2018 HD-450 Custom

🔽The Appeal of Headway!! ~Tracing the Journey of Master Craftsmen and Headway~

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Headway / 2018 HD-450 Custom

Crafted during the twilight years of Kyoji Momose, this instrument is a masterpiece created with Brazilian rosewood that he had kept in his possession for many years and carefully selected German spruce.

The concept is clear: the 1968 Martin D-45.
Not the pre-war “phantom” model, but the D-45 from that very year that “rose again as the flagship” after the war.In reality, only 229 instruments with
rosewood sides and back were produced during the two-year period from 1968 to 1969. While this model is often discussed solely in terms of its
rarity, that is not its true essence.
That D-45 was the pinnacle of instruments designed for the music scene, born alongside the values of a new era.

Mr. Momose has captured its characteristics precisely. He chamfered the
thick black pickguard and used a special finishing technique to recreate the texture unique to that era. The
rounded ’60s-style headstock is paired with gold Grover “milk bottle” tuners.
The headplate features torch inlays, exuding a sense of “dignity” rather than flashiness.

The construction follows suit.
The small-sized Brazilian rosewood bridge plate aligns with the historical fact that Martin switched from maple to rosewood in 1968.
Every detail of the design, including the intersection points of the X-bracing, fits together perfectly.

And then there’s the sound.
The moment you play a single note, you feel a sense of solemn grandeur. Even without playing
forcefully, the sound rises of its own accord, layers upon itself, and lingers in the space. It’s so evocative that one is tempted to describe it as reminiscent of
church bells.

The distinctive brilliance of jacaranda combined with the expansive sound of German spruce.
This sense of balance, which comes together as a single, cohesive tone, is the true hallmark of Yasuo Momose.

[Specifications/Included Case]
TOP: Selected German Spruce
BACK/SIDES: Selected Jacaranda
FINGERBOARD/BRIDGE: Ebony
NECK: Honduras Mahogany (1-piece
) NUT WIDTH: 43.0 mm
SCALE: 643 mm
CASE: Original Hard Shell Case

[Condition]
- While there are some minor scuffs and playing marks, there are no major scratches or damage, and the exterior is in excellent condition.
- There are no issues with buzzing or muffled sound; it is in excellent playing condition.
- Accessories are included;
please check the photos for details. - String action at the 12th fret: 2.3 mm on the 6th string side, 1.8 mm on the 1st string side. -
Saddle height: Approx. 3.0 mm to 3.5 mm

[Peace of Mind Warranty: 6 months]

[Mail-Order Assurance Service]
Since we cannot offer you the opportunity to try out the instrument when purchasing via mail order, we provide a 6-day trial period after the product arrives. Please take your time to try out the product
at home, and if you are not satisfied, we will refund the purchase price. *You are responsible for
round-trip shipping costs.

February 25, 2026