The Evolution Of The Conti Guitar

Through the course of many prior years, numerous  guitarists have solicited my advice on how to find a great sounding jazz guitar with excellent playability and at an affordable price.  I’ve observed many aspiring jazz guitarists who have unknowingly limited  their potential  by playing an inferior instrument, almost always due to the constraint of high prices.   On the other hand, I have also seen dramatic improvements in skill levels even when entry level guitarists begin using a quality  instrument that is set-up to play easily.  In 2006, I compiled a group of  the most desirable specifications and features as those are critical to achieve outstanding tone,  playability and beauty. 

After much searching at several trade shows, I was simply unable to locate a  high quality instrument with all the most desirable features and at a reasonable price level.   At that point in time, I decided to redirect my search toward locating a quality manufacturer who could produce such a guitar for me with an emphasis on high quality workmanship, desirable features - and a price point that most folks could afford.

While attending the 2007 NAMM Expo, I had the extremely good fortune to locate an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) who could actually build this “Dream Guitar” for me. I commissioned Peerless Guitars to build a prototype which I received in the early spring of 2007.  The first unexpected surprise was the “take it to the bandstand” playability right out of the box  with nothing more than minor adjustment of the bridge and tuning the strings. At that point, there was no doubt that I had received a very special instrument.

However, as I am still a working musician, the real test of quality and durability was still to come.  For the remainder of 2007, 2008 and into  2009,  I played the prototype every day for many hours, either on a bandstand, or in front of a video camera.  As you may be aware, I used this guitar on six DVDs in the Source Code series, along with the first two volumes of Ticket To Improv.  In addition, there are numerous videos on YouTube, MySpace and the Just Jazz Guitar Magazine website.

Through all of the above mentioned usage, this instrument has continuously performed to my highest expectations.  Without doubt, I can’t imagine any other test of quality and durability other than playing an instrument on a daily basis for over  two years.  As a personal testimonial to the quality of this instrument, my name is on the head stock.  I chose “Equity”  as the model name, as I firmly believe your instrument will deliver excellent service and value for many years into the future.

Features

Rather than omitting any feature(s) in favor of greater profit, this instrument embodies all the previously referenced desirable features- functional and aesthetic. For instance, every working guitarist I know has had the annoyance of a suit being ruined by the usual  placement of the input jack on the lower side of the
guitar, pressing directly into the top of your right leg when sitting down.  I was determined to correct that problem with the simple application of common sense, so I had the input jack relocated closer to the strap button at the heel of the guitar.

Every pro guitarist that I know owns at least one and very often, several very high priced instruments. However, those guitarists always fear taking  those instruments outside of their homes to avoid the effects of inclement cold/hot weather, smoke, coastal climates with saline atmosphere, high humidity, theft etc.

This instrument provides an excellent solution for pro level guitarists who require a high quality “working instrument” that is a pleasure to play, with a great sound  and accessible at a reasonable price.  Moreover, the attractive pricing also enables aspiring jazz guitar students to  acquire a great instrument  that will deliver years of service.  I sincerely believe this instrument is a “win - win” for players at every skill level.

During the production stage, much thought was also given to the choice of case for this instrument.  Musicians often joke that they are paid to move gear instead of playing music,  as  every working musician dreads toting gear in and out of hotel meeting facilities, restaurants etc.  At a recent NAMM Expo, while perusing the new models of amplifiers, a friend made the following comment to me: “Conti, you won’t be happy until you find an amp that you can carry in your pocket.”

In my observation, the majority of working guitarists (including myself)  prefer a lightweight gig bag rather than a much heavier and bulkier hard shell case.  Therefore, I opted to include at no extra charge, a quality gig bag for your new instrument.  The  complimentary gig bag will also keep shipping weight/cost at a minimum and if you desire, you can select an aftermarket hard shell case of your preference at your convenience.