A thing of beauty is a Monteleone. We are fortunate to have acquired an exquisite sample of John’s masterwork that’s been kept in excellent condition since its birth in 1998: a Radio Flyer in flamed Red Maple and Adirondack Spruce. 17 inches across the lower bout, 3 inches deep at the sides, gently radiused back and sides, African Ebony tailpiece, bridge, and pickguard, 1 13/16” nut—the dressings of archtop royalty. Bound in Red Maple, and with a Red Maple neck, this Monteleone reminds us just how beautiful flamed Maple can be, and John hand-rubbed Nitrocellulose finish has adopted a honey amber patina to bring the Adirondack and Maple together.

In spite of a generous lower bout, this archtop is built light and airy, and its voice lines up accordingly. We were delighted to find trebles which absolutely sang, and meshed smoothly with an overall middle register emphasis that lent the tone an simultaneously crisp and woody flavor. John describes the sound of individual notes on an archtop as articulate bubbles, and we find the description fitting: there’s a well-defined pop that separates each note and keeps solos ringing and chords clear. With a gentle fingerstyle touch, the Radio Flyer could purr; dig in with a pick to accentuate an agile, airy response. A colorful splash of treble overtones bloom when played softly, keeping the voice clean and lively even when quiet.

In short, this is one of the finest archtop guitars we’ve ever laid hands or eyes on. It’s an honor to offer a piece of functional art of this calibre from John Monteleone.