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 tonewoods, 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-KINGFISHER – Special features
HOC 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.
Headstock & Fretboard 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.
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.
Post-coating dovetail neck joint
The joint between the neck and body is an important part of guitar manufacturing. Headway has been using dovetail joint processing and post-finishing of the neck on its high-end models, and now it is finally possible to do the same on JT series products. For more information about dovetailing and post-finishing, please refer to this page.
Nut and saddle
On every JT guitar, the nut and saddle are carefully adjusted to offer the best string actions so that they are easy to play. Edges of nut and saddles are smoothly rounded for comfortability.
String action
The string height plays a major role in the playability of a guitar, and each guitar in the JT series is carefully adjusted to the proper string height for ease of pressing.
Frets
The fret wires are filed to keep even response and tone from every fret, with sandpapers in different grit sizes being used. The edges of frets are rounded for smooth access to higher frets more comfortably.
Smooth matte-finished neck
Except for some special models, all the new JT guitars have matte neck, which feels smoother and improves the playability.
Strings
JT guitars are strung with Elixir phosphor bronze light gauge strings when they are shipped out from our workshop, where they are finely tuned for a perfect string action assuring ease of play.
Gig bag
We include a durable gig bag with a thick cushion to keep your instrument safe. On the backside, there’s a big, A4-sized pocket, where you can comfortably carry all your accessories without a problem.