The Grand Artist model was introduced by John Monteleone in 1977. It marked a significant refinement of the Lloyd Loar era Gibson design that had been predominant for more than half a century. The Grand Artist features a body profile that was redrawn by Monteleone, but based on the traditional form of an F-model Gibson mandolin with two points on the treble side of the instrument and a scroll on the bass side. Monteleone also re-stylized the f-holes and created an abbreviated pickguard that would not cover the treble soundhole. The tailpiece and bridge also feature a complete redesign. The Grand Artist Model also features a radial fingerboard that better fits the natural curvature of a player's hands.