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  #1  
Old 09-23-2018, 08:35 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Default The First Monteleone archtop

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
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Old 09-23-2018, 08:52 AM
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iim7V7IM7 iim7V7IM7 is offline
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Thanks Howard...
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Old 09-23-2018, 06:50 PM
TheJackal TheJackal is offline
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A master songwriter's tribute to a master craftsman.

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Old 09-24-2018, 03:15 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Mark Knopfler's Monteleone getting inspected, Jan.2008.

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Old 09-24-2018, 09:33 AM
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Gorgeous guitars! Thank you for posting such great photos! I'll bet they sounds magnificent!
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Old 09-24-2018, 12:53 PM
Silly Moustache Silly Moustache is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Emerson View Post
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!
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Old 09-25-2018, 07:26 AM
Richard Mott Richard Mott is offline
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Howard, that first Eclipse is just a beautiful piece of art! John’s unique gifts were apparent even at the start. What a guitar!
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Old 09-25-2018, 11:45 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Originally Posted by Richard Mott View Post
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

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Old 09-25-2018, 11:47 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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The owner's initials.......

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  #10  
Old 12-16-2018, 05:48 PM
Pablomago Pablomago is offline
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I've seen more of his mandolins then guitars. Thanks for sharing those pictures. He is a master craftsman for sure!
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Old 07-02-2020, 11:07 AM
MooWahmBah MooWahmBah is offline
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I have his second! Commissioned in 80, delivered in 81 ... its majestic!

Last edited by MooWahmBah; 07-02-2020 at 02:42 PM.
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Old 07-02-2020, 06:49 PM
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Hi Howard,

Do you know Woody? The last time I saw Woody he was chatting about the documentary he's making about John called "The Chisels Are Calling". http://streetsingerproductions.com/t...s-are-calling/

My brush with John came many years ago at the Montreal Guitar Show. He was sitting at his display with George Gruhn so I said hello. But I was smart enough not to fondle the guitars he had on display!

Last edited by Guest 33123; 07-02-2020 at 07:16 PM.
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Old 07-03-2020, 03:57 PM
mr. beaumont mr. beaumont is offline
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I know he made other instruments before, but the idea of creating something that beautiful on the first try...dang.

True functional art.
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Old 07-06-2020, 05:19 AM
Howard Emerson Howard Emerson is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J-Doug View Post
Hi Howard,

Do you know Woody? The last time I saw Woody he was chatting about the documentary he's making about John called "The Chisels Are Calling". http://streetsingerproductions.com/t...s-are-calling/

My brush with John came many years ago at the Montreal Guitar Show. He was sitting at his display with George Gruhn so I said hello. But I was smart enough not to fondle the guitars he had on display!
Hi Doug,
Yes, I've known Woody for a very long time. Many of my friends have studied with him.

I did my interview for The Chisels Are Calling over the summer.

Here's a screen grab playing Woody's Hot Club at the shop:

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Last edited by Howard Emerson; 07-07-2020 at 05:34 AM. Reason: bad grammar
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  #15  
Old 07-06-2020, 09:40 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Howard Emerson View Post
Hi Doug,
Yes, I've known Woody for a very long time. Many of my friends have studied with him.

I've did my interview for The Chisels Are Calling over the summer.

Here's a screen grab playing Woody's Hot Club at the shop:

That's awesome Howard. Great to see you involved in the project. I've been up close with Woody's Hot Clubs but I haven't played them. i never play anything I can't afford to break!
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