Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Please enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
Note: Items dated before October 2016 refer to the 1st generation Conti Guitar.
Dave Illig – Houston, TX
“Right out of the box the Entrada played perfectly. Low action with great tone. I am extremely impressed with the quality of the guitar. The ebony fret board is made with a very high quality piece of ebony, the grain is incredibly tight. I am very surprised that the bridge, tail piece, tuning knobs and even the nut cover are all ebony. I’ve seen guitars that cost three times as much as this one that don’t have that level of high quality accouterments. The machine heads are very smooth and have a very high gear ratio which allows for precise tuning. The playability and rich tone far exceeded my expectations. I have no idea how Mr. Conti can produce a guitar of this quality at such a reasonable price.” -Dave Illig – Houston TX
Joe Basebase – Las Vegas, NV
I’ve had too many guitars in my lifetime but the Entrada I recently bought is outstanding. I love playing it and it has killer action with a beautiful jazz tone. Does not rattle anywhere which is unusual. It is very acoustically live unplugged and has a killer tone through my AER. The thin body is very comfortable to hold sitting or standing and is lightweight. I must thank Bob and his staff for excellent service. I really love this guitar. Thanks again. mahalo!
Lucas Costner – Nashville, TN
“A great guitar I will enjoy for many years! Packed well and played great straight out of the box!”
Knew I had to have another…
“After purchasing my Ruby Red “Conti Salita” model guitar in May of 2017, it was obvious I had finally found the perfect Jazz guitar for me. I never wanted to be without it and I knew I had to have another. I wondered that if I was so impressed with the mid-priced Salita model, what would the top of the line Heirloom model be like? So I ordered one and I am SO glad I did! My new Antique Sunburst “Conti Heirloom” model guitar exceeds all expectations for a pro level Jazz guitar! The superior build quality and attention to detail is second to none. The finish is stunning, but most of all, it plays like an absolute dream and sounds fantastic! It arrived perfectly set up with super low action, so all I had to do was tune it and play. Since the Salita model I previously purchased and
Amy Ferman – Cambridge, MN
“Just thought I would let you know that I love my new guitar!! I will send you a photo and hopefully also a video. It plays perfectly right out of the box. I have been getting acquainted with her for the last couple of hours. 🙂 And thank you so much for the tuner and the awesome customer service. I loved the video!” – Amy Ferman, Cambridge, MN
Love the neck and fingerboard
Just wanted to let y’all know that the guitar arrived. It didn’t get here until almost 8pm last night as my wife and I were on our way out to visit friends. We got home around 1am. That is when I opened up the box. The guitar made the trip fine. I could not put the guitar down and didn’t get to bed until 2am. It is amazing. The Conti Entrada is the most solid hollow body guitar I have ever played! I’m not a tech or a luthier so I don’t know the answer as to why it feels so good in my hands but it does. I love the neck and the fingerboard. I am able to execute runs and passages with more speed and more articulately than any of my other guitars. The sustain is incredible both acoustically (when I practice) and when plugged in. I run
Dr. Paul Vinger – Walnut, CA
“The Salita guitar I received is beautiful, great-sounding, and easy to play—but it never will be played as well as by Robert Conti in the video he made, and sent me, testing the guitar before it was shipped. The care and expertise that went into making it is obvious—thanks to Mike and the crew for a great job. It is a rare treat to have true professionals share what they know and produce in such an outgoing, caring, and sincere manner. I appreciate the teaching enthusiasm and skill Robert Conti has shared with me over the years. I primarily play the piano and have learned a great deal about harmony and music lines from him. Robert’s desire—and skill—at presenting his ideas and philosophy in a clear and entertaining manner is inspiring.”
Plays as smooth as glass.
Photo with my new Heirloom model! Looking forward to trying this beauty on a gig. The sound acoustically is wonderful and it plays as smooth as glass. Hoping to send a video soon. Best Regards, Bob Roetker http://www.bobroetker.com/
Mark Wilson – New Zealand
The CONTI has landed!!! I’m very impressed. Stunning, light, the action is fast and no work will be done at my place for at least 6 months! Time to get this beast under my fingers. Thanks again Robert Conti, Mike and all staff who had an input into this great axe.
Steve Moore – Marietta, GA
My Conti guitar (natural blonde Heirloom) came this weekend and it gorgeous! It pretty, very “fast” to play with, and surprisingly super light weight as well. Your service and follow up was excellent and noticeable how much attention you place on detail. I’ll enjoy it and am looking forward to the upcoming NEW learning materials you have planned!
Finest guitar I have ever owned, period!
“The new Conti Salita model is truly an amazing guitar! I should know as I am now the lucky owner of the exact guitar Mr. Conti is playing in the new Salita video demo. Thanks to Mr. Conti and Mike in the sales office for making this possible. I received the guitar on the date scheduled in excellent condition. I was in total awe when I pulled it from the deluxe gig bag. The new Conti Gold Finger tailpiece upgrade was worth every penny as this guitar is drop dead gorgeous! It was set-up perfectly. All I had to do was tweak the tuning and play. The thin lightweight body resonates surprisingly well and the ebony fingerboard and slim neck makes playing this guitar almost effortless. Suddenly those difficult jazz chord grips were now easy. In my 38 years of playing guitar professionally, and having owned over 200 guitars, some
Jack Pezanelli – Berklee College of Music
Spectacular guitar, something I’ve been looking for for a long time. All solid wood, attention to detail is top notch. If I were to design a guitar for myself, it would be a lot like this. Very stable, highly recommended! -Jack Pezanelli Professor, Guitar, Berklee College Of Music
Price is entry level – rest is pure professional
The guitar is great! I especially like the Ebony fingerboard and the 24 fret features. As we have discussed, I am impressed with all its features — they belie the title “entry level jazz guitar.” If anything, the price is entry level – the rest is pure professional. It came perfectly intonated. And its sound and playability rivals that of another guitar I own which cost $6,000! I have already put 4 videos of me with it on Youtube. I also appreciate the DVDs and strings you sent. Again, much thanks from me and I wish you all the best! -Randy Daniels – Gainesville, GA
Good resonance and sustain even unplugged
When my guitar arrived, it was extremely well-packed and arrived on time. The first thing I noticed when I opened the case—after the amazing color and finish top—was that the guitar was set up perfectly. The body vibrated and provided good resonance and sustain even unplugged. These are really great guitars, especially considering how affordable they are. When I played uninterrupted for an hour I didn’t experience any of the fret-hand fatigue I often encounter on a this kind of archtop. Excellent playability and sound, by the way I’ve received a specialized video made for me about the guitar and how it plays -now that’s what I call excellent customer service. I have owned many guitars, some 10 times more than what I paid for this guitar, but this one is a very special guitar, looking forward to take it on the road and studio. Plays like a dream, and
My Heirloom…By Far The Finest
Owned many guitars since I started playing in 1972. My new blonde Conti Heirloom is by far the finest. -David Leaptrott, Winder, GA
Tested 15 other guitars
Just received my Heirloom guitar in Ruby Red. First, I have never purchased a guitar that I haven’t played before purchase. The Conti guitar met and exceeded my expectations! The neck is superb, the fit and finish are top notch. This is the quality you get when the Kwisatz Haderach of guitarists specs an instrument. I tested about 15 other guitars and Robert’s blew the others away! I tried a Gator case and the fit was off the Epiphone 335 case did the trick. – Jerry Bloch – Coconut Creek, FL
Very deep sound even unplugged
Glad to tell you, I received my Conti’s Guitar this morning and I played the instrument right out of the box to see if everything was OK and all is perfect: an amazing instrument, light weight, easy to play, a very deep sound even unplugged. It has a very good sound and no fret buzz… and so, I am happy to receive this as a “gift from the travel gods!” I am proud to own this Conti Guitar which offers a such value for money. Having played classical guitar for many years, I discovered the world of the Jazz through Conti’s videos and now the pleasure to play on his guitar. MERCI and BRAVO to this great teacher Monsieur Conti and his N°1 team!
My Second Conti Guitar…Fantastic Instrument
Norway Calling, again! I bought my second Conti Guitar! New Blonde, fantastic instrument. I got my first in 2009. Since then, the Conti Guitar became my main guitar. The new one is just as lovely as the first. They each have their character in sound. I highly recommend this instrument. I also have the pleasure of owning a Henriksen Jazz Amp. This amp works very well with this guitar. Recommend it highly. What is so good with the guitar? Well, it is incredibly easy to play. It has a lovely sound, not to mention quality from top to toe. It has a reverberation that is amazing. Intonation and mechanics is certainly on par with everything else of top quality. My Gibson ES-175 has not been in use since 2009. My first Conti Guitar has just gotten better and better. The timber does not crack, and the neck and body are
Amazed at the action and playability
I am amazed that the action and playability of my new Conti Guitar is what it is. It is so much fun to play, I can’t put it down. When a guitar is easy to play, it encourages you to play more! It amazes me the value. I have spent a lot more money for guitars, and they did not play as well as my Conti. Thanks Robert for a great value!
The sound — “music to my ears!”
Dear Mike, Ann, and Mr. Conti: Thank you so much for your wonderful products and service. I am in receipt of the beautiful Ruby Red, and am thrilled with it. I admit that I had anxiety about buying a guitar without first trying it out. A guitar is a major purchase for my budget, and I was fearful of contracting a case of the blues — buyer’s blues. My wife thought me crazy to worry about buying something from Robert Conti. She knows first-hand how many hours, days, years (Yikes! Time does fly when you’re having fun!) of education and entertainment your products have given me. Ruby arrived safe and sound. It is as gorgeous to behold as it is comfortable to hold. And the sound — “music to my ears!” I wish to thank Ann and Mike for their excellent customer service and kindness. Also, thank you so much
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
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
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
The Best Guitars In The World!
“I want to thank Robert Conti for his excellent products! The guitars (I have 3! 2 Equity Models and now an Entrada) amps(I have a Henriksen) and the educational materials! I brought my Equity models to a well known guitar technician in Southern California and he said, “I’ve never worked on finer guitars!!. He sets up guitars for all the studio pros in LA. My Entrada came out of the box and played perfectly, as did the 2 Equity models. I have all Conti’s educational materials and am looking forward to more. Thanks again!” -Dr. Gary Smith – Somis, California
My gorgeous Heirloom..She’ll be my last
“You gave me lessons on the Gibson, my first guitar. Now fifty years later, I’m playing my gorgeous Heirloom. She’ll be my last. Always save the best for last….right? As you performed the Classics on the video, I knew this would be my last guitar. She’s even better than I expected! Every aspect of the guitar is exactly how it is described on your web site. Believe me folks, you will not find any guitar with the craftsmanship, precision and quality as the Heirloom for this affordable price. I am so pleased that I made the purchase! Could have spent 3x the amount and would’ve gotten much less. I opted for the gold finger tail piece and the gold knobs. You know you like it…I can’t put her down! Bob, thank you and your team for taking care of an old friend/student. You’re the best guitarist on the planet! Love
Nothing feels like an Ebony fingerboard…
I ordered 2 Entradas. These guys really make buying a guitar fun. They are eager to speak with you, answer your questions, and always get back to you if they have to check something out. Feels like you’re buying a guitar from an old friend. One Entrada was dead perfect right out of the box. Even in perfect tune!! It still has barely gone out of tune. The other needed a bit of tweaking to get it the way I like it, but nothing major. The surprising thing is that both of these played like butter right out of the box. It has what I would call Jazz Lights on it (11’s) but it feels more like it has 8’s or 9’s on it! The neck is THAT fast! And of course, nothing feels like an Ebony fingerboard, except an Ebony fingerboard. All in all, a most enjoyable experience. It’s
Feels like an old friend right away
““Wow, what a beautiful guitar”, was my first reaction when I unzipped the case. The bound ebony neck with inlaid fret markers, the gorgeous ruby red body, and…I always wanted a guitar with a Florentine cut-away. My wife soon commented, “Well, aren’t you going to play it?” The thin-line body and overall balance made it feel like an old friend right away. When I plugged it in the great jazz tone I had been trying unsuccessfully to coax out of my GS came quite naturally from the Entrada. I soon went back to “Ticket to Improv, Volume 1” and found my fingers were moving over the fingerboard with greater ease then before. But then, I did see Robert Conti put some mojo on it before it headed my way! All the best, John Martin – Modesto, CA
Terry Gillen – Tring, UK
Even though I own a Conti Equity archtop, I couldn’t resist the temptation to buy a honey blond Heirloom. Recognising an anxious customer, Mike ‘held my hand’ through the purchase and import process and FedEx did an excellent delivery job. As for the guitar, what can I say that hasn’t already been said by other ecstatic customers? It is visually stunning, the build quality is impeccable, the playing ‘feel’ is excellent (size and balance of the guitar, neck dimensions, profile and fretboard radius – how did you guys get it so ‘right’?) the set-up is spot on, even after a journey of several thousand miles, and the sound is crystal clear everywhere on the fretboard. The name Heirloom is apt because that is what it will become. It is a truly lovely guitar and, at this price, even after paying to import it, it’s a bargain. My sincere thanks to everyone.
Steve Negri – Summerville, SC
This year I gave myself a truly fine gift for my birthday. Witness my Ruby Red Conti Heirloom Guitar. It is the finest instrument I have ever owned, including a Gibson Gold Top Les Paul, a Gibson ES355TD, a Martin Classic O model, and a Johnny Smith model Gibson to name a few. The action is unsurpassed and the tone is mellow and superb. Such a pleasure to play and hear. Thus have I satiated my guitar lust for years to come. If I live another seventy-three years I may become its equal.