Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments

Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world. 

Alan Shaw – London, England

I hadn’t picked up a guitar in months. Arthritis had arrived with age and at 82 years I missed making music. Then I read about the special attributes of the Blondes, and the special features in their make-up. I did truthfully however still have some fears. I put them aside, and Mike was doing everything possible to get the Blonde to me before the VAT (tax) increased in the UK. All went to plan, the guitar was in my hands, and I was playing again. My hand could grasp the fretboard, my fingers were able to find the chords which I had thought were long gone to me, and their most beautiful sounds filled my ears and heart. Everything possible that could be said about this wonderful instrument produced by Robert Conti has been said. I would add that the equally wonderful Robert Conti team that handles their superb product

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Wayne Harper – San Antonio, TX

All I can say is “Oh my God,” just a tweak on the tuning and it was ready to hit the stage right out of the packaging. This is an amazing instrument, what else can be said about a guitar that looks, plays and feels like a handcrafted custom costing 5 times as much. It plays like velvet but yet has a balanced acoustic sustain that rivals any archtop guitar on the market. The action and feel of the neck is superior to anything I have ever played. The pickup placement is ideal for warm pure jazz tones and also has a defined crispness for melodic solo work. As a working musician, this guitar is ultimately my new tool of choice. My deep appreciation to Mr. Conti for making such an instrument a reality. God bless, merry Christmas and happy holidays!

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Murray Biggs – Wellington, New Zealand

I am very pleased with my Conti Guitar, the way it sounds, the way it looks – it really stands out. The amp arrived safe and sound. Have just plugged it in and it sounds great. Please pass on my thanks and best wishes to Robert for a great guitar at a great price and with the Henriksen JazzAmp, what more could you ask for? Mike, thanks to you for all your help; you are a real professional and it has been a pleasure to do business with you over the Internet.

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Dennis Taylor – Munich, Germany

Well, I made it to Germany. I put the guitar in the overhead compartment. Everything went well. On arrival in Munich, I walked out behind a fat lady and no one noticed me, so I didn’t pay any customs. It’s a great guitar. I’ve been playing it since I arrived- really nice tone. And that neck is like glass with great action!

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Dennis Lane – Somerset, KY

For those familiar with the excellent quality of the teaching products of Mr. Conti and the Pinnacle Production Group, it will come as no surprise that the Conti Guitar maintains that very high standard for quality and affordability. In times of a tight economy every dollar counts, and this beautiful guitar is a great value – beautifully made, excellent shipping and follow-up from Mr. Conti’s associates, beautiful to hold and play. I am extremely happy with mine and I am a rank beginner, but this instrument exceeds all my expectations and will be with me as long as I can fret chords with one hand and pick strings with the other. Thank you Mr. Conti for making this guitar available at such a reasonable cost and for your dedication to teaching the skills and joy of jazz guitar.

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Steve Vetter – New Westminster, Canada

Just had to say thanks for the mention at the beginning of the Ticket To Improv, Vol. 3 DVD. It was so cool to hear you talking to me and thanks so much for the compliment you gave me as well. By the way, you’re very welcome for me letting you use my guitar for the video! The more I play this Conti Guitar, the deeper my appreciation goes for this fine instrument. She plays so smooth and even all over the neck that it actually feels like it’s drawing jazz lines out of you. I’m having so much fun playing it. Great stuff Robert, you truly are the man! Thanks to you all at RobertConti.com…..life’s good.

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Dr. Kathleen Durante – Gold River, Canada

I presented Pinnacle with a unique challenge – ship a Conti Guitar to my workplace – a remote village in rural British Columbia – with no cell service, no weekend deliveries…just one totally stoked customer dancing about anxiously awaiting its arrival. Mike not only met this challenge, but went above and beyond to ensure this beautiful instrument arrived safely in my hands and performed perfectly. “Thank you” doesn’t even come close to expressing my gratitude for his exceptional service and communication. Robert has designed an extraordinary piece of living art – absolutely beautiful to hold, super fast light action, and gorgeous rich tones. It is a joy to play, impossible to put down – a real gem. Showed it to a local teacher (nearly had to pry it out of his hands) and to a pro luthier who was astoundingly impressed! The ease of playing this wonderful instrument together with

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J. Eldon Woodcock – Oshawa, Canada

It was indeed a pleasure to meet both of you at our hotel in Las Vegas. The “CONTI GUITAR” meets my expectations and is truly a fine guitar for me and a real friend to keep my goal of being a wannabe guitar player. As I promised, enclosed are some pictures of me and my new “BUDDY!” Beryl sends her regards as well.

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Jess Johnson – Salem, OR

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy the new Conti Guitar. Somehow you managed to create a little “masterpiece” of an instrument. This is amazing in so many ways. Also wanted to ask that you not change anything in this model. The sustain is absolutely amazing. This may have been accidental but if so it’s a wonderful accident! I did an experiment with a delay pedal and the result was: it’s not necessary with this guitar. The sustain is there so much I didn’t notice the delay effect hardly at all. Matter of fact I felt it actually took away from my sound. I’m going to be in the market for a blonde version (like you, I’ve always been partial to blondes) But that’s a whole other subject. Anyway Boss, I beg you – please don’t change the basic design of this box. it’s incredible! Better make

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Frank Whitehouse, Alton, NH

I wanted to play Jazz guitar for many years. But a thirty year Navy career came first. Just could not find the time to dedicate the hours of required practice. I am 65 years old, retired, and finally have the time. I have only been playing serious for about 6 months. I found the Robert Conti instruction DVDs on the web, ordered them and am having a ball. I’ve only been playing for 6 months but I feel like I have 6 years of knowledge. Thank you Mr. Conti. My “Equity” is a beautiful piece of art to admire and to play.

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Larry Herrera, Albuquerque, NM

I received my Conti Jazz Guitar yesterday and what an amazing guitar. The action is superb, the fast action of the neck, the lightness, the tone and the clear trebles and basses. I am so pleased with my new investment and I just wanted to sincerely thank you for introducing to me this fine work of art. I was so excited that I practiced for 3 1/2 hours and didn’t even realize it. Time flies when you’re having fun. Thanks again, and I know I will enjoy this fine guitar for years to come. I love it!!

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Mike Irish, Houghton, MI

WOW! This is an absolutely superb instrument!! I played on it for about an hour, and then took it on a quintet gig on Friday! It was extremely comfortable, like some favorite slippers. Then, I took it on a 2-hour solo jazz guitar gig on Saturday. It is like I have been playing this axe for years! Plays “like butta’”! There is not a weak point on the guitar. The highest quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, stunningly beautiful appointments, a “singing” sound to die for, light and well balanced in weight, a professional setup so well done that I could gig with it right out of the box. AND a terrific price! I can’t imagine that there is a better value dollar for dollar in the “fine guitars” market than the Equity. Thanks so much for 1) making the Equity a reality, and 2) making it available to your customers. There

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Jim Canini, Stanton, CA

The Conti guitar is first class and impeccable in every way. Above all, it sounds beautiful. The finish is flawless. Every part of the guitar that can be bound is and mostly in multiple binding. The headstock is reminiscent of great archtop guitars. The fingerboard is as smooth as glass. All the inlays are perfectly done. I like the rosewood tailpiece as opposed to a metal type. The bound rosewood pickguard is a nice touch of class. The hardware and controls are all the best quality. The neck is cantilevered so it doesn’t come into contact with the top and reduce vibration. None of the subtler points of quality are ignored. This is to say nothing about the action, which is the closest I’ve ever seen and really makes it a joy to play. The action is so close fingering is effortless. I was curious to see what another guitar

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Mario DeLuca, Rome Italy

The guitar arrived in one 1 week after the order, exactly as stated! The craftsmanship is superb and a lot of attention has been paid to details. The woods are high quality and the neck is really fluid, not too fat or too slim. The strings rest very nicely and evenly throughout the length of the fretboard. The pick-up gives a crystal clear sound (lot of bell sounds) which can then me modeled to fit your desired tone. All in all this is by far the best archtop I’ve owned, and I’ve owned a few! It is also really comfortable in that it is not too wide and has a deep rich sound which archtops should have. I’m a a very happy owner. Thanks for all your assistance in making it a smooth transaction!

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Michael Simoni – Lodi, CA

Wanted to let you know that I’m excited to be the owner of one of your guitars. The “Conti” makes a great addition to my collection. Played it through all of my jazz amps, and the sound is incredible, no matter which one it played through! Couldn’t have asked for anything more!!! I really appreciate all of the help that you and Mike provided, including the smooth transaction!!! See you at NAMM!

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Dr. Paul Shitabata, Rolling Hills Estates, CA

In 2009 when Robert Conti came out with his Conti Archtop guitar, I purchased one identical to the one I am holding in the photo! It still looks and plays like a dream. The thinner body is extremely comfortable. The action is low and fast as well. The pick guard and tail piece are wood – just all an around great guitar with a lot of attention to detail. Mr. Conti, thank you for being an absolute gentleman and taking the time to speak with me at the NAMM show. You are an inspiration to me and countless other musicians. Whenever you are in Southern California again, please contact me and we’ll do dinner. 🙂

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Iwan Gronert – Rotterdam, Netherlands

The guitar did arrived in excellent condition!!!! I already played for one hour and she is really unbelievable – very nice tone she looks and feels great! What a girl hahaha. I want to thank you for the great service…I gone study the books this afternoon and the tuner is great, also very handy is the gigbag 🙂 Thanks again, I gone play some more..

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Jeff Borthick – Bluffton, SC

I love the Conti Equity – Robert chose the combination of features that has eluded everyone else. A solid spruce top on a thinline? With a deep cutaway? Yeah, baby! This instrument is a topshelf blend of art, science and genuine craftsmanship that is really easy on the hands, the back, and the eyes – and really difficult to put down. Inspirational – and more hours with the instrument in my hands makes me a better player. With this instrument, and The Source Code series, Robert Conti has provided the keys to the kingdom – Thanks!!!

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Bob Roberts – Spokane, WA

I have been playing the Conti Guitar pretty much exclusively for jazz arrangements since I got it. I even use it for fingerstyle jazz arrangements because of the easy action and the access to the high registers. I own several other guitars (a couple of Taylor acoustics), but the Conti is my favorite archtop!

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Bård Foshaug – Moen, Norway

NORWAY CALLING! The Conti guitar is amazing, the best guitar I have! Both I and the students are impressed by the quality of this instrument. The Conti Guitar is from this day, my main guitar. It took 5 days from USA to North Norway. Good service. The school and students are also impressed by the ingenious way Robert Conti teaches on the DVDs and books. When my students follow the video, they feel that Robert is in the classroom. So far north and we feel that Robert is in the community.

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This thing is flawless and perfect!

I got hold of my Conti Entrada guitar just this evening when I arrived home from my workplace in New York. I let the package acclimate for a few hours before opening it and unwrapping the guitar. This thing looks gorgeous! I played it for almost 2 hours and really enjoyed the feel and playability. What can i say… this thing is flawless and perfect! I’m happy to have this guitar and would be my companion for a very long time. I’m also pleased and inspired to see Robert’s video with his jazz rendition of some of my favorite tunes along with his instructions on the care and maintenance of the guitar. Thank you Robert Conti! Lenito S. – Livingston, NJ

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Paul Getty with his Twin Pickup Blonde Entrada Archtop

New Blonde in the Neighborhood

“Since laying my hands on this Conti Entrada a few weeks ago, it has quickly become my “go-to” guitar. It is not only a pleasure to play due to its flawless out-of-the-box set-up that allows fast, effortless playing, but it also sounds terrific through my large collection of amps, pedals, and computer modeling software. I have about 25 guitars in my collection ranging from a Gibson L5, Super 400., Les Paul Custom, PRS, Fender Strat, – most of the classics. The Conti Entrada not only stands up to head-to-head comparisons with these great guitars, it goes beyond in many respects as a very easy to play guitar that delivers a very wide range of sounds from jazz to blues and rock. It is also very comfortable and relatively light weight yet delivers a very creamy and full big-box sound. If this is your first guitar or your 20th guitar, you

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Gabriel Anfosso, Blonde Heirloom Archtop

Best guitar I’ve ever owned!

“Oh please let me say a few words….I’m SO happy because of you, you are like a father, it’s a real present, a real chance to know you. I don’t want people think I exaggerate. I’m a Professional jazz player and singer, one year and a half I began to work on your material, more and more…..and more. A private Lesson with you, a real gift, hours of pleasure and joyfulness. I work and I work again, my buddy players: “oh you play so nice things now it’s incredible.” To thank you and because I knew it would be great, I decided to purchase a Conti Heirloom Blonde…the best guitar I’ve ever owned!  (I played Gibson 175, Ibanez JP 20, for years, an excellent Epiphone emperor too.)  Photo of me here in December, sound check of a great private gig in Paris). So I’m so happy with what I learn

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Harry Trombley with Natural Blonde Conti Heirloom Archtop Guitar

Plays and feels as good as it looks…

“My Heirloom has arrived and acclimatized to its new environment here in Canada. It plays and feels as good as it looks. The shipping experience was excellent; no problems. I want to thank all of you at Conti Guitars for all the help and service that made my purchase flawless. I would recommend you to anyone who asks.” Harry Trombley – Richmond, BC, Canada

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Robert Gardner, Left Handed Heirloom Archtop

So so easy to play…

The Search For A Lefty Begins… La Palma, Canary Islands I’m a left hander, and only other left handers will understand how difficult and frustrating it is to try and find a shop that actually has some you can try, lots of famous makes dont supply them. The island I live on in the Canary Islands (La Palma) has one guitar shop, and I’ve seen one lefty there in fourteen years. This year on a trip back to the United Kingdom, I went around central London. I couldn’t find one single lefty archtop. Sure, they advertise them online, but they never have them in stock. They are as rare as Hens Teeth! I really didn’t want to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a guitar without trying it first. It would be crazy, wouldn’t it? But when you’ve been looking for over a year, you are left with no

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Robin Masters with 2 Entrada Archtop Guitars

Quickly became my go-to guitar…

“I bought my first Entrada (Ruby) in October 2017, and it quickly became my go-to guitar.  It’s such a beauty with a nice round mellow tone, and a build quality I would’ve expected to pay a lot more for.  Its focus on playability is of the highest standard. On arrival, the setup was perfect after such a long journey, and it merely needed tweaking back in tune. It’s such a pleasure to play, with its low and light action.  It spent most of the year sat on its stand beside my chair where I could pick it up at will, and it often demands I do that. When I saw the launch video for the second generation Entradas, with their refinements, I knew I had to have one, and so I bought my second in October of this year (Port Wine), and I couldn’t be more pleased.  The Kent Armstrong Vintage 57 pickup, The Imperial style tuners and the

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Photo of Harrison Root with his natural blonde Conti Entrada Archtop Guitar

Wonderful instrument at an affordable price

“Just wanted to give you guys an update about what I think about the guitar! Straight out of the box it plays and sounds great! It is set up perfectly and plays wonderfully. I could not believe the difference in tone it had compared to my other guitars! I have played it every day since I received it. Thank you guys very much for producing such a wonderful instrument at an affordable price!” -Harrison Root – Ph.D. Candidate, The Sessler Group – Austin, Texas, USA

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John McCarty with his Conti Heirloom Archtop Guitar

Playability is of the greatest ease…

“Here I am with my new Conti Heirloom guitar! It is of very high quality, beauty and value. She arrived perfectly set up and intonated with Conti strings, which I’d already been using on two of my guitars. Other features include a 24 fret neck and the front strap button factory installed, both highly unusual with archtops. The playability is of the greatest ease! The sound is warm and lovely, even when played acoustically. Finally, customer service was friendly, helpful, and super professional. And what a pleasure to view the video of Robert Conti performing with my actual guitar and pointing out her many features!” John McCarty – North Kingstown, RI

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