So before Mr. Monteleone was the Primer builder of the finest archtop guitars in the world he made banjos. This one is #500 built in the mid 70's. Keep your eyes open for the first 499.

Today I helped move 100 boards of Bosnian Maple that came from a trailer in salt lake city, UT. (Crazy Violin wood hoarders) We just found out that that it's at least 70 years old, check out this stamp, YEA, There is no doubt that these 16 foot boards originated from Constantine and son in NYC, This lumber yard was the go to dealer for all the early NYC guitar factories. I remember going into this old world shop a few times before they closed in 2002. In 1818, then a cabinet maker of fine furniture and an authority on mahogany logs, Thomas Constantine was commissioned by the Vice President of the United States to build the desks and chairs for the new Senate Building in Washington D.C., the desks still being used today. He was slso designated an official inspector for the United States government of the shiploads of mahogany logs which arrived in the Port of New York from Africa and Honduras. In the early 1900's his grandson Albert Constantine, Sr. continued the tradition of importing logs of mahogany and other fine woods and manufacturing and selling veneers to the country's large furniture and piano manufacturers. He was considered a foremost authority of hardwood logs in the country. During the war years of 1940-45, the company sold large quantities of birch veneer to the U.S. Navy from which they built the wings for their gliders. Albert Constantine, Jr. joined his father's business in 1920 at the age of 18, and in 1932 started the now famous Constantine Craft Division, building it into the largest source for veneers, lumber and woodworking supplies for the craftsmen in this country.

This past weekend I was invited to attend a very special dinner party. It was a honor and privilege to connect with such fine company. At the highlight of the evening, 6 of the most celebrated Archtop builders unveiled their newest works crafted in respect to a particular person. This concept of the "Portrait Guitar" was born June 2nd 2012. This very anticipated event marked the beginning of this wonderful collection of the finest Archtops made today. Hopefully this small collection of guitars will find its way into museums, gallery's and schools across the country.
Over the course of the weekend, I was called many names. Otto, Matt and Mr. D'Ambrosio but, the name that made me most happy was, number 7. I'm So thrilled to start on the next guitar for the Collection.