to the pickguard and on to the top of the body.
Movie
Brand Movie
百瀬恭夫に新モデルとして誕生した「The Eagle」について、実際にモデルに触れてもらい、脈々と継承されているHeadwayのフラグシップの最新機種について話をうかがいました。下記リンクよりご覧くださいませ。
Headway『The Eagle’23』それは新たなる出発点
Gallery
Gallery