A special edition model based on Headway's flagship The Five platform, the ATB Type F '80s SS was created under the supervision of renowned guitarist Masato Yasui and built around an exceptionally rare piece of tonewood—naturally aged Sitka Spruce harvested in the 1980s.
After nearly four decades of natural drying and maturation, this remarkable "80's Sitka Spruce" has developed a responsiveness and tonal complexity rarely found in modern acoustic guitars. Even before construction, the wood exhibits an unmistakably mature resonance, producing a voice characterised by long sustain, exceptional clarity, and a beautifully dry, articulate character.
Professionally equipped with an LR Baggs Anthem SL pickup system, this limited model is equally capable on stage and in the studio, faithfully capturing the guitar's rich acoustic voice while maintaining outstanding feedback resistance and natural dynamics.
The Sound of Four Decades
The centrepiece of this instrument is its rare 80's Sitka Spruce top.
Naturally seasoned for approximately 40 years, the wood produces a level of openness and responsiveness often associated with well-played vintage instruments. Compared to contemporary Sitka Spruce, it offers longer sustain, greater harmonic complexity, and a refined high-end response without harshness.
The aged appearance of the timber also contributes to the guitar's understated visual elegance, giving it a naturally matured character that cannot be artificially replicated.
Designed with Masato Yasui
Based on Headway's acclaimed The Five platform, this special model was developed under the supervision of Masato Yasui with a focus on tonal refinement, playability, and practical performance.
While visually understated, every aspect of the instrument has been carefully considered, from the wood selection and neck design to the internal construction and exclusive model identification label.
Inside the soundhole, a dedicated label features Masato Yasui's signature alongside a special designation identifying the guitar as part of the exclusive 80's Sitka Spruce series.
Exceptional Playability
The neck is carved from a single piece of African Mahogany and features Headway's acclaimed Extra Slim U Grip, the slimmest neck profile in Headway's history.
To further enhance stability, the neck incorporates Headway's High Strength Neck construction with integrated carbon reinforcement. This not only improves long-term reliability but also allows string energy to transfer more efficiently to the soundboard, enhancing sustain and high-frequency articulation.
Twistless Neck System
One of the most innovative features of this model is Headway's proprietary Twistless Neck System.
Ball bearings are integrated into both ends of the truss rod assembly, reducing unwanted torsional forces during adjustment. By allowing the rod to move more freely, neck adjustments are distributed more evenly across the neck structure, minimising twist and reducing unnecessary stress.
The result is greater long-term stability, improved adjustment precision, and excellent performance even with lower action setups.
Premium Appointments
The Five/ATB Type F '80s SS features carefully selected premium components throughout, including:
-
Indian Rosewood Back & Sides
-
Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge
-
High Density Water Buffalo Bone Nut & Saddle
-
Gotoh SGV510Z L5 Gold Tuners
-
HHF-AG2S Frets
-
Custom Eagle Headstock Inlay
-
Exclusive The Five Pickguard
-
Aska Team Build Design Elements
Together, these details create an instrument that balances modern precision with traditional craftsmanship.
Specifications
-
Top: 80's Sitka Spruce
-
Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
-
Neck: African Mahogany (1-Piece)
-
Fingerboard: Ebony
-
Bridge: Ebony
-
Nut: High Density Water Buffalo Bone
-
Saddle: High Density Water Buffalo Bone
-
Scale Length: 628mm (24.75")
-
Nut Width: 43.5mm
-
Fingerboard Radius: 400R
-
Neck Profile: Extra Slim U Grip
-
Bracing: Custom Semi Forward Shifted Scalloped X Bracing
-
Tuners: Gotoh SGV510Z L5 GG
-
Frets: HHF-AG2S
-
Finish: Thin Urethane
-
Electronics: LR Baggs Anthem SL
-
Strings: Elixir NANOWEB Light (.012–.053)
Black Crane Notes
Many guitars promise a vintage-inspired sound. Very few begin with tonewood that has already spent four decades naturally ageing before the instrument was even built.
Combined with Headway's innovative Twistless Neck System, premium appointments, and the addition of the LR Baggs Anthem SL, the The Five/ATB Type F '80s SS represents a thoughtful blend of tradition and modern engineering.
For players seeking the openness and maturity often associated with vintage acoustics, but with the reliability and precision of a modern Japanese instrument, this limited model offers a particularly compelling proposition.
