The Radio City Arch-Top

There was a time not long ago when the art of guitar making reached its zenith. This was the golden era of the 1930's thru the 1950's. Manhattan was then known as RADIO CITY. It was a glorious time of live entertainment performed on wondrous musical instruments. The finest examples of both flat and archtop guitars were developed and created here in America. This tradition continues today.

Within New York City's rhythmic skyline, stand some of the world's finest examples of classic Art Deco architecture. This design influence has been reflected in the new MONTELEONE RADIO CITY guitar. The headstock outline and the inlays were inspired by the great stage and lighting of the world renowned Radio City Music Hall. The truss-rod cover, and tailpiece bracket are made of investment cast brass. The tuning buttons are also specially cast bronze letter "M's" which fit onto Schaller machines. The metal parts are plated in 24,karat gold.

All of the inlays on the guitar are made up of slender tapered wedges of MOP and Abalone shell. They are arranged into geometric crystal patterns Of mountains, fireworks, ships and clouds.

The pickguard continues this visual theme and ties together the fretboard, bridge and tailpiece. The tailpiece bracket casting holds a polished slip of ebony over which an adjustable stainless steel braided cable passes. This design allows complete tailpiece flexibility and maximum movement of the bridge. Tension adjustments can be easily made to maximize the action geometry and to regulate the feet of the action and the tonal sensitivity of the bridge.

I have designed the RADIO CITY archtop guitar to respond to the lightest touch or the heaviest attack with power equal balance; every note with clarity; every chord with power and sustain.

Many years of experience have gone into crafting the necessary optimum levels of balance, projection and sensitivity into the MONTELEONE RADIO CITY archtop guitar.

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