The Greenfield G3 Acoustic Guitar — A Modern Masterpiece in Luthier Artistry
Among today’s most revered boutique acoustic guitars, the Greenfield G3 stands as a symbol of craftsmanship, tone, and precision engineering. Built by master luthier Michael Greenfield in Montreal, Canada, each instrument represents hundreds of hours of individualized work — a seamless blend of traditional hand-voicing and contemporary design innovation.
A Hand-Built Boutique Classic
This Greenfield G3 (Serial No. 130, c. 2009) was crafted with Adirondack (Red) Spruce for the top and Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides — two of the most prized tonewoods in existence. The result is a guitar with astonishing harmonic complexity, balanced tonal structure, and responsiveness across the entire frequency range.
Although smaller in form (000-sized body), Greenfield’s Z-braced internal design delivers extraordinary projection and sustain. Every note feels alive — from whisper-soft fingerstyle dynamics to full-voiced chords that bloom with natural overtones.
Design Details and Materials
• Top: Adirondack Spruce
• Back & Sides: Brazilian Rosewood
• Neck: Honduran Mahogany (C profile)
• Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
• Rosette: Spalted Maple with Abalone accents
• Tuners: Gotoh 510 Gold with Ebony buttons
• Arm Bevel: Laskin-style ergonomic bevel
• Finish: High-gloss nitrocellulose
Paired with elegant aesthetics — from its luminous gloss finish to its seamless bevel and precise joinery — this G3 reflects Greenfield’s philosophy that a guitar should perform as beautifully as it looks.
The Builder Behind the Legend
Michael Greenfield is widely regarded as one of the top living luthiers in the world. His instruments have been played by elite fingerstyle artists including Andy McKee, and are known for their clarity, power, and tactile sensitivity. Producing only a limited number of guitars each year, Greenfield’s workshop operates on a philosophy of voicing each piece individually — ensuring every instrument is unique in resonance and feel.
Collectibility and Market Value
Original Greenfield guitars, particularly those constructed with Brazilian Rosewood, routinely command $20,000 – $30,000 USD or more on the collector and professional market. Because each one is hand-built to order, early examples in pristine condition are increasingly scarce.
For owners or collectors of boutique acoustic guitars, authentication and documentation are crucial — both for establishing provenance and for maintaining proper insurance or resale value.
Professional Instrument Authentication and Appraisal
Whether you own a Greenfield, Olson, Ryan, Somogyi, or any other high-end luthier guitar, accurate valuation and documentation protect your investment.
Learn more about DJR Authentication’s full range of online and in-person appraisal, authentication, consulting, and selling services — trusted by collectors, dealers, and musicians worldwide.
