Headway Used HD-280 AM Custom #3066 Adirondack Spruce / Madagascar Rosewood 2017 [Crafted by Yasuo Momose] [Excellent Condition] Headway

~A rare piece by Yasuo Momose has arrived in excellent condition, second-hand!~

-Yasuo Momose-
He began his career as a guitar builder at the age of 20, and after working at Fuji String Instrument Manufacturing and Hayashi Guitar Factory, he launched the Headway Guitars brand in 1977. As a master builder, he crafted numerous guitars throughout his life and also devoted himself to training the next generation of guitar builders. His outstanding skills earned him the title of "Master Craftsman of Shinshu," and until his death in 2024 at the age of 80, he was a legendary figure who laid the foundation for the production of domestically made acoustic guitars.

This "HD-280 AM Custom #3066" is a shop-order item made by Mr. Momose in 2017.
It has been customized based on the pre-war 1941 style Martin D-28, which he is said to have favored in his later years.
The material composition is an Adirondack spruce top, Madagascar rosewood back and sides, Honduras rosewood 1-piece neck, and ebony fingerboard.
The slightly narrow 43mm neck profile, 1941-style rear shift scallop bracing, Waverly 1129 oval knob-style tuning machines, and a lacquer finish make this guitar a classic late '40s spec, but the blackwood pickguard adds a touch of modern sophistication to this custom-made guitar.

The '41 style has a rich, deep tone. While it lacks the dynamic resonance of the wildly popular '30s style, characterized by its bold low end and brilliant overtones, its tightly-focused, deep sound image doesn't get crushed even with thick flat pick strokes, making it a guitar that can fully express the player's dynamic range.
Among D-28 enthusiasts, it is said that the '41 style is the D-28 with the ultimate balance.

This particular guitar will allow you to experience the charm of the '41 style and Mr. Momose's philosophy of "a guitar that grows with you."
Although it has been about eight years since it was manufactured, it is in such good condition that it is clear that it has been played with great care, and I feel that it has room to be played and developed further. There is still plenty of resonance, but thanks to the excellent design, you can clearly hear that even a light touch causes the entire instrument to vibrate, and you can clearly hear that the string vibrations do not escape to unnecessary places.
Headway is often described as having a hard sound, but the guitars that Momose makes have a soft, musical nuance within that hardness, with a thick, strong, and solid fundamental tone surrounded by soft, flavorful overtones that cling to the body, and this instrument is one that will allow you to fully experience that charm.

As mentioned above, it is in good condition, showing that it has been well-used, and apart from a small dent on the headstock that may have been made when the strings were changed, there are almost no noticeable scratches. The frets have slight dents in the low positions of the 1st and 2nd strings, but there is still about 90-100% remaining, and there is still room in the truss rod, so it can still be used properly.

Guitars made by Momose are expected to become increasingly rare, so please take this opportunity to consider purchasing one.

-SPEC-
Top: Adirondack Spruce
Side&Back : Madagascar Rosewood
Neck: Honduras Mahogany 1P
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Pick Guard: Blackwood
Scale: 645mm
Nut Width: 43mm
Bracing: 1941 Style Rear Shifted
Rod: Adjustable
Finish: Lacquer
Tuner: Waverly 1129 N

Genuine hard case included