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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 1979 Mini 12-String #109

$49,000.00
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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 mini 12-string archtop was the 9th guitar that John Monteleone ever made. It was commissioned for someone who wanted a companion instrument to his 1931 Gibson L-5. Solid carved spruce top, flame maple back and sides, gold Schaller tuners, and ebony fingerboard, bridge and tailpiece. This little beauty has the same dark-edge sunburst as its older L-5 twin, as well as a gorgeous abalone headstock inlay that is reminiscent of that of the L-5, but has been extended to accommodate the longer 12-string headstock.

Serial #109. 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. 

“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.