John Monteleone: The Chisels Are Calling

2022 • 90 minutes

About this movie

A profile of legendary guitar and mandolin builder John Monteleone, whose instruments are on permanent exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Features musical tributes and interviews with Mark Knopfler, David Grisman, Mike Marshall, Ben Harper, Julian Lage, Woody Mann, Anthony Wilson, Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola and others. The film covers the multi-faceted artist whose guitars are known not only for their incredible sound, but also for their visually striking and innovative designs.

Ratings and reviews

This documentary is an enthralling journey into a world renown guitar maker's incredible background and masterful work. John Monteleone's story is an amazing one -- how he got to be who he is today, how his family and other personal history shaped that, how articulate and engaging he is, how truly impressive his work is, and how through all of that he has remained grounded, humble, and relatable.