Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi folks,

I prepared a wonderful installment for your viewing pleasure in my on-going quest on how to build great guitars. Here is the true heir of the New York legacy of John D’Angelico and Jimmy D’Aquisto, John Monteleone.
Cindy and I met John in 2005 in his house and workshop in Islip, NY.
We not only got a great introduction in “The Art of Instrument Making”, but John spoiled us rotten with home-made Italian Pizza and wonderful piano playing. Thank You, John! What a treat.

Cindy and I would love to share it with you. If any of you ever make it to Charleston, SC - let us know. We would love to spoil you with genuine Italian Pizza from our wood-burning Pizza oven, too.

Enjoy:
http://www.customguitarvideo.com/2009/10/03/john-monteleone-01/

Cheers,
Holger

This is the best interview with a luthier I've ever seen. I truly believe that John Monteleone is a genius. I met him a few times in the early '80s at his old shop. I had the audacity to show him my first mando- it was an F5- and he was forthright and honest enough to tell me that the scroll was distorted.( It was!) Later, I brought along my 3rd guitar- he told me it was heavy. (it's still heavy!)Anyway , he told me the straight story, and gave me something to work with, and work on, and I appreciated that then, and still do today. For my money, J. Monteleone is one guy who has it all going- creativity, innovation, design skill, craftsmanship...I recall an ancient interview in Mandolin World News, where he said something like, " I made some Loar style mandolins and got real close" (paraphrasing from memory). The gist was that he couldn't keep doing that, he had to find/establish his own style. I guess he's done that....
Thanks for posting the link!

I find I'm developing an addiction to these installments...

You are spoiling us with these videos, keep up the good work we all appreciate what you are doing.

Thanks again
Fred

_________________
Fred Tellier
http://www.fetellierguitars.com
Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/FE-Tellier-Guitars/163451547003866

Very nice I would like to see more. I am in Charleston frequently. Let's get together some time. I live near Brunswick GA