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*** Items may not be in stock in both shops. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT LISTING to see where an item is located, either Soho or Scarsdale ***
*** Items may not be in stock in both shops. PLEASE CHECK INDIVIDUAL PRODUCT LISTING to see where an item is located, either Soho or Scarsdale ***

Monteleone 1994 Grand Artist #147 (First One Ever Built)

$175,000.00
Soho: Out of stock / Scarsdale: In stock
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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.

This is the first Grand Artist scroll guitar created by John Monteleone and is the only 17″ version of this stunning design. Completed in early 1994, Monteleone Grand Artist # 147 is a tour-de-force of modern luthiery. The scroll on the upper bout is hollow, adding a resonant chamber to the guitar’s body. The 17″ body size is complemented by the 25.4″ scale length and 1.75″ nut width, and is very well-balanced for playing. 

Serial #147. Comes with original custom 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. 

“There is truly nothing like it. The highest quality professional gear and The Rudy’s custom shop are undeniably one of the best!” Mike S.

“There is truly nothing like it. The highest quality professional gear and The Rudy’s custom shop are undeniably one of the best!” Mike S.