The Headway JT series HOC-KING FISHER was developed under the supervision of fingerstyle guitarist Yu Watanabe. We tried various combinations of body shapes and tone woods, and selected the specifications that best fit Yu Watanabe’s strong performance style, “Fingerstyle with both warmth and transparency”. In terms of design, we used the inlays of the Headway HDC-1020 King Fisher, Yu’s favorite model, for the fingerboard and headstock.
HOC Body Shape
The body uses a HOC shape with a cutaway that makes it easy to play even to the high frets and fits fingerstyle players perfectly. Thanks to its small and thin body, it is easy to hold even for smaller players. Having a comfortable instrument that doesn’t get on the way allows you to play in a relaxed state so you can get the best of your performance.
Slim neck – Low string action setup
The slim neck shape and low string action settings that have been carefully adjusted at our domestic factories make the strings really easy to press and play on.
Headstock – Fingerboard Inlay
We used Yu Watanabe’s favorite model, the HDC-1020 King Fisher’s design, for the headstock and fingerboard inlay designs. These designs use the Kingfisher as their main inspiration, and also where the model name comes from.
The Kingfisher’s specialty is diving into the water to catch fish, the inlay is designed with a Kingfisher on the Headstock ready and diving to catch the fish on the fingerboard inlays.
Original soundhole label
The soundhole label uses an original design exclusive for this model. The design has a “submerged under the water” motif that matches the rest of the designs.
FISHMAN® SONITONE Pickup
Fittingly equipped with a FISHMAN® SONITONE under-saddle piezo pickup with volume and tone controls. By carefully adjusting the bottom of the sound bridge saddle one by one, it is tuned to obtain the optimum sound balance. In addition, since it is a simple system with nothing done to the body side, the original sound of the guitar is not impaired, maintaining a pristine live sound is very important to us.
FISHMAN Pickup Cutaway
HOC-KINGFISHER
Suggested retail price・・・￥110,000(plus tax)
HOC-KINGFISHER Product Page
“The HOC-KING FISHER is the result of many different iterations of prototypes and design combinations we went through to find a model that would fit my style and music. I wanted a guitar with a natural and well-balanced sound, and I think we reached that goal with this model.
It is a guitar that gives you the feeling that it will become warmer and warmer as you play it, growing alongside you as a player and aging into a magnificent instrument. The small body and easy-to-grip neck grip make it very easy to play, and I recommend of course, its also a great fit for anyone with a smaller build. The fingerboard and headstock inlays and the grain of the body are also beautiful to look at.
It’s a model that is unique in its sound, playability, and appearance, so be sure to check it out if you have the chance!”
Watanabe Yu
Watanabe Yu
He began performing as a fingerstyle guitarist in 2005. In 2006, he won the highest award at “Fingerpicking Day 2006”. He also worked as the opening act for performances by Tommy Emmanuel and Grammy-winning guitarist Ed Gerhard in Japan, and participated in the American festival “Walnut Valley Festival”. He has also performed with Yuzu, BIGIN, Naotaro Moriyama, and Kotaro Oshio, and has participated in recordings with talented musicians such as Takezen Sato, NOKKO, and SAKURA. As a composer, he also provides music for numerous TV programs and commercials. As of September 2018, he has released 17 albums and is actively working while performing more than 200 live shows a year, including overseas.
Watanabe Yuu’s Artist Page
Finely tuned and set-up the same as our top of the line -Japan Tune-Up- series
Headway Japan
The Headway Japan Tune-up series is one of our latest high-end series, employing the skills of our craftsmen to not only create an amazing guitar but also to set them up in the best way possible so the user can get the maximum out of their instrument right out of the box.
It has been finely processed so that all users can use it comfortably. This is a valuable lineup that can be recommended not only for beginners who want to improve with confidence in their skills but also for intermediate-advanced players who don’t want to be held back by their instrument.
Reliable adjustment with thorough attention to playability
Our craftsmen thoroughly work on the finish of nuts, bridges, frets, the setting of string height, etc. to make it easier to play and achieve a lineup with high-cost performance. The strings are replaced with Elixir Phosphor Bronze strings, which are a popular choice among many players. Please try the JT series model carefully crafted our Japanese team.
Headway JT Series Lineup