Since early 2024 I have been very fortunate to have played a John Monteleone Grand Artist #76. It’s from 1982. It’s stock other than a new pickguard built by Monteleone in 2024.
I have always admired John’s instruments, going back to the Grisman Quintet ’80 album cover (and music inside!). To me, the design is F5 perfection with tone unbelievably complex. This Grand Artist has become my “spirit” mandolin.
I won’t go into much detail here as to Monteleone’s instruments. I will direct you to two resources:
- The Monteleone Mandolin Registry (www.monteleonemandolin.com): I built this registry to chronicle/collect/share info on John’s mandolins, as well as provide resources including old instrument portfolios, articles, podcasts, etc. It has become the center for Monteleone’s mandolins on the web.
- John Monteleone’s website (www.monteleone.net): Though focused much more on John’s guitar builds (which have been his focus since the mid 1990s), it’s the best way to keep up with what he is doing and contact him if needed.
More photos of Grand Artist #76
