The May 2026 edition also marks a historic milestone for the manufacture: for the very first time, Deviser is paying tribute to France with a limited series featuring French Platanus (Plane wood).
This wood, a symbol of our urban landscapes and the majestic tree-lined avenues of the Palace of Versailles, was personally selected during a reporting trip by the Japanese luthiers to the Paris region in 2025.
Platanus offers a unique texture and grain, both supple and resilient, producing a surprisingly clear and balanced tonal response.
To celebrate this heritage, the Headway and Momose models feature exquisite details: a 'Sun King' headstock motif in honor of Louis XIV, 'Fleur-de-lis' fingerboard inlays, and the French tricolor represented by delicate acrylic inlays of cornflowers, daisies, and poppies.
It is an unprecedented fusion between the soul of French history and the handcrafted genius of Matsumoto.
The Aska workshop in Matsumoto is currently buzzing with activity. For this 2026 Showcase, the Momose brand is pushing the boundaries of its craftsmanship, blending Japanese traditions with unprecedented technological boldness. Here is a sneak peek at the exclusive creations coming off our workbenches this year.
The Boldness of Anodized Parts: The MC-MV Model Momose’s flagship "MC-MV" series is getting a fresh look with a decidedly modern approach. These models feature the integration of anodized aluminum pickguards and back panels. Where you would typically find gold finishes, Momose surprises with a sharp two-tone aesthetic: a striking black and silver version with a "hairline" finish, or a vintage "Olympic White" combination paired with gold accents. Every detail is designed so that the Momose logo stands out with elegance, offering a bold visual contrast that highlights the precision of the luthiery.
The "MA" Shape: A Feast of Exotic Woods Momose is introducing a limited "MA" (Momose Advanced) series designed specifically for the Special Showcase. Beyond the Japanese Tochi bodies, they have selected rare woods from around the world to magnify these instruments: Ziricote, Bubinga, and Pale Moon Ebony. These species, chosen for their spectacular grain patterns, are paired with rigorously selected Quilted Maple tops. The result is a one-of-a-kind piece, a true work of art capable of rivaling the most prestigious collector's instruments.
The Return of Legends: Tochi and Kyoto Sakura "Tochi" is the king of Japanese tonewoods this year. Through meticulous machining and polishing processes, its natural flame grain is elevated, especially when combined with the exclusive blue color formulated for this event. Simultaneously, Momose have revamped their "Kyozakura" (Kyoto Cherry) model. In addition to the cherry blossom inlays on the fingerboard, the pickguard now features a traditional Japanese pattern called "Tatewaku," bringing an aesthetic finesse that tells a true story—that of Kyoto's elegance.
The Exceptional: MEX and Premium Collection The limited "MEX" series makes its debut with a long-awaited set-neck design, marrying traditional Tochi wood with ergonomics familiar to purists. Finally, our "EWC" (Exotic Wood Custom) line and the "Premium Collection" represent the pinnacle of the production: instruments sculpted from a single block of wood, where pure craftsmanship takes precedence over standardization. Each piece is the result of custom coloring tailored to the unique fiber of its wood. These instruments are the exact reflection of our philosophy: creating guitars that possess a soul.
 & Premium Collection.png)
For the first time in the history of the Bacchus Universe Series, Deviser is making a bold move with the introduction of the Multi-Scale design. The new WJB-1MS (4-string) and WJB5-1MS (5-string) models redefine what is possible for a modern, versatile bass.
Multi-Scale: Why is it a revolution? Unlike standard basses, this model features a 34-inch scale on the high strings, gradually increasing to a 35-inch scale for the lower strings. This "fan-fret" design ensures firm tension and exemplary clarity on the lowest notes, particularly for the Low B or Drop D tunings. No more "floppy" strings: you gain precision and dynamics while maintaining a natural playing feel.
Active Electronics for Total Versatility Equipped with an active circuit featuring a 2-band EQ (Treble/Bass) and a balancer, these basses allow you to sculpt your tone with precision, whether you play fusion jazz, modern metal, or funk. The single-string bridge design ensures perfect vibration isolation for each string, optimizing resonance.
High-End "DX" Specifications Despite being part of the Universe Series, these basses borrow premium features from higher-end models:
Roasted Maple Neck & Fretboard: This heat treatment stabilizes the wood against temperature changes and provides a warm, vintage resonance.
Stainless Steel Frets: Virtually wear-resistant, they offer incomparable brightness and perfect playability.
Heel-less Cut: A contoured neck joint for effortless access to the highest frets.
Seventy Seven Guitars, Deviser’s premier brand for jazz and blues, is making a grand entrance at this 2026 Showcase. With the arrival of precious Ziricote wood in the Japan Tune-up (JT) series and a prestige Aska-Made Albatross crafted from Sakura (Japanese Cherry), elegance is the central theme.
Ziricote: Wild Aesthetics for Refined Jazz The STORK and ALBATROSS models from the JT series now feature Ziricote tops. Native to Central and South America and known as "Siamese Persimmon" in Japan, this wood is famous for its dark, wavy grain patterns. Paired with rope-style binding and gold hardware, Ziricote gives these semi-hollow guitars a presence worthy of the world's finest jazz clubs.
The Chambered Structure: The Secret to Resonance Inheriting from the "Aska-Made" models, these guitars feature an optimized chambered semi-hollow structure. The body is hollowed out as much as possible to enhance acoustic resonance and reduce weight while maintaining structural integrity. Equipped with Seventy Seven AL2 (Alnico 2) pickups, they deliver warm, sparkling clean tones and sharp overdrive.
Aska Excellence: Sakura ALBATROSS The highlight of this collection is undoubtedly the Sakura wood Albatross. This Aska-Made model stands out with its unique oval soundhole. Artisans carefully positioned the lighter sections of the cherry wood at the center to create a stunning natural contrast. The fingerboard features bold cherry blossom (Sakura) inlays, a masterpiece of craftsmanship blending various woods and acrylic to tell a story of Japanese aesthetics.
The Bacchus Japan Tune-up (JT) series is expanding with the stunning new WL4-JAZZ (4-string) and WL5-JAZZ-AC (5-string) models. Designed with the soul of a jazz guitar, these basses offer a unique acoustic experience in a sophisticated semi-hollow body.
Hybrid Construction for Rich Resonance The centerpiece is a 5mm-thick solid spruce top—the gold standard for acoustic guitars—paired with an Okoumé body (tonally similar to mahogany). This combination, along with a semi-hollow design and an F-hole, creates an airy, warm, and deep tone. The result is a lightweight bass, perfect for long playing sessions, with natural resonance that standard basses cannot match.
"Boutique" Elegance in Every Detail Bacchus has perfected every finish for a premium feel:
Ebony Fingerboard: For quick attack and precise tonal definition, typical of high-end instruments.
Tortoise "Rope" Binding: A sophisticated touch that highlights the body contours.
Gold Hardware: A luxurious contrast against the Natural and Amber Sunburst finishes.
Each instrument undergoes the meticulous "JT Series" setup at the Deviser Technical Center in Matsumoto, ensuring flawless playability right out of the box.
The prestigious Headway Guitars manufacture is set to dazzle the 2026 Deviser Special Showcase with an unprecedented display of high-end acoustic art. From one-of-a-kind Master Builder creations to narrative series celebrating Japanese nature, explore the acoustic masterpieces of this year's lineup.
The Ultimate Peak: Yasui & Furihata Custom Shop The elite of the Aska workshop comes to life through two legendary master builders:
Masato Yasui (Technical Director): Known for his cutting-edge luthiery with vintage charm, he presents three unique Custom Shop models. He also directly supervised the Aska Team Build "The Five × 80’s" series, pairing his high-stability neck with a rare Sitka Spruce top naturally air-dried since the 1980s, delivering a rich, matured resonance.
Arata Furihata: A direct apprentice of Yasuo Momose, he delivers instruments focused on player comfort, incorporating ergonomic player-centric contours like the Elbow Contour on luxurious double-cutaway bodies.
The Poetry of Sakura Guitars: Summer & Regional Editions Headway elevates narrative guitar design using native Japanese Cherry wood (Sakura):
Summer Sakura 2026: Inspired by Japanese summer nights, the Aska Team Build model features a fleeting firefly motif with a unique visual mechanism. The Standard series showcases a headstock inlay of a woman holding a traditional Japanese umbrella under a sunset sky of firework blossoms.
Rikugo Sakura-senkyo: This model features the rare Azuki Cherry wood at the center of the body back, famous for its sparse, scattered grain pattern. It tells the story of Ikeda Town (Nagano), where birds naturally scattered cherry blossoms across the mountains.
Kyoto Sakura (Prestige Edition): Crafted from Kyoto cherry wood finished in ancient capital purple and gold, its fingerboard depicts the flow of the Kamo River. For the first time in luthiery history, the soundhole cover features authentic Nishijin-ori woven fabric created in partnership with Kyoto’s traditional brand Kyori, offering an incredible tactile feel.
The Return of a Legend & The Exotic "Coffee Tree" The legendary HJ-BOOGIE makes its long-awaited comeback in the Japan Tune-up (JT) series. Complete with block inlays, a 1977 headstock tribute, and an onboard preamp, it is fully gig-ready. Additionally, the highly popular "Coffee Tree" limited run returns in two options: Black (crisp tone) and Café Latte (warm resonance), featuring internal bracing individually optimized to match each color's acoustic character.
Successfully launched last year, the Made in Japan Bacchus Unique Series makes a powerful return for the 2026 Deviser Special Showcase with a masterful reinterpretation of the legendary DUKE model. True to its name, this lineup delivers exceptional, one-of-a-kind instruments featuring unconventional specifications built parallel to standard production runs.
Honoring the "Year of the Horse" Celebrating the zodiac sign for 2026, the headstock features an original inlay depicting a rearing horse powerfully stamping its hooves. This striking design element cements the historical and collectable exclusivity of this year's run.
Three Brand-New Pickup Configurations For this exhibition, Deviser has crafted three distinct DUKE models, each showcasing an individual visual and sonic personality:
Dual Humbuckers: A sleek plain-top design combined with vibrant color schemes and white-based plastic parts, delivering a fresh yet deeply familiar aesthetic.
Mini Humbucker & P-90 (Soapbar): A groundbreaking first for the Unique Series, blending the raw bark of a bridge P-90 with the focused, articulate warmth of a neck mini-humbucker.
Premium Flame Maple Edition: As an exclusive highlight, a microscopic run featuring a premium flamed maple top is currently being handcrafted in the workshop.
"Patina" Lacquer Finish & Deep Joint Construction These models boast an exclusive "Patina" finish, a meticulous aging process applied to the nitrocellulose lacquer that recreates the authentic luster, texture, and fading found on well-loved vintage instruments. Beneath this seasoned look lies uncompromising construction: a traditional Deep Joint (long tenon) neck-set design that maximizes the contact area between the body and neck for flawless vibration transfer and endless sustain.
As the event approaches, you’ll find further details here about the models that will be showcased.
