John MonteleoneMonteleone Guitars
There are very few names that consistently top of the list of greatness in the contruction of archtop guitars, but John Monteleone has found a spot at the top and just won't budge.
Breathtaking and awe-inspiring are two words that come to mind when you have the opportunity to behold a Monteleone Guitar. From the beauty of hand-crafting guitars to the secrets of home-made pizza, Gourmet Guitars literally ate up all of that Italian tradition we encountered in John's Islip workshop.
www.monteleone.net
001-631-277-3620
Michael Spalt
Spalt Instruments
Some people have to make an effort to stand out in a crowd, you couldn't miss Michale Spalt with his captivating Totem Guitars and archetype hybrid basses if you tried. What is it about Austrians and California? Gourmet Guitars just had to make a trip to the city of angels to find out what Michael Spalt is all about. Art or instrument? That is the question. Michael Spalt has a lot of answers. We were absolutely blown away by the sound of Michael Spalt's resin-topped artworks. Does the utilitarian aspect of a guitar preclude from being a work of art? Our answer is, absolutely not. We just couldn't decide what was more important - the art of design or the art of sound.
www.garageguitars.com
info@spaltinstruments.com
Jose RomanillosRomanillos Guitars
Jose Romanillos is a living legend amongst classical guitar builders. Not only is he credited with rediscovering and documenting the majority of the Antonio de Torres guitars known today, but he is also heir to the Torres' tradition and living legacy of the craft of classical luthiery. He is also ... retired.
Gourmet Guitars had the rare opportunity to accompany Jose Romanillos during the construction of his last guitar, a present to his wife and fullfillment of a promise made long ago.