Description
Exc condition / SN: 138
Width at nut: 1 1/8″ / Tone bar bracing
This Monteleone Model B mandolin was finely built in 1988. John Monteleone is famous for nuanced expression of tone from his instruments. When we first heard this mandolin, it was obvious that it produced great tone. Previous owners have been gentle with it. It’s apparent that it was used and loved, but there is very little wear on the frets, some wear through the finish on back of neck, and light evidence of playing against a shirt. In short, it’s not beat up.
The large signature Monteleone peghead is triple-bound with ivoroid. The Ebony veneer shows pearl Monteleone logo at top and wooden truss rod cover near the pearl nut. Gold Gotoh tuners with matching ivoroid buttons. Radiused Gabon Ebony fingerboard has ivoroid bindings accented with a black line below. The bass side of binding shows large dark dots for position markers. Neck has a full U profile. The finish wear on the neck feels really good on the hand, there are no bumps or dings, just smooth wood.
The fingerboard has a double-cut extension that has been scalloped away artistically after the 20th fret. After the 20th fret, everything is scalloped. Ebony abbreviated pickguard installed. The top edge of the mandolin shows triple-bound ivoroid from the face, and the back of the mandolin shows the triple-bound ivoroid from the back.
The Maple used in the back, sides, and neck is very high grade hard Maple. The back is two-piece bookmatched. Bridge is Ebony two-piece Loar-style adjustable. Tailpiece is a gold Monteleone tailpiece with the model Style B engraved.
Tone-wise, we love this Monteleone. This mandolin has rich highs that are so cool and lovely sounds all across the board.
Comes with a good hard case.
