John Monteleone is widely considered to be one of the world’s preeminent builders of archtop guitars. Having started his career as a repairman for the famous (and now defunct) Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island, Monteleone quickly garnered a reputation for quality and design. Some of his work was featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, on loan from Rudy Pensa himself.
The Radio Volante, featuring a slanted oval hole, has a punchier, more mid heavy sound that other archtops, due to the slightly less concentrated sonic nature of an oval hole over the traditional F holes. This guitar, like most of John’s archtops, features an X braced spruce top, highly flamed Maple back and sides, along with a maple neck, and ebony appointments. This particular instrument features hand inlaid Italian flags, celebrating John’s Italian heritage. Gold Schaller tuners. Serial #251. Comes with deluxe hardshell case.
Check out the fascinating 2021 documentary on the luthier called “John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling,” available from various sources online. Rudy appears in the film, too, along with a star-studded list of guitarists including Mark Knopfler, Ben Harper, David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Julian Lage, Anthony Wilson, Woody Mann, and others.
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