The Headway HF-SHIKIZAKURA’26/ATB is the 2026 edition of Headway’s Shikizakura series, inspired by the rare sight of cherry blossoms and autumn foliage appearing together in Obara, Toyota City, Japan. This year’s model takes that scenery into the night, with its Shikizakura Night Gradation finish depicting the deep colours of an autumn night illuminated by red Shikizakura blossoms.
The theme extends throughout the instrument, from the moonlit cherry blossom and maple-leaf artwork on the headstock to the illuminated Shikizakura motif on the pickguard and the woman beneath a traditional Japanese umbrella on the back. Most significantly, the cherry blossom inlays incorporate actual Shikizakura wood, made from pruned branches provided by the Obara Tourism Association.
Construction pairs a Sitka spruce top with Yamazakura back and sides and a Kaede centrepiece, complemented by an ebony fingerboard and bridge. Headway’s Extra Slim U neck, reinforced with carbon bars, provides a notably slim playing feel while retaining stability, while semi-forward-shifted scalloped X-bracing is designed for strong low-end response and projection.
This particular guitar has also been factory-fitted with an LR Baggs Anthem SL, making it ready for amplified performance while preserving the character of the acoustic instrument.
Made in Japan by Headway.
Specifications
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Model: HF-SHIKIZAKURA’26/ATB
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Body Top: Sitka Spruce
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Body Back & Sides: Yamazakura
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Back Centrepiece: Kaede
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Neck: African Mahogany
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Fingerboard: Ebony
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Bridge: Ebony
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Neck Grip: Extra Slim U
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Neck Reinforcement: Carbon Bars
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Scale: 628 mm / 24.7"
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Nut Width: 43 mm
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Nut: High Density Oiled Bone
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Saddle: High Density Oiled Bone
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Frets: HHF-AG2S
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Machine Heads: GOTOH® SG301 AB01 GG
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Bracing: Semi Forward Shifted, Scalloped X Bracing
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Finish: Thin Urethane
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Colour: Shikizakura Night Gradation
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Pickup: LR Baggs Anthem SL – Factory Installed
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Strings: Elixir® NANOWEB Light .012–.053
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Accessories: Hard Case, Allen Wrench, Warranty Certificate, Soundhole Cover
- Made in Japan
