Monteleone Hot Club Model

TPC168

Hey guys, do any of you have experiences with John Monteleone's Hot Club guitar? There probably aren't many around, but I was wondering if these guitars do capture the spirit and vibe of gypsy jazz. What I do know about them is that they are X-braced, and the top is flat rather than arched. My instinct is that, obviously, these would sound more like a flat top. The design and aesthetic that Monteleone uses has always interested me, and I know that many of his guitars are sky-rocketing into the stratopshere as far as price and collectability are concerned.

cornishnigel

Hi,

I've owned one of these for about 12 years (bought it used at a price you wouldn't find these days). In a word it is the greatest guitar I have ever owned. Mine is a spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood back and sides. I wouldn't say it has many similarities to a Selmer to play, more like a very fast necked conventional acoustic. It is VERY loud, but with quite a deep resonant tone much plusher than a Selmer style. So, no, it isn't really a classic gypsy jazz guitar, more as you said, a conventional acoustic, but it plays like the best jazz guitar you've ever put your fingers on. I also own one of John's Archtops: a Radio Flier. This is a very different beast and much more challenging to play.

Yes, they are expensive, but it is the one you'd grab if the building was on fire.

TPC168

Hey Cornish,

Thanks for reply regarding the details of the guitar. It sounds like a remarkable instrument. I found some clips of woody Mann playing a hot club model fingerstyle, and it sounds heavenly. I sent you a pm.

-Tim