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1993 Monteleone Baby Grand
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Serial #: 150, label signed by the maker
Scale length: 13 7/8" Nut width: 1 1/8"
Materials: Solid tiger flame maple back, sides and neck; solid tap-tuned spruce soundboard; solid ebony radiused fingerboard; triple bound body and neck; Macassar ebony headplate, with engraved pearl banner and logo.
Hardware: Triple-bound Macassar ebony pickguard, compensated ebony bridge and tailpiece; engraved gold F-style tuners; adjustable truss rod.
Notes: Legendary luthier John Monteleone began his career restoring instruments for Mandolin Brothers in the early 70's, where he had the invaluable opportunity to study the craftsmanship of many of the greatest vintage guitars and mandolins, literally from the inside out. For the last four decades, Monteleone's masterworks have remained the single most sought after mandolins since those of Gibson's fabled Lloyd Loar era.
One of the builder's rarest offerings, this remarkable instrument is one of just sixteen Baby Grand models ever made, and the only one built with an oval hole soundboard. Crafted of intensely figured curly maple in the back, sides and neck, the two-point body has a tap-tuned carved spruce soundboard, a pickguard and headplate of Macassar ebony, and a custom engraved cast gold tailpiece.
Built for a former member of the Long Island Mandolin Orchestra, this one-owner instrument remains in superb 100% original condition, with all original hardware and finish. Without cracks, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear, this handsome mandolin has been babied since new: apart from a few incidental lacquer nicks and some scattered wisps of checking, the instrument appears much as it left the maker's shop over a quarter century ago.
The neck has smooth low action over fine original frets, with a fresh high-precision setup on the gently radiused solid ebony fingerboard. With a rich, brilliant voice, this instrument is ideal for a wide variety of musical styles as well. The subject of several journal articles, which are included, this notable mandolin is also accompanied with a certificate of appraisal by the maker. As Monteleone has devoted his energies to guitar construction over the last several decades, it's unlikely that another Baby Grand will ever be made again.
One of the rarest creations of America's most celebrated mandolin builder, this extraordinary instrument offers a rare opportunity indeed for the discriminating player. One only: call now.
Case: Original deluxe arched plush lined hardshell case, with custom Cordura case cover.
