View Full Version : Monteleone M-5
mike_c
Aug-25-2004, 11:10pm
does anyone out there have a Monteleone M-5? i have had one for years and i have never seen another one...
onlyagibsonisgoodenuff
Aug-26-2004, 6:22am
What, exactly is an "M-5", Mike? Can you post a picture?
mike_c
Aug-26-2004, 7:41am
i'll work on a picture--it's halfway between a F-5 and the grand artist. f-5 body- arched finger-board, small pickguard, monteleone tailpiece etc...PS--i'll let you play it this weekend...
onlyagibsonisgoodenuff
Aug-26-2004, 5:05pm
Allrighty, then!!!!
SternART
Sep-02-2004, 6:10pm
I have the next to the last F5, built in 82........it has an arched board, small pickguard, Monty tailpiece.
KILLER mandolin!!!
mike_c
Sep-02-2004, 7:58pm
i wonder why my Monteleone is labeled a M-5? #the gold Monteleone tailpiece is also engraved M-5. i also had a monteleone f-5 with "The Gibson" on the head...but it was definately a copy of a loar (according to larry wexer)...flat fingerboad, big pick-guard, Gibson tailpiece ..it was #8...my m-5 is number #46-- made in 1980
SternART
Sep-03-2004, 6:05pm
My #64 doesn't have a model number anywhere on the label.
Possibly John updated his labels around the 80-82 era.
More current Monteleone instruments are just signed right into the back wood,
visible thru a dolphin or f hole. The number is stamped onto the
inside of the back plate as well. Like an artist signing a painting.
mike_c
Sep-06-2004, 8:21am
i have heard of monte f-5s with out actual labels....i know my 1992 (#146) grand artist had a #label inside and i believe all three had the date written under the top....(1977-1980-1992)..
Mando Medic
Sep-11-2004, 11:59pm
There is one in my area that belongs to a chap who bought it new from Mandolin Brothers with his Bean Blossom Banjo contest money in '77. I think he paid $1500 for it. It came with the one piece Monteleone bridge. He didn't like the bridge and put a standard adjustable bridge on it. When he brought it to me for a refret and set up, I put the one piece on it and it just came alive. I believe the mandolin was #7. What a beauty. Perhaps the best mandolin I have ever played. Kenc
mike_c
Sep-15-2004, 7:00am
ken,,that must be the one you wrote about in mandolin magizine