Monteleone F5 -#4 - 'The Gibson'. 1970s
I have one of the very first mandolins that John Monteleone made back in the 70's. Long before he became famous. I bought it in my twenties, gigged with it and then came babies and mortgages and I have babied since.
It is one of the original 8 that have 'The Gibson' on the headstock. This is what I think I know about it.
John Monteleone was working at Mandolin Brothers in the repair shop. A 1923/24 Lloyd Loar F5 came in for repair and John studied it and copied all the dimensions while is was apart. Mandolin Brothers asked if he could make a copy. The first 8 he made had The Gibson on the headstock and tailpiece. Starting with #9 I believe, from these forums, that he started putting 'Monteleone' on the headstock. He made quite a few of those before evolving on to the GA.
I believe #1 was never sold. Aside from mine, I believe there are six others with The Gibson on them. I am only the second owner. Carl from Holyoke, MA bought it from Mandolin Brothers and then convinced me to buy it, during a jam session, only a few months later.
This mandolin sounds like no other. It plays tender, it plays hard, it sounds as clear as a bell. Better than my Gilchrist and my Gibson Gold Rush, or any other mandolin I have ever played. My luthier told me to never sell it. But, it is time to sell part of the collection. We do not own these instruments; we are only caretakers for part of their lifetime.
1. Does anybody have any information about this series of mandolins?
2. Do you know where the other 6 are?
3. Is there a registry of Montelone mandolins?
4. Any idea what is worth today? I bought it with four months rent money back in the 70's. My girlfriend was pissed!
Any information you have would be greatly appreciated.
Gilchrist 5 (2006)
Monteleone F5 (70's)
Kentucky Dawg (80's)
Gibson F5 Goldrush (2014)
Acker F5 (70's)
Martin D35 Brazilian - 1969
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