Dominique Field – 2004 – No. 165

About the luthier

Dominique Field is a highly respected French luthier known for his exceptional classical guitars that blend traditional French craftsmanship with personal innovation. Born in 1954 in Boulogne-Billancourt, Field originally studied law before turning to music, studying classical guitar and solfge in Paris. His passion for guitar making emerged in the mid-1970s, and by 1978 he had opened his first workshop. Influenced by masters such as Hermann Hauser, Robert Bouchet, and Daniel Friederich, Field developed a unique approach to building guitarsemphasizing clarity, lyrical tone, and counterpoint. His close relationship with Robert Bouchet, including stewardship of Bouchets workshop notes, deeply shaped his path as a luthier.Fields instruments have gained international recognition for their power, balance, and elegance, attracting top-tier concert guitarists and collectors worldwide. Starting in 1987, he expanded into the Japanese market and built guitars for prominent players such as Eduardo Isaac, Earl Klugh, and Scott Tennant. Field later moved his workshop to Athens in 2020, but his dedication to handcrafting fine classical guitars remains unchanged. Today, his instruments are not only praised for their sound but are also considered works of art, with long waiting lists from clients around the world.

About the guitar

This outstanding instrument, built in 2004, exemplifies why Dominique Field is considered one of the finest contemporary luthiers. The guitar features a top-grade spruce soundboard and beautifully figured Madagascar rosewood back and sides, with every detail executed with elegance and precision.Sonically, the guitar offers everything expected from a high-end concert instrument: rich, focused basses, singing, sweet trebles, and an expressive, nuanced voice. The trebles have a unique bounciness, adding clarity and dynamic response, which also enhances the instruments playability.Instead of a full double-side construction, the sides are reinforced with internal ribs, increasing structural rigidity and contributing to the guitars excellent projection. The bracing system on the soundboard consists of five main fan struts and an oblique harmonic bar, a layout reminiscent of a simplified Fleta-style system. Between the soundhole and the bridge, there are also two thin, short braces, positioned between the five main struts. Moreover, a thin bridge plate can also be found.The guitar remains in excellent condition, with only a slight separation near the fingerboard on the treble sidea common and purely cosmetic issue that does not affect the performance or structural integrity.A refined and responsive instrument that reflects Dominique Fields artistry, making it a compelling choice for the concert stage.