Momose Custom Craft Guitars: The Pinnacle of Japanese Handmade Lutherie
The Legacy of Yasuo Momose: The Master Craftsman of Nagano
The MOMOSE brand is far more than just a name on a headstock; it is the signature of one man, Yasuo Momose, whose philosophy has redefined global lutherie standards. Honored as a Senior Master Builder, Yasuo Momose has dedicated over 50 years of his life to the pursuit of the perfect tone.
Unlike industrial productions, Yasuo Momose built his reputation on a rare requirement: the creation of his own precision tools. Rejecting the limitations of standard machinery, he designed his own jigs and methods to sculpt wood according to his unique vision. The immense respect he commands from his peers stems from his exceptional ability to "listen" to each piece of wood, adapting his hand to the specific density and elasticity of the material. At Momose, every guitar is a singular, limited-edition work of art, shaped by an elite team of luthiers under his direct supervision at the Aska Workshop (Matsumoto).
Deviser: A Story of Resilience and Innovation since 1977
The journey began in Nagano in 1977, when Megumi Yatsuka and Yasuo Momose founded the HEADWAY workshop. Originally specializing in prestigious acoustic guitars, they faced a devastating factory fire in the 1980s. Refusing to give up, this challenge led to the creation of the DEVISER division ("devising the future").
Today, the parent company Deviser embodies the summit of Japanese craftsmanship through its iconic brands:
MOMOSE (2002): A direct tribute to the Master, the ultimate in "Handmade" electric instruments.
STR: Satoru Yatsuzuka’s laboratory for ultra-high-end custom-made instruments.
SEVENTY SEVEN (2006): The excellence of premium Hollow Body guitars.
BACCHUS (1994): A range spanning from pure hand-craftsmanship to uncompromising accessibility.
Why Choose a Momose? The Rejection of CNC Machinery
In an era where most factories use computer-controlled (CNC) routers for uniform mass production, MOMOSE Custom Craft Guitars makes the bold choice of being 100% handmade.
The artisans at the Aska workshop rely on their five senses. They believe that since wood quality is never uniform, the manufacturing process shouldn't be either. Hand-sanding with sandpaper, specialized neck treatments, and the meticulous application of "Top Lacquer" finishes are all performed manually. This ultra-thin finish allows the wood to breathe and vibrate freely, providing a resonance and playability that no machine can replicate.
Japan Guitar Handmade: Your Exclusive Expert in Europe
Buying an exceptional guitar requires absolute trust. JapanGuitar-Handmade.com is proud to be the pioneer of the BACCHUS brand in France and Europe for over 12 years.
As the exclusive distributor of the Momose, Headway, and Seventy Seven brands, we are the recognized specialists in Japanese handcrafted lutherie. Every instrument we sell is selected for its exceptional quality and benefits from unique expertise. Although we operate online, we guarantee a personalized setup and rigorous quality control, ensuring you receive a "Ready-to-play" instrument, directly born from Nagano’s world-class savoir-faire.
We offer fast shipping within France and the EU (for other destinations, please contact us), and provide a wide choice of payment methods, including interest-free installments. Confident in the quality of the instruments we offer, when ordering on japanguitar-handmade.com, you benefit from free 14-day returns.
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