Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
Looks and feels great
Yes, ‘Bob’ arrived Friday, nice! Loved the intro video, thank Robert for us. My wife Claire watched it with me, and was impressed with his passion for music, the instruments, and the people. Guitar looks and feels great. The nice grain on the top looks like a spruce cap, is that the case? Also, I have to report a dissatisfaction in playability. I don’t know if the guitar could be faulty? I find in life that effort is usually rewarded, however, when I play I don’t seem to be making any effort, but still the sound comes out, I don’t understand 😉 Will contact next week, with photo to follow. Steven Essery – Umina Beach, Australia
Everything I could want out of a guitar…
“Whilst I am very much a late starter and a beginner with guitars I have very rapidly come to love the quality and feel of a guitar. Therefore although still learning to play and gain a limited amount of skill I am fortunate to have a few good guitars so I cannot ever blame the tools I am using. My new Entrada has everything I could want out of a guitar, quality, looks, it exudes passion and musicality – I just hope that it can turn me into something similar!! The Entrada is the first guitar which has sounded like a jazz guitar from the very first touch. Love it! It plays and feels just right, lovely action, smooth and proportioned neck makes it easy to get the fingering positions. Thank you (Mike), and obviously Robert Conti as well, for my personalised video showing my new guitar. It was great
Everything I had been looking for
After receiving his personalized pre-ship video Robert, I continue to be blown away by your organization each time we interact. I recall a few years back when I called your company with a couple of questions and YOU answered the phone and we chatted for 15 – 20 minutes. That was very gracious of you and something I knew I would never forget. Well, you have taken things even further with this video. You define personalization and customer service and so many businesses should sit up and see how you do things…we would all be better off for it. Thank you so much. Yes it has been a few years since we did some business together. And I am grateful that you never took me off your mailing list. The email a couple days ago with the Entrada offer hit me just at the right time. You see, I own
Super sweet machine…
“My Conti Equity is a super sweet machine. It’s kinda like a Byrdland with one pickup. Being a big old guy, the big boxes, though I have several, are sometimes uncomfortable. This fits much better. And at 17″, with great wood (I might add) it doesn’t sound bad at all acoustic. Too bad an American equivalent would probably cost around $5,000.00 or more.” -Lou Cicconi – Odessa, NY
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
Better than my $7,000 Benedetto
All is good! It arrived in great condition…I am very pleased! This feels and plays better than my $7,000.00 Benedetto!!!!! Sam Russo – Brooksville, FL
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ron Demone – Calgary, Canada
While on his way to visit family nearby, Ron Demone of Calgary, Canada receives a very special delivery of his new Conti Entrada 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
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
Will see many hours of playing…
Meet Vince Lewis, A Pro Player Extraordinaire! Growing up working in Music retail, I had the opportunity to play every major brand of guitar over several years. The experiences ordering, setting up and selling guitars from student through professional levels gave me a great appreciation for customer service as well as design and quality. From the initial contact with the folks at Conti Guitars, through the delivery date there was steady communication in regard to any delays and questions I had in regard to my purchase. I definitely felt that I had joined a new family of musicians and quality friends that will last a lifetime as will the guitar itself. When the guitar arrived, it is the first instrument that I ever felt comfortable taking out on a professional gig the next day without needing to adjust anything about it. The fretwork and action met my discriminating eye and
The guitar workmanship is exceptional…
Purchase Experience I first inquired about an Entrada guitar on the website Chat line and received quick responses from Steve. We then dialogued by Email until a guitar become available with my options a few weeks later. I paid for the guitar before shipping via PayPal – no hassles. Robert Conti did a final quality assurance check in a personal video “demoing” my guitar. This is not just a gimmick. It is very unique & informative, and great insurance protection in case of any in-transit damage or loss. The guitar arrived at my doorstep in London, Canada on October 1, 2022, less than one week after shipping via FedEx ground transportation (3,000 km). The packaging was secure, including a soft cover case, and the guitar arrived intact in excellent appearance and working condition. I am now allowing time for wood settling in a new environment (Fall weather, 50% humidity, temperature
Ed Benson Acquires His 2nd Conti Guitar
The Entrada is visually stunning. Plays like a dream. Action is low and perfect. No buzzes. -Ed Benson – Savannah, Georgia USA
Sounds as beautiful as it looks
I purchased an Entrada archtop jazz guitar from Robert Conti and it sounds as beautiful as it looks. I have been attempting to play jazz guitar for many years. I had excellent teachers, learned theory and chord melody. I would practice all the time and never feel comfortable playing or learning how to improvise. Then I found Robert on the internet and in just a couple of months I am shocked at how much I improved. His simple, straight forward method has helped open a whole new world of guitar playing for me. Just like many of his other students, I regret not studying with him years ago, but I’m here now and I’m getting better every day. -Fred Kofler – Boynton Beach, Florida USA
Magnificent jazz box…
Surprise, surprise. Miss Entrada showed up this evening. Wow! What an absolutely beautiful instrument. I am absolutely stunned at how beautiful this guitar is. But more than that, the strings are perfectly matched for a balance in tonal quality that you could only imagine. It’s lightweight makes it a dream to handle. I own a Fender Starcaster, it’s too heavy and doesn’t give me the sound I’m looking for. I saw and purchased a Washburn J7. It’s thick but the strings and action leaves something to be desired. The thick neck put stress on my finger/joints and you have to manhandle it. The Conti Entrada is a petite lady, beautiful visually and tonally. She’s going to get the best out of me. I think I’m in love. I could not be happier with the performance of this magnificent jazz box. The action and playability is unmatched. I got mine, better
The guitar I’ve been searching for!
I’m loving everything about my new Entrada. This is the guitar I’ve been searching for! Guitar arrived in immaculate condition. Action, feel and finish and the weight are perfect. I can’t wait to play it through my Henriksen amp later tonight. The video was way cool. Thank you Mike, Bob, and the entire team. You folks are a class act. Doug Coppess – Brookville, OH
Plays like butter…
This is the finest guitar I have ever owned or played. It was built in 2011 but it looks like it could have built yesterday. I have played this at home and publicly many times and it plays like butter. Thank you Robert Conti for the quality you keep maintaining. -Dave Richardson – Maud, TX
Look No Further
I received my Entrada the other day and have to say this is one beautiful guitar, sounds great, looks great and plays like butter. Anyone looking for a great archtop at a fantastic price, look no further than a Conti Guitar. Great people to deal with, thank you. -Alan Keish – Vero Beach, FL USA
Wish I had discovered this guitar way back when…
I recently bought an absolutely stunning Conti Heirloom! I’ve been playing guitar for about 25 years. Like most guitarists, I’ve owned, sold and traded my share of guitars in an effort to find the most perfect fit. None have felt as smooth and easy to play as the Conti Heirloom. For me, the most important aspect of a guitar is the feel and intonation. The Heirloom action is surprisingly low, the neck shape is very comfortable (not too fat, not too narrow) and the intonation is stellar no matter where I am on the neck. I only wish I had discovered this guitar way back when. It would have saved years of trial and error trying to find the perfect fit. -Ian Leyland – Vancouver, Canada
Finest guitar I have ever played…
I took delivery of my sunburst Entrada with gold finger tailpiece about a week ago. From the day I ordered to the day I sat and watched Robert playing my guitar to it in my hands was five business days. Packing and shipping we’re phenomenal as the Guitar was heavily padded and packed better than any guitar I have ordered online before. Fit and finish is outstanding with details like triple binding. And fret work that is simply perfect. The action on my guitar was perfectly set to low action and the thing is a joy to play. I had a ES -125 TDC as a kid that I called the “pencil neck” and now at 65 years of age I know that my Conti Archtop Entrada is every bit as good or better than my 125! The point where the neck joins the body is as smooth as glass