Back in the 1970s, almost every wannabe guitarist aspired to owning a Fender Stratocaster or Telecaster with the classic sunburst finish. Countless guitarists like Hendrix, Clapton, Page and Rory Gallagher made the finish famous. There was even an album released in 1976 by British band Be-Bop Deluxe called Sunburst Finish .

Now, half a century on, the sunburst finish is making a comeback in the form of a new pair of closed-back headphones from Japan’s Audio-Technica . The new ATH-WP900SE headphones are designed for music lovers who appreciate both artistry and sonic performance.

The new headphones draw inspiration from the world of electric guitars by featuring an iconic tri‑tone sunburst lacquer finish that pays tribute to the timeless beauty of some of the 20th Century’s most iconic electric guitars.

Inspired by the Audio-Tecnica’s ATH-WP900, each pair of the ATH-WP900SE headphones has been crafted in collaboration with the renowned Japanese guitar manufacturer Fujigen, ensuring details, such as the wood selected for the final finish, have the same standards associated with each brand.

At the heart of these new headphones are newly designed 53mm dynamic drivers paired with a voice coil engineered to boost linearity and provide high-resolution sound across the entire frequency range. The result, says Audio Technica, is a “listening experience that reveals the intricate contours of every note, bringing acoustic performances vividly to life with clarity, warmth and precision.”

A striking-looking pair of headphones is fine, but Audio-Technica has made the ATH‑WP900SE both lightweight and portable, making them suitable for enjoying music on the move.

The headphones use Audio-Technica’s A2DC detachable connectors, which are designed to provide stable transmission and minimal noise. Dual-ended cables ensure enhanced sound separation between the left and right channels. The cable has both balanced 4.4mm and standard 3.5mm connectors as standard.

Audio-Technica hasn’t said how limited the run of these headphones will be there are no plans to sell the model in the U.S., so if you want a pair, you will have to buy from Europe.

Each pair of headphones comes with a dedicated Fujigen cleaning cloth designed specifically for removing fingerprints from highly lacquered finishes, as well as a handwritten serial number card that shows how each unit is a collector’s piece and part of a limited edition run.

Pricing and Availability:

The Audio-Technica ATH-WP900SE headphones are available now and priced at €699 / £599 from www.audio-technica.com .

  • Type: Closed-back dynamic.
  • Finish: Limited-edition design with guitar-inspired sunburst lacquer.
  • Material: Solid ash wooden housing with natural grain.
  • Drivers: 53mm dynamic with high-resolution voice coil.
  • Cable connectors: A2DC detachable.
  • Cables: 2 x detachable with 4.4mm balanced and 3.5mm terminations.
  • Accessories: Fujigen cleaning cloth and handwritten serial number card.