Monteleone Hot Club 1988

CONDITION: very good plus. There is some finish crazing on the top. There is a professionally repaired crack near the center seam from the bridge to the end of the body. This was inspected and cleaned by John Monteleone. There are assorted pick marks near the soundhole. The guitar is pickup ready at the endpin.

John Monteleone is rightly known as one of the greatest luthiers in the world. His archtops are on permanent exhibition at New York's Metropolitan Museum, while his mandolins are in David Grisman's hands as well as those of the Modern Mandolin Quartet. Eric Clapton loved his Monteleone so much that one wasn't enough - he had to have two. Mark Knopfler doesn't just own a Monteleone, he wrote a beautiful song ("Monteleone") to honor its builder. A master of archtop builds, John's flat top guitars are equally impressive. They are magnificent instruments; rich, vibrant, and exquisite. The craftsmanship is beyond reproach with playability that would delight the most discerning musician.

I've known John for over thirty-five years, and I'm proud to have one of his fine instruments available for purchase. Monteleone chose a beautiful set of old-growth Brazilain for this exquisite build, as well as a stunning cross-silked alpine tyrolean red spruce top. The soundhole and cutaway are a nod to John's close relationship with Mario Macaferri. Still, the guitar's construction is pure OM - meaning the sonority is equal to any world-class flat top. Being close friends with John has its perks; I reached out, and John was glad to set up and evaluate the guitar. The overall condition of this beauty is excellent, considering its age and life in the hands of a professional guitarist. The body shows some finish crazing with assorted pick-wear marks near the Brazilain rosewood soundhole. The top has a Monteleone approved repaired crack. Lastly, the Man himself cleaned, tweaked, and set up this Brazilian beauty; thanks, John! The playability is excellent with saddle room to lower the action if desired. The sound is balanced, woody, and open, reminiscent of a vintage OM.

This is a RARE guitar and an equally rare opportunity to own a Monteleone masterpiece, period.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.