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 18" Radio Flyer was completed in January of 1995. It a spruce top and flame maple back and sides. The guitar features a beautiful Macassar ebony fingerboard, bridge, heel cap, pickguard/finger rest, and tailpiece - all handmade by Monteleone. Schaller tuners with ebony buttons. Serial #168. 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.
