Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
Joel Lackey – Las Vegas, NV
As a teenager, my first “real” guitar was a used Gibson ES-295. I played it to death and then very proudly bought a new 1964 “Barney Kessel” model. I have since owned every archtop Guitar in the Gibson catalog. My favorite being the L-5 Wes Montgomery model which I still own . Since I consider you my mentor, I decided to try the guitar that has been designed and produced by you. You really nailed it Bob. The Conti Guitar has captured the essence of the Gibson L-5 while expanding its capabilities and designing in extra added attractions that only a working guitar player can appreciate. For instance, the guitar meets the body at a different fret level allowing access to the upper register above the 12th fret, the relocation of the input plug in a different place so that you don’t wear out your cords AND pants with constant
Rex Goodell – Las Vegas, NV
My new Conti Equity guitar is awesome. The low action is the best I have seen. It weighs about half or less than my 335 type guitars. The tone is wonderful, having a lot of mellow acoustic qualities. If you think you like semi-hollow or hollow body electric guitars, then you absolutely must try the Conti Equity. You will not be disappointed. It is a dream to play, and you will say “This is one I have been looking for!
Bill Meacham – Aliso Viejo, CA
I wanted to say it was a pleasure to meet you and to thank you and Mr. Conti for taking the time and trouble to deliver my guitar. I’m back home and have had a chance to play it for a couple of hours. It sounds awesome through my Fender Deluxe Reverb and the neck and action really makes it easier to play. As soon as I get my Band-in-the-Box software working again, I’ll cut a video with the Equity. Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you and Mr. Conti at the next NAMM show.
Michael Marks, DDS – Silver Spring, MD
My first impression of the guitar was WOW! It is truly beautiful and it plays like a dream. Smooth and sweet. The tone is gorgeous through both the Fender Princeton and the Johnson Millennium. I love it through the Roland 120 setting on the Johnson. But I am just using the Fender for practicing. It has a lot of great tonal variation. But playing it is phenomenal. The neck is absolutely the best I have ever played. I just tuned it up and it played perfect all the way up to 24th fret. Not a buzz and intonation is perfect. The neck has just the right spacing so the complex chordal inversions fall perfectly under my fingers and the single string notes just glide off the neck. It is fast and precise, just like Robert. With this guitar and the DVD’s I am actually able to execute the chops and
Carles Vidal – Barcelona, Spain
The Equity guitar arrived in just 2 days from Las Vegas, NV to Barcelona (Spain)!!! First consideration: it’s more pretty in direct, photos do not do justice. Second: I was pleasantly surprised by the great acoustic tone and volume unplugged. Third: plugged in my Acoustic Image Clarus 2R + Raezer’s Edge 12ER … the sound is superb, very impressive, warm and sweet. The volume and tone controls give much play to experiment with them. I love her neck and the shallow Florentine cutaway. I very much appreciate the work of Mr. Robert Conti offering such a high-level guitar at a very affordable price. Thanks again, Mr. Conti. Besides, I am lucky to have a guitar played by Mr. Conti himself. A little extra that makes me very happy. Thanks also for all the kindness shown to me by Mike.
Guy Guerra – Naples, FL
I received the guitar. It’s was delivered in perfect shape. It was seen and heard by virtually everyone at the [National Guitar Workshop] campus, about 300 people. I was excited about it, and carried it on my back or played it every night of the week. I would have put a www.robertconti.com sign on the gig bag if possible, that’s how much of a believer I am in his teaching, and how much I like the guitar!
Michael Canyon – Compton, CA
I’ve played the Conti Guitar in a big band setting (18 piece) playing 40’s swing and in a sextet. I really liked it for the longer gig because of its light weight; it didn’t dig into my neck after hours of playing. It is very comfortable. I like the feel of the neck and it is an attractive instrument. I own 26 guitars, both archtop and hard body and the Conti is in my top five to gig with. I have appreciated the professionalism Mr. Conti has shown with all of his products. (I’m a repeat customer, and proud of it!) I’ve met him at a couple of trade shows and he is warm, friendly and sharing. I may not be getting much better but I sure feel good about playing Conti’s songs, both from his books/tapes and from his Just Jazz Guitar submissions.
Peter Bas – Houston, TX
Unpacked it Friday, still admiring it, playing it, admiring it, playing it, etc. The Equity matches your description in all ways, the photos really don’t do the guitar justice. Came through in great shape, you guys know how to pack ’em. Also thanks for the DVDs and the tuner, much appreciated! Best wishes to all, continued success and thanks again.
Robert Mercer – Mason, OH
Received the guitar as you know and I love it! I raised at the bridge and still have the action set low at .01/.02 at one and .04/.05 at the twelfth. It is unlike any archtop I’ve played in that the combination of the scale and the 16 fret body make it feel like a longer scale which is most comfortable but of course it is shorter for efficient chords and increased warmth. Very nice. I am interested in what Mr. Conti’s set up is. Must be extremely low based on where this guitar was when I received it. I’d guess straight neck with .01/.02 or less at the first. .03/.04 at twelve? This will be my primary guitar for everything but finger picking.
Michael Hallberg – Bridgeville, PA
Mr. Conti, It was an absolute pleasure meeting you last week. I still can not believe you and Mike hand delivered the guitar to me in person at my hotel in Las Vegas, NV. I’ve had a few days to play it and the “Conti Guitar” plays like a dream and sounds as beautiful as it looks. Your guitar will be the standard I use to evaluate any other guitars I may play in the future. You got it right! The success of this guitar could only be limited by the level of promotion and advertising it receives. I’m a customer for life.
Really a first class service…
“Watching the video was as opening my presents before Christmas. But my Entrada is at home now and works very well. It is very light (2,8 kg) for long gig or rehearsals even longer, and it changes me from my big Gibsons that tire me. From Wes to Santana, a must. Thank you to the whole team and to Mr Robert Conti spending time for me. It’s really a First Class Service.” -Michel Le Gac – Grasse, France
It’s very pleasant to play!
“Hello Mr. Conti and a big thank you for this video presentation, it’s very nice of you. I get the guitar after tomorrow and you will share my impression of receipt. My son who resides in the USA (SF) arrives at home on Wednesday and will be able to translate me to the best your video or I only understood “Philippe” “Hello and thank you”: o)))))) Guitar well received and very well packaged ~ Thank you ~ The box was in good condition ? First impression, the potentiometers I like a lot, they are very pleasant to use. Normally, I would do the adjustment of the harmonics but apparently the bridge did not move because the strings have maintained the whole. ? The guitar is very good I am satisfied. I am even surprised by the height of the string E at the fret 12 which does not buzz. It’s
Fretboard action is silky smooth
This “Heirloom” is quite simply one exquisite modern jazz guitar & I am absolutely delighted with it. Out of the box, having shipped several thousand miles, a slight tweak of the G string tuning was all that was needed as the set up by your guy is perfection. What was quite unexpected however, given the relatively thin body depth, was this instrument’s beautiful acoustic sound — it truly ” sings” with a perfect Jazz voicing. Harmonics ring clear at every harmonic fret & again surprise, given the 24 frets fingerboard, the 23rd & 24th frets rang clear & true across all strings. Fretboard action is silky smooth — I am no “Tal Farlow” & have relatively small hands & fingers but to my delight, I was able to make the “Johnny Smith” 5 fret stretches on the opening chords of “Moonlight in Vermont” seamlessly — something I have always found
Looks and value impressed a top professional
“The Conti Entrada is my first electric guitar. My 20 year old Martin acoustic is now gathering dust. The looks and value impressed a top professional, and it’s fun to play!” -Dale Polewach – Loudon, TN (pictured with his Knoxville based group, “The Jazz Suspects”)
Robert “Bobby” DiNardo
“Robert, Thank so much for your video and the kind words! The Entrada is a beautiful instrument that sounds and looks GREAT!! You have great taste. You have touched all the bases with this guitar. I uploaded a song I hope you’ll enjoy. I will try to get a pic as soon as I can. Remember, I’m over 80 yrs old and I don’t have the chops I used to have. I still have fun though. You have certainly come a long way from shining shoes and becoming a fine musician. If I was in any way an inspiration to you, I’m really flattered. I wish continued success to you. It’s great to see a fellow musician doing so well. God bless and keep in touch.” About Bobby DiNardo In many past decades, the city of Philadelphia has produced a huge and very well documented body of notable virtuoso guitarists.
Plays and sounds as good as it looks
Robert and crew, I received my Conti Entrada archtop jazz guitar yesterday. My father, who is retired, kindly stayed at my house to receive the guitar from FedEx while I was at work. Just as I was leaving the office I got a call from Mike to make sure I received the guitar okay. The customer service with this crew is outstanding. There is nothing I can say about the guitar that hasn’t been said already. It is absolutely gorgeous and it plays and sounds as good as it looks. I didn’t want to put it down last night but I needed at least a few hours of sleep before going to work the next day. I can’t wait to get home from work so I can play it some more! It’s so much fun to finally play jazz on a proper jazz guitar. Pure joy. The guitar introduction video
It is a dream to play…
“I really love this new guitar, it is a dream to play, the ebony fret board is so smooth and the low action really helps me when playing some of the harder piano style voicings built in thirds. I love the gold hardware with the sunburst effect, combined with the dark ebony fret board, it looks so classy. I’m destined for beautiful jazz when playing this amazing Conti guitar. I took it to the local technician to adjust the action slightly due to a little bit of fret buzz, caused by the long journey here. When I collected it, we were right next to the beach so we took a photo of the guitar here in the middle of the English summer. I then put it back in the case, and went home. I have been playing this guitar, and ONLY this guitar ever since. Thank you so much for
Playing melody is a dream – the instrument really sings
“My playing technique is adapting to the Entrada (finger style a la ” Chet ” with a “Fred Kelly BumbleBee Thumb Pick”) – it seems it’s all about the ‘very light touch’ on this instrument. Playing melody is a dream – the instrument really sings – the pitches have a beautiful natural sustain (actually a glow) – very piano-like. Harmonics are crystal clear. Four voice chords remain in tune in the upper region of the neck (beyond the 12th fret). So far I’m just playing it as an unplugged acoustic – which works very nicely for me. I’m also working with it in combination with my Taylor nylon acoustic. Much appreciation to Robert Conti for producing a great guitar and excellent learning products. Also, a shout out to his customer service staff – Steve and Mike – for communications and customer support!” –Kenneth Babb – Brooklyn, NY
Teacher and Student Entrada Pair
“I bought my Entrada and I was nervous about buying on line without playing the guitar. I saw Robert Conti playing the guitar and listened to the sound and was very impressed. I felt that he would not sell a guitar with his name on it if it was not a great guitar. So when it came I played it in my studio and realized that the neck was very fast and it took very little effort to play. The over all sound was beautiful and in particular the highs were amazing, lots of sustain. I played it on a solo gig and it was great and then with my trio, guitar, bass and drums, and it was perfect. I love my new Entrada and for me it is perfect. Thank you Mr. Conti!” -Rich Hurdle – Bend, OR (The Teacher, left) “Loving it!” -Brendan Leary – Bend, OR (The
Voicemail from Paul McCormick
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