The First Monteleone archtop

[Howard Emerson]

Hi all,
I spent a couple of hours at John Monteleone's shop yesterday afternoon, and recently John had the opportunity to 'retrieve' the very first archtop he ever built back in 1977. Up until then he'd been making flat tops and mandolins.

Herewith I give you the Monteleone Eclipse s/n 107!



It's in remarkably great condition for a 41 year old!

HE

[iim7V7IM7]

Thanks Howard...

[TheJackal]

A master songwriter's tribute to a master craftsman.

[Howard Emerson]

Mark Knopfler's Monteleone getting inspected, Jan.2008.

[Livingston]

Gorgeous guitars! Thank you for posting such great photos! I'll bet they sounds magnificent!

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by Howard Emerson

Hi all,
I spent a couple of hours at John Monteleone's shop yesterday afternoon, and recently John had the opportunity to 'retrieve' the very first archtop he ever built back in 1977. Up until then he'd been making flat tops and mandolins.

Herewith I give you the Monteleone Eclipse s/n 107!



It's in remarkably great condition for a 41 year old!

HE

yeah, a little thin on top and a silver beard, but looks pretty good for 41 ! ...and the guitar is very cool too!

Sorry couldn't resist!

[Richard Mott]

Howard, that first Eclipse is just a beautiful piece of art! John’s unique gifts were apparent even at the start. What a guitar!

[Howard Emerson]

Originally Posted by Richard Mott

Howard, that first Eclipse is just a beautiful piece of art! John’s unique gifts were apparent even at the start. What a guitar!

And more recently he built a pair for Eric Clapton. Here's 1 0f 2

[Howard Emerson]

The owner's initials.......

[Pablomago]

I've seen more of his mandolins then guitars. Thanks for sharing those pictures. He is a master craftsman for sure!