A special model commemorating Momose’s production of 20,000 units!【Deviser Special Showcase 2025】
The Momose brand, launched in 2002 under the name of master builder Yasuo Momose, has finally reached the 20,000th unit production milestone, and at the 2025 Deviser Special Showcase, a special model never seen before will be produced to commemorate this major milestone. We will show you a sneak preview of the new model.
Themes of “Tradition” and “Challenge”
Traditional guitar making passed down from generation to generation
The Momose brand has consistently developed and produced guitars that reflect Momose’s philosophy of guitar making while reproducing the feel of vintage guitars. Compared to cars and electronics, electric guitars and basses have remained unchanged in basic materials and construction for more than half a century. In their production, it is extremely important to preserve and carry on traditional manufacturing methods. For this reason, the Aska Workshop, which produces Momose guitars, does not use CNC routers (automation of woodworking process by computer control), which many guitar factories have introduced, in the main process, and still insists on handmade products relying on the five senses of the craftsmen.
Change and challenge in keeping up with the times
While inheriting the qualities of vintage guitars, Momose has also evolved to meet the ever-changing music scene from the perspective of the players who actually use them on stage.
Sloped neck plate for improved playability (Original Series)
-Modern Virtuoso- Series Momose created to introduce more modern specifications
Thus, for more than 20 years since the brand’s inception, the Momose brand has been constantly exploring and presenting the possibilities electric guitars can achieve while preserving tradition. We will finally unravel the new challenges entrusted to this 20,000th commemorative model.
① Utilization of Japanese wood materials- The first attempt to use both Sakura and Tochi wood on the same unit
Guitars made of Japanese wood have become synonymous with Momose. We focused on two of the most popular woods, Sakura (Japanese cherry) and Tochi (Japanese horse chestnut). The model we are producing this time uses a beautifully grained Sakura wood for the body top and a one-piece flamed Tochi, also with a superb grain, for the back.
Cherry trees are a symbol of Japan, and the fact that their wood can be used for guitars is a major factor in the reason why Japanese wood has attracted so much attention. On the other hand, Tochi, in addition to its beautiful grain, has great potential as a body material. Its clear sound with an emphasis on highs and mids is different from that of alder and ash, and has been highly acclaimed by professional musicians. The combination of these two Japanese wood materials has produced a sound that has not yet been heard.
② New shape to commemorate the 20,000th unit
Serial number #20,000 challenges the status quo with a new body shape. The distinctive body arch shape and larger horns than those of the MC and other models incorporated in this model are a first for the brand.
③ Inlay work, finish and hardware
The gorgeous fretboard inlay, inspired by this year’s Chinese zodiac sign of the snake was designed from scratch for this model, Japanese myth says the white snake bringing good luck, and that alongisde cherry blossoms in full bloom both bring an exquisite look to the fretboard using expert inlay work cultivated over more than 10 years of making Sakura guitars. Our goal is to create an artistic finish that goes beyond the term “inlay” in guitar making.
The paint job is also done with a technique not seen on most guitars. The video shows how the “holographic” design, which changes its appearance depending on the angle of view, is applied to the body of the guitar. The cherry blossom design prepared for this model is delicately expressed on the body by Fukada, a painter at Aska Workshop who worked on the Headway HOFC-THE 4000th commemorative model.
The 20,000th’s humbucker pickups are equipped with covers made of the same rare material used for the neck, Jakaranda (Brazilian rosewood). Headway’s master builder Yasui, who was in charge of this project, was particular about the precision of the cover, which was made by combining parts carved out of the Jakaranda wood. The soul of the craftsman was put into even the smallest of parts.
Two models symbolizing tradition and evolution
In conjunction with the production of serial number #20,000, two models using similar wood and sharing the same design and coloring are now in production for the serial numbers before and after that. The 19,999th unit is a traditional classic “MT” model. The 20,001st is an “MC” model with a semi-hollow and SSH pickup layout. These two models also represent Momose’s history, so keep an eye on them!
Special goods
Serial number 20,000 comes with a special commemorative item that marks that milestone. That item, familiar to guitarists, is in production as well!
These truly are three special models that require the collective efforts of Deviser and the Aska Workshop to be made. Please look forward to seeing what it will look like after completion on 21st of May when the page for the online Showcase goes live!
The countdown site is now live!
The 2025 Deviser Special Showcase event will be held on Wednesday, May 21! A special website will open at 6:00 p.m. on that day to announce approximately 150 limited edition models and new products. During the period leading up to the event, a preview of each brand’s hottest products will be posted on the countdown site below, so don’t miss it!