2019 Dominique Field SP/CSAR

We are thrilled to have this incredibly special guitar - Dominique Field's 255th guitar, built with spruce for the soundboard and CSA rosewood he received from Robert Bouchet. Although Field received this wood from Bouchet in 1985, he decided to save it for the 40th anniversary of their first meeting each other in 1979. The spruce top dates from 1955 and is named "Lauby" (Field supposes this was the name of a wood dealer from this period). Field remembers Bouchet giving him this wood saying "Take this Field, it is good wood!" and so has been saving it for a very special occasion - we are truly honored to have it! Also, like Bouchet, the year and number of the guitar are written on the third back bar, not on the label.

In our opinion, this instrument re-confirms Field's status as one of the elite makers in the world today. This instrument is meticulously built with a level of detail found in only a handful of other top makers. His French polish has an almost mirror-like quality to it, and it's simply remarkable just how clean the detailing and woodworking of his instruments are. He has recently implemented a revised bracing system on the back and sides which distributes the tension to the sides (the sides also having 30 small vertical bars per side), and subsequently to the soundboard, resulting in increased clarity, punch and dynamic expression. The sound is very rarified and at the same time, extremely powerful. The tonal color palette is huge on this guitar and the dynamic range second to none. Aesthetically it is extremely refined in an understated way - from the shape of the plantilla, to the head carving to the intricate and elegant rosette. Overall a world-class instrument in every regard and very unique for its use of such precious materials handed down to him from the founder of the French school, Robert Bouchet.

Orfeo Magazine #7 - French School Luthiery