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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 'Il Bambino' Mini Archtop #225

Monteleone 'Il Bambino' Mini Archtop #225

by Monteleone
$79,000.00
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.

"Il Bambino" (Italian for "the baby") is a one-of-a-kind guitar, a small masterpiece by John Monteleone. With a slightly higher tuning, it has a very sweet sound and is a joy to play. It was built with a spruce top and flame maple back and sides, and has a Macassar ebony fingerboard, finger rest, bridge, tailpiece and headstock veneer. Flame maple binding. Gorgeous abalone inlays. Serial #225. Comes with a deluxe hardshell case.


More specs:

Body diameter = 11 3/4”

Side depth =  2 3/4”

Nut width =  1 3/4”

Scale length =  19 1/4"

Tuning = 3 to 5 half steps above standard tuning

String gauge = .012” - .053"

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.