Headway Electric Acoustic Guitar HOC-NORTHBIRD

The HOC-NORTHBIRD is the signature model of Japanese fingerstyle guitarist Tatsuya Maruyama, developed in close collaboration between Maruyama and Headway. Maruyama—a new-generation solo guitarist who blends fingerstyle technique with influences from EDM, electronic music, and J-POP—has gained a worldwide following for his tight, groove-oriented performances. This guitar embodies his vision: "A guitar that I wish existed".

The result is an instrument that combines enveloping warmth with refined sharpness—a guitar equally at home in the hands of fingerstyle players, strummers, and anyone seeking a responsive, inspiring acoustic experience.

Finished in a timeless Natural gloss, the HOC-NORTHBIRD is a compact, cutaway acoustic that delivers professional-grade playability straight from the factory.

Solid Engelmann Spruce Top
The top is crafted from solid Engelmann spruce, a tonewood prized for its soft, flexible nature. It produces a gently spreading, warm sound with remarkable responsiveness—ideal for the nuanced dynamics of fingerstyle playing.

Flame Mahogany Back & Sides
Laminated flame mahogany back and sides deliver rich, focused mid-range tones with excellent projection. The stunning, shimmering grain pattern adds a visual dimension that complements the guitar's sophisticated natural finish.

Compact Cutaway Body
The relatively small body (OOO-sized) paired with a 628mm (24.75") medium-scale neck makes the guitar easy to hold and comfortable for players of all hand sizes. The cutaway design provides effortless access to higher frets—perfect for the technical playing that defines Maruyama's style.

"Striped Enaga" Headstock Inlay
The headstock features a custom inlay of the shima-enaga (long-tailed tit), a bird native to Maruyama's home region of Hokkaido. Crafted from natural white mother-of-pearl, the inlay shifts its expression with changes in light and viewing angle.

Custom Soundhole Rosette & Label
The rosette combines a thick Pau Ferro ring with abalone, creating a striking frame around the soundhole. Inside, a limited-design soundhole label—personally designed by Maruyama—bears a serial number hand-written by a craftsman for each individual instrument.

Wood Binding
Flame mahogany sides are accented with elegant wood binding, adding a refined, premium touch.

Grover® 102G Machine Heads
Equipped with Grover's classic 102G tuning machines, renowned for smooth, accurate tuning stability. Their solid weight also contributes to improved sustain.

About Tatsuya Maruyama

Born in 1993 in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Tatsuya Maruyama began playing classical guitar at age 13 and started his music career through YouTube uploads at 14. In 2014, he won the Audience Award at the Finger Picking Day competition finals. Today, with over 150,000 followers across social media, he continues to expand his creative reach—producing music for radio programs, stage productions, and video works, while also working as a designer and photographer.

"The warm, well-balanced sound of the NORTHBIRD will match fingerstyle playing, of course, but also a wide variety of playing styles. I also paid close attention to the design—the shape, materials, and even the smallest parts. I believe it's a beautifully simple yet playful design that you'll never tire of, even after years of playing."
— Tatsuya Maruyama

Body Top Solid Engleman Spruce

Body Side&Back Laminated Flame Mahogany

Neck Nato

Fingerboard Micarta

Nut Bone

Saddle Bone

Bridge Micarta

Machineheads Grover®102G

Scale 628mm(24.75inch)

Width at Nut 43.0mm

Neck Grip C

Fingerboard Radius 400R

Bracing Scalloped X Bracing

Finish Natural (Urethane UV coating)

String Light(.012-.053)