Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
Guitar was built with care and attention to every detail
I absolutely love this guitar. It’s hands down the best guitar I’ve ever purchased. The feel, the tone, the craftsmanship—everything about it is top-notch. It plays like I’m dipping my fingers into a bowl of warm butter—smooth, effortless, and just a total joy every time I pick it up. I seriously can’t put it down. The finish is stunning in person—the Natural Blonde with the Ebony Midnight Package gives it such a classy, timeless look. You can tell this guitar was built with care and attention to every detail. And I have to say—this was by far the best customer service I have ever received on anything I’ve ever purchased, period. Mike was incredible to deal with. Friendly, responsive, and genuinely passionate about making sure I was taken care of every step of the way. The “Meet Your Guitar” video that Robert made, playing my actual guitar before it shipped—just
Exceptional experience and pleasure to play (Switzerland)
I have been playing my Conti Entrada now for some six weeks and can only confirm all the positive reviews and experiences: the top-notch build quality, the overall feel and touch of a precious instrument, the great sound both acoustic and amplified, and the looks – what a beauty! On top of that – and for me personally perhaps the most important aspect – is the Entrada’s playability. I have read comments that its neck plays like butter; and that’s exactly it. The neck shape, the gorgeous ebony fingerboard, the comfortable frets and perfect fret end work, and set-up make the Entrada an exceptional experience and pleasure to play. To be honest: I was expecting to receive a great instrument. But I felt unsure, if its playability would suit me. There was no need to worry. The Entrada’s neck is one of the best, perhaps the best I have ever
Blown away at how fantastic the guitar is!
Prior To Receipt: Wow! Thank Robert for the detailed info!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the guitar. I’ll be sure to give it glowing press when I get it. I’m going to use it for a 40 bar jazz solo that I’m working on for my new CD. I’m sure it will be one of, if not my main guitars. Appreciate the video and your awesome playing, CDs and instruction you’ve put out, as they all have had such a huge impact on me! I’ll be sure to let you know about the guitar. I’ve been pointing some of my students to your product The Precision Technique. One guy got it and loves it! Trying to talk others into it. Most are beginner students. Anyway, thanks again for doing that video! After Receipt: I just got the guitar home. I’m simply blown away at how fantastic the
Incredible action and rich warm jazz tones…
The Conti Heirloom guitar is an absolute dream; stunning looks, incredible action and rich warm jazz tones. The smaller body, as compared to a traditional archtop, makes it ideal for the gigging musician; all while retaining a surprisingly robust acoustic sound. This is an extremely versatile instrument that I cannot seem to put down. A true work of art. Dan Ennis – Houston, Texas www.DanEnnis.com
Craftsmanship and specs of this guitar are well thought out
My experience with Conti guitars is different than most owners. I knew nothing about the company. I came to my guitar walking into a local guitar shop and seeing it hanging on the used guitar wall. Upon initially seeing it, it was right up my alley taste wise regarding the type of guitars I like, although I thought it was going to be very expensive because as we all know…these guitars could pass as high end boutique guitars. After the pleasant price tag shock, I took it home. The craftsmanship and specs of this guitar are well thought out; I really appreciate that it’s a full 2 octaves with an ebony fretboard. I wanted to change the bridge & tailpiece to the ebony ones as mine came with the metal ones. And this is what really impressed me with Conti guitars…as a second owner…the customer support is still strong. These
Perfect from headstock to tailpiece…
I am so happy with my new Conti! Every aspect of it is perfect from headstock to tailpiece. All top quality components. The neck is amazing and the set up and string gauges are superb. The included case is better than I expected as it is a hard gig bag that offers great protection while still being lightweight. The company was great to work with, and the personal video from Robert is something I will keep forever. I’ve been a professional guitarist for 50 years and this is the finest guitar I’ve ever owned. Top shelf quality at a very reasonable price. Can’t thank you enough!! Rob Goldsmith – Las Vegas, NV www.robgoldsmithguitar.com
Action is fantastic, neck plays fast and easy
My Entrada arrived in Alaska in perfect shape after only 4 days, and was packed perfectly. This guitar is a lush beauty; a pleasure to play, hold, or just look at. The action is fantastic and the neck plays fast and easy. I chose the double pickup model because the band I play in plays a wide variety of music from standards, to western swing, blues, country and rock. I think this instrument will work beautifully for any of it. You can practice unplugged if you want, but it really comes alive and sounds beautiful when plugged in. I only wish I could play it like Robert did in the video! Wow, what a great feature to get a personalized video from Robert with some tasty music and an explanation of the features! The customer service with Mike, Steve, and Robert was all fantastic from beginning to end, and made
Top-notch and unequalled by any other guitar company
This is a great guitar! It is as advertised and then some. It is right up there with the best I own and play, regardless of price – this is #54 for me…how many guitars do you need, anyway? The answer is always, “just one more” This was a 2 pickup Entrada that had undergone some damage to the body – expertly repaired, with no effect on its playability or long-term durability – I have to look close to see where. As all my guitars have dings, scratches, etc. on them from playing and my clumsiness, I had no hesitation in buying it and I’m glad I did. It really is “like new” to my eyes. It arrived set up perfectly, I needed to do absolutely nothing! The intonation was perfect. It has a very nice, sweet tone and is as easy to play as the best of my other
Far superior to a $5,000 archtop I sold…
October 2024 Update “I have to say that over the last 3 years, I’ve had at least 10 guitars of varying styles. From archtop, to Les Paul, to Telecaster, and from various manufacturers. But the finest guitars I’ve ever owned are my Conti guitars. I’m partial to the aesthetics of my wine-colored Entrada (the pic doesn’t do it justice). The sound of my blond Heirloom is extraordinary. And the antique burst Entrada is a treat when I feel the need for a traditional looking archtop. But they all sound fantastic in their own right and are easily the most playable guitars I’ve owned. I’ve looked at other boutique archtops and inflation has taken its toll over the last few years; most seem to be trending $7K to $9K…that is just not competitive with a Conti archtop. The value of a Conti archtop cannot be beaten IMO. So again a big
Felt that I was in the store with them…
Dealing directly with Mike and Robert has made the buying experience seamless. Despite this being an online purchase, I felt that I was in the store with them. The videos online accurately showcase the sound of this guitar. The value in this instrument is apparent in the finish, quality of the tuners, pickup, fingerboard and playability. It is light (5.7 pounds), and comfortable, being 15″ and thin like a 335. It has enough volume to practice unplugged, and has predictable humbucker sound when plugged in. To make this a truly honest review, I would add a nitpick for future production consideration: consider adding fingerboard side dots at frets 19, 21, 24. Don’t be afraid to buy this guitar. Think Japanese Ibanez GB 10 quality but a reasonable price. Jeff Seltzer – Old Saybrook, CT
Layout and playability are first rate… (video)
“I purchased my Conti Entrada used about a year ago. I was looking for a smaller body archtop, and it fit the bill. I quickly discovered what an excellent guitar they are to play. In addition to being so ergonomically copasetic, with a 16″ shallow body, the layout and playability are first rate. Perhaps the best aspect is the tone. While a thinner body obviously won’t deliver the same degree of low end as a deeper body, you don’t miss it. It has enhanced clarity across all frequencies without sacrificing warmth. They sound even better plugged in – where the tone really comes to life. They are easy to play and exceptionally responsive instruments, as well as well built and pleasing to the eye. All this at a remarkably low price, given what you get. I will be experimenting with the ebony bridge, but can definitely commend the balanced projection
Tony Drake, Las Vegas, NV (R.I.P.)
A 2024 Birthday Wish from Tony’s Wife, Lisa Gay To the Sweetest Man I have ever known, “Happy Heavenly Birthday to my Tony Drake”! Yes!! Not to mention one of thee most respected Session and Touring Guitarists in our Music Business for 54 years!! Tony was the driving force for me to return to my singing and record our debut CD “Watch What Happens” with Mark Cargill and Greg Cook that took us on a journey that has me “Smilin” and so Grateful to this Day! Whether you knew him as Family, Acquaintance, Friend, “Fishing Buddy”, Brother, fellow “Musician Cat”, or simply enjoyed listening to his Special Style of playing Classic R&B, Jazz, Blues, Pop n’ Rock on recordings or Live, you can be assured that “Mr. Big Stuff” is watching from above while eating his “Popcorn” and cheering us all on with the Best that is yet to come:-)I
Plays so smoothly…Outstanding Customer Service
My Conti Entrada plays so smoothly and is so BEAUTIFUL too. Thank you for providing outstanding customer service. Including the personalized video of Robert Conti playing my actual guitar was so SPECIAL. No other guitar company has ever provided this HIGHLY INDIVIDUALIZED customer service. This was one of the best online guitar purchases that I’ve ever made. Thanks Mike for answering all of my questions and assisting with my patience during the building and processing period. I am now a PROUD owner of a CONTI GUITAR!! James P. Burke III Accokeek, Maryland, USA
A much-needed dream come true…
2024 – 2 Entrada Archtop Guitars Wonderful guitars. I call them my “fraternal twins”. Both of my Robert Conti designed guitars play magnificently, and carry the sound of a full size electrified arch top with the amazing dual Kent Armstrong pickups, Fantastic workmanship. They are both stunning beauties. One cannot go wrong with purchasing such a guitar that is in the superlative. The best design of a guitar that has ever existed, a much-needed dream come true for the working, professional guitarist, or hobbyist. A special thank-you goes out to Robert Conti, for the videos showing these guitars in action, as well as Mike, and Steve for all their help and correspondence regarding my purchases of these very fine guitars. Plus, all the course materials that I have purchased over the years are available on the site to all who want to improve their improvisational skills. 2009 – Equity Model
Love the guitar and its playability…
Buyer Assurance Video Let me just say, wow. I knew that I was going to receive a personalized video, but I must say that I am very impressed with the care and time put into this, as well as the values and integrity that Bob and the company have shown toward delivering this instrument to me. For him to refer to my prior emails, many of which were years ago, was very kind and considerate and relevant. I was grinning ear to ear watching the video of Bob playing what was his guitar and what will soon be mine when it arrives tomorrow. It’s a pure delight to hear Bob play. As I mentioned, in a prior email, I played an Entrada last week, and I was amazed at how well it played. I was visiting a buddy in Minnesota and we saw one used in a store. I was
Gorgeous and comfortable to play…
I’ve already got my new Entrada Guitar (15 inch) I love it, it’s gorgeous and comfortable to play I love the Port Wine color with gold finger tailpiece. Also I want to thank your Support and Service Staff; they are great, always informing me of the status of my purchase. When I saw your Entrada guitar demo in Youtube, I said I gotta have one. Also I’m amazed seeing you play those lines; it’s heavy stuff and watching your other videos I become interested when you said you can learn jazz by playing jazz, no modes and scales. And that’s why I also purchase some of your book and DVD products. I have a lot of jazz instructional books and DVDs that I purchase until now, I don’t know how to apply it in jazz songs. Base on my experience studying the Robert Conti books and DVDs, (although I’m still
This IS the guitar of one’s dreams…
First, the punch line: After a month I’ve concluded that this guitar is not a substitute, surrogate, or compromise for that more expensive jazz box that one longs for and cannot afford. This IS the guitar of one’s dreams. I’ll be as brief as I can. I have many guitars. But no real jazz guitars. I don’t play much jazz, but sometimes want to go there, and somehow my .strandberg* just isn’t right. I try to stay away from retail stores because there is ALWAYS something that catches my eye. But, I needed a set of strings and since I was near a store, I stopped by. As usual, I looked at used wall. There was nothing interesting. Walk away. Quickly. But… what’s that? Needing a ladder to get to it, there was a red wine archtop high on the wall. Conti? What’s a Conti? I’d never heard of them.
Guitar indeed plays like a dream (Switzerland)
Dear good – sorry: BEST – people at Conti Guitars, I would like to thank you all very much again – the Entrada guitar was delivered today in best order, shape & form. Sincere thanks for all your advice, support and time. Thank you also very much, Mr. Conti, for the splendid video – I don’t match your heights in expertise but am making up for it with a loving touch! The guitar indeed plays like a dream, the reviews did not lie, not a single bit! You have a new fan across the Atlantic in Switzerland and I will make sure to spread your name & artful work here. Warm regards, I‘ll stay in touch hopefully 🙏 -Berry Kralj – Wettingen, Switzerland
Acoustic sound is amazing…very playable
Just received my new Robert Conti Entrada via FedEx, a day ahead of schedule, within four days from America; great service and beautifully packed, perfect condition – real credit to Robert and his boys. It’s an absolute beauty! For a slimline, the acoustic sound is amazing in terms of clarity and tone. Very playable and highly recommended; wonderful value for money. -Anthony Gilsenan – Ashington, UK
Guitar was built with care and attention to every detail
I absolutely love this guitar. It’s hands down the best guitar I’ve ever purchased. The feel, the tone, the craftsmanship—everything about it is top-notch. It plays like I’m dipping my fingers into a bowl of warm butter—smooth, effortless, and just a total joy every time I pick it up. I seriously can’t put it down. The finish is stunning in person—the Natural Blonde with the Ebony Midnight Package gives it such a classy, timeless look. You can tell this guitar was built with care and attention to every detail. And I have to say—this was by far the best customer service I have ever received on anything I’ve ever purchased, period. Mike was incredible to deal with. Friendly, responsive, and genuinely passionate about making sure I was taken care of every step of the way. The “Meet Your Guitar” video that Robert made, playing my actual guitar before it shipped—just
Exceptional experience and pleasure to play (Switzerland)
I have been playing my Conti Entrada now for some six weeks and can only confirm all the positive reviews and experiences: the top-notch build quality, the overall feel and touch of a precious instrument, the great sound both acoustic and amplified, and the looks – what a beauty! On top of that – and for me personally perhaps the most important aspect – is the Entrada’s playability. I have read comments that its neck plays like butter; and that’s exactly it. The neck shape, the gorgeous ebony fingerboard, the comfortable frets and perfect fret end work, and set-up make the Entrada an exceptional experience and pleasure to play. To be honest: I was expecting to receive a great instrument. But I felt unsure, if its playability would suit me. There was no need to worry. The Entrada’s neck is one of the best, perhaps the best I have ever
Blown away at how fantastic the guitar is!
Prior To Receipt: Wow! Thank Robert for the detailed info!! I can’t wait to get my hands on the guitar. I’ll be sure to give it glowing press when I get it. I’m going to use it for a 40 bar jazz solo that I’m working on for my new CD. I’m sure it will be one of, if not my main guitars. Appreciate the video and your awesome playing, CDs and instruction you’ve put out, as they all have had such a huge impact on me! I’ll be sure to let you know about the guitar. I’ve been pointing some of my students to your product The Precision Technique. One guy got it and loves it! Trying to talk others into it. Most are beginner students. Anyway, thanks again for doing that video! After Receipt: I just got the guitar home. I’m simply blown away at how fantastic the
Incredible action and rich warm jazz tones…
The Conti Heirloom guitar is an absolute dream; stunning looks, incredible action and rich warm jazz tones. The smaller body, as compared to a traditional archtop, makes it ideal for the gigging musician; all while retaining a surprisingly robust acoustic sound. This is an extremely versatile instrument that I cannot seem to put down. A true work of art. Dan Ennis – Houston, Texas www.DanEnnis.com
Craftsmanship and specs of this guitar are well thought out
My experience with Conti guitars is different than most owners. I knew nothing about the company. I came to my guitar walking into a local guitar shop and seeing it hanging on the used guitar wall. Upon initially seeing it, it was right up my alley taste wise regarding the type of guitars I like, although I thought it was going to be very expensive because as we all know…these guitars could pass as high end boutique guitars. After the pleasant price tag shock, I took it home. The craftsmanship and specs of this guitar are well thought out; I really appreciate that it’s a full 2 octaves with an ebony fretboard. I wanted to change the bridge & tailpiece to the ebony ones as mine came with the metal ones. And this is what really impressed me with Conti guitars…as a second owner…the customer support is still strong. These
Perfect from headstock to tailpiece…
I am so happy with my new Conti! Every aspect of it is perfect from headstock to tailpiece. All top quality components. The neck is amazing and the set up and string gauges are superb. The included case is better than I expected as it is a hard gig bag that offers great protection while still being lightweight. The company was great to work with, and the personal video from Robert is something I will keep forever. I’ve been a professional guitarist for 50 years and this is the finest guitar I’ve ever owned. Top shelf quality at a very reasonable price. Can’t thank you enough!! Rob Goldsmith – Las Vegas, NV www.robgoldsmithguitar.com
Action is fantastic, neck plays fast and easy
My Entrada arrived in Alaska in perfect shape after only 4 days, and was packed perfectly. This guitar is a lush beauty; a pleasure to play, hold, or just look at. The action is fantastic and the neck plays fast and easy. I chose the double pickup model because the band I play in plays a wide variety of music from standards, to western swing, blues, country and rock. I think this instrument will work beautifully for any of it. You can practice unplugged if you want, but it really comes alive and sounds beautiful when plugged in. I only wish I could play it like Robert did in the video! Wow, what a great feature to get a personalized video from Robert with some tasty music and an explanation of the features! The customer service with Mike, Steve, and Robert was all fantastic from beginning to end, and made
Top-notch and unequalled by any other guitar company
This is a great guitar! It is as advertised and then some. It is right up there with the best I own and play, regardless of price – this is #54 for me…how many guitars do you need, anyway? The answer is always, “just one more” This was a 2 pickup Entrada that had undergone some damage to the body – expertly repaired, with no effect on its playability or long-term durability – I have to look close to see where. As all my guitars have dings, scratches, etc. on them from playing and my clumsiness, I had no hesitation in buying it and I’m glad I did. It really is “like new” to my eyes. It arrived set up perfectly, I needed to do absolutely nothing! The intonation was perfect. It has a very nice, sweet tone and is as easy to play as the best of my other
Far superior to a $5,000 archtop I sold…
October 2024 Update “I have to say that over the last 3 years, I’ve had at least 10 guitars of varying styles. From archtop, to Les Paul, to Telecaster, and from various manufacturers. But the finest guitars I’ve ever owned are my Conti guitars. I’m partial to the aesthetics of my wine-colored Entrada (the pic doesn’t do it justice). The sound of my blond Heirloom is extraordinary. And the antique burst Entrada is a treat when I feel the need for a traditional looking archtop. But they all sound fantastic in their own right and are easily the most playable guitars I’ve owned. I’ve looked at other boutique archtops and inflation has taken its toll over the last few years; most seem to be trending $7K to $9K…that is just not competitive with a Conti archtop. The value of a Conti archtop cannot be beaten IMO. So again a big
Felt that I was in the store with them…
Dealing directly with Mike and Robert has made the buying experience seamless. Despite this being an online purchase, I felt that I was in the store with them. The videos online accurately showcase the sound of this guitar. The value in this instrument is apparent in the finish, quality of the tuners, pickup, fingerboard and playability. It is light (5.7 pounds), and comfortable, being 15″ and thin like a 335. It has enough volume to practice unplugged, and has predictable humbucker sound when plugged in. To make this a truly honest review, I would add a nitpick for future production consideration: consider adding fingerboard side dots at frets 19, 21, 24. Don’t be afraid to buy this guitar. Think Japanese Ibanez GB 10 quality but a reasonable price. Jeff Seltzer – Old Saybrook, CT