2001 Monteleone 7-String Radio Flyer Special, Maple/Spruce

A truly singular piece from John Monteleone: a 2001 seven-string archtop in the Radio Flyer body, paired with an Electric Flyer neck—hence the name Radio Flyer Special. This seven-string dream machine is genuinely one of a kind.

Built with a Bigleaf Maple body, Eastern Red Tiger Maple bindings throughout, and a well-seasoned Alpine Spruce top. All other wood components and ornamentation are crafted from Gaboon Ebony. And if you hadn’t noticed… it’s green. Like, really green—making us green with envy.

There’s a ton of character here, and so far we’ve only scratched the surface by talking about the visuals. Equipped with a custom-built seven-string humbucking pickup, with volume and tone controls elegantly embedded into the tailpiece, this instrument delivers an enormous range of tones. Despite the extended range, it feels effortless to play.

A true powerhouse in every sense of the word—whether you’re an extended-range jazz guitarist extraordinaire or a serious collector, this guitar absolutely belongs.

Also included is a one-of-a-kind portrait of this instrument. Some Monteleone guitars have been accompanied by portrait photographs taken by John’s childhood friend, Jonathan Singer—an innovative photographer whose work culminated in the landmark book Botanica Magnifica. This particular portrait is a true one-of-one and is hand-signed by both John Monteleone and Jonathan Singer. It’s printed on handmade Japanese paper embedded with mica, creating a subtle, shimmering metallic effect.

Other keywords/misspellings: Luthier, lutherie, bespoke, handmade, new york, montelone, calton, 192

• Status: in_stock
• Brand: Monteleone, John
• Model: 7-String Radio Flyer Special
• Serial #: 192
• New/Preowned: Preowned
• SKU: TMP100176
• Condition: Excellent condition, hardly any signs of play wear.
• Body Type: Large
• Body Type: Archtop
• Back & Sides: Maple - Bigleaf
• Top: Spruce - Alpine
• Neck Profile: C
• Bridge: Ebony - Adjustable
• Top Trim: Maple - Figured
• Fingerboard: Ebony - Gabon/Gaboon
• Fingerboard Bindings: Maple
• Fret Markers: Side dots
• Frets to Body: 14
• Headplate: Ebony - Gabon/Gaboon
• Cutaway: Single
• Pickguard: Ebony Floating
• Pickup: Custom
• Pickup (Y/N): 1
• Body Length: 20.5 in
• Upper Bout: 13 in
• Lower Bout: 18 in
• Body Depth Heel: 2.875 in
• Body Depth Tail: 2.875 in
• Scale Length: 25.4 in
• Nut Width: 2.063 in
• String Spacing: 2.063 in
• Weight: 5 lb. 12 oz.
• Headstock Inlay: Abalone Builder Logo
• Instrument Finish: Gloss
• Body Bindings: Maple - Figured
• Tuners: Schaller
• Rosette: F Holes
• Headstock Bindings: Ebony - Gabon/Gaboon
• Case: Hardshell - Calton Flight Case