Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
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
Conti Entrada is the right guitar
I’m 65 and have been playing guitar for 55 years. I started with Rock/Blues and moved to classical guitar. After 35 years in classical I began 10 years of Bluegrass Flatpicking all the while watching, listening and dabbling in Jazz Guitar. I was really turned on watching Pat Martino on several occasions at the Bottom Line in NYC in the 70’s and also was a regular at Gulliver’s Monday Night Jazz Guitar in West Paterson, NJ also in the 70’s. I don’t know why it took me this long to realize Jazz has always been my true love! I now think it’s time to really apply myself in Jazz and I believe Robert Conti is the right person to help me. I have about 15 guitars and I’m sure the Conti Entrada is the right guitar to begin my Jazz Guitar Journey, I’m sure it will not be my last
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 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 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 costing 3-4
Exceeds my expectations!
I recently purchased a Conti Entrada and have received nothing but compliments on the guitar. I play it out every weekend it always meets and exceeds my expectations! Mark Lansaw – Franklin, OH
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 comfortable, 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
I’ve not put it down since I got it
My name is James Dawson. I’ve been playing for over 50 years. Studied with Hank Mackie, Jimmy Foster, (who also built me 7 seven string guitars” They are unreal.) Emily Remler, and several more wonderful teachers. I’ve looked for one and could not find one. Long story short, mike called me back and they had found one “RUBY RED”. It looks like I could have gotten the last one that could be made. I do setups for a good many players in town. NEVER have I got a guitar in the mail that I didn’t have to reface some frets, etc.. This guitar came perfect. 4/64 on 12 fret and perfect. It has one of the very best feeling necks I’ve ever felt. Has a ebony fingerboard with a flat radius. The neck is very smooth and plays very fast. I’ve waited to write so I can really give you
Fit and finish is incredible
My new Robert Conti guitar is so well balanced it is a pleasure to work with. The fit and finish is incredible, the set-up that was done prior to shipping is right on. The comfort of the size, playability and weight is a joy to work with. It has now become my go to guitar regardless of the type of affair I am working. A very important aspect is that I do not get any feedback from the guitar regardless at the volume I’m working with. This guitar rivals any high priced archtops on the market today. Bob Staszak – Mount Laurel, NJ
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
The Perfect Dream Guitar
Response to Pre-Ship Video: Thank you very much for this personal and detailed courtesy video! This is certainly the best customer experience I ever had! I was extremely excited and enjoyed listening to your playing. I almost felt bad taking the guitar away from you 🙂 I also enjoyed listening to all the details you provided. Your devotion, patience, and attention to details are admirable! The experience and passion that you present makes me positive that I’ll get the very best. I’m confident it will arrive safely. And I promise to update when it does arrive. Also, I wanted to thank your crew for their devotion. In particular, the technician for taking care to set up the guitar, and also Steve and Ann for helping me answer all the questions I had with great patience. Thank you! I wish you all good health, happiness, and all the best of everything
A Happy Owner
Nancy Powers from Jacksonville, FL shares a photo of herself with her new Conti Entrada Archtop Jazz Guitar
Great neck, incredible action!!
Here is a picture of the newest guitars for my collection. I can’t say enough about these two guitars, but let me say a few things. First of all, I have always wanted an Entrada with two pickups, and when this one became available, I had to have it. It plays like a dream guitar. Great neck, incredible action!! The Kent Armstrong pickups are very responsive and create a very warm sound responding to this body. The color of this guitar is amazing. I do not have this color on any of the guitars in my collection. This guitar is perfectly balanced and the gold hardware completes the package. My bandmates love the look and sound of this guitar and I couldn’t agree more. Now onto the solid body version. I had heard months ago that there might be a solid body Conti in the works, and when I received
Will become one of my favorite axes
The guitar arrived perfectly. In a first inspection there was a couple of notes that had a buzz in the fret, but it is already solved. My impressions: The design of the guitar is very nice. The combination of the black color with the gold pickups makes it look elegant and distinguished. It is comfortable to play and well balanced. The single cut shape makes all 24 frets accessible. The neck is excellent. As Robert Conti said in the video it is the same as that of Equity. It is one of the best necks I have ever played. Very low action and a flat fingerboard makes it a butter to play. The body of the guitar is very nice. It looks small but not as small as a Les Paul. As the whole body is mahogany, without a maple top, I think it influences (along with the pickups) that
Each note is tuned to perfection!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtlQRwpDaFs August 6, 2021 – Comments on Solid Body Prototype “This solid body guitar maintains the nuances of the archtop sound of the Heirloom and Entrada models. It sounds just as good or even better, I would say! Many other guitars with a similar output may cost a few thousand more dollars online or in guitar stores, but I can tell that this guitar is unique; it has been carefully crafted in both exterior design and pickup capabilities to optimize playability and the bright bell sounds of jazz. The high end sounds fantastic! The exterior design is marvelous as well, and I’m sure this will serve as my primary guitar for shows for the rest of my career. Thanks for everything that went into constructing this masterpiece! “ September 29, 2019 – Comments on Heirloom: “Thank you so much Mr. Conti. I am very excited to start practicing with this
Nothing short of beautiful…
Received my new Entrada. Arrived safe and sound thanks to the great packaging. After opening, it was nothing short of beautiful. The action height, intonation & the neck was straight as an arrow. Bob and his crew do an unbelievable job on getting the instrument into your hands. Needless to say I was quite anxious to put it to work. I got the chance this weekend to do that with our group. I’m extremely pleased in how it worked out. While working I was not the only one impressed with the guitar. Some other guitarists happened to be there and they were wowed at its sound and beauty. Everyone wanted to know where I got it. But a word about Bob in that he actually plays it before shipping it out. He then sends a video of your guitar being played by him. That is no different than going yourself
Louis LaPaitra Jr Comments On His Entrada
Click Read More to watch a video from Louis as he comments on and performs with his new Conti Entrada archtop guitar!
Radiates that elusive jazz tone
Two thumbs up for Robert and his entire team! I just got this beautiful Entrada and have been floating up on Cloud 9 ever since I first touched it. The sound is simply amazing. It radiates that elusive jazz tone that one can spend years trying to find or create. Right out of the box the action was setup perfectly and required only a slight tuning of the strings. The neck of this guitar is slender and fits nicely in the hand from the bottom to the top of the fretboard. I agree with Robert when he says it “plays like butter”. I also like the balance between the headstock and the body so with or without the strap it doesn’t want to tip up or down. The entire experience from ordering to receiving this guitar has been great fun. Thanks again Robert, Steve and Mike! Dave Durward – Surrey,
My Conti Equity goes on every gig
My 2012 Conti Equity in Blonde is right at the top of my favorite guitars of all time . . . and I’ve owned them all in 50+ years of professional playing. The fit and finish is exquisite, with action that provides just the right amount of “bounce” off the strings to make it a dream to play. As someone who plays barehand fingerstyle, two big features that my Conti shines at are pickup response and string spread in the right hand. The pickups have just the right amount of thump in the bass while giving me a smooth top end that is easy on the ears. String spread for right hand placement is perfect for a normal adult hand. I don’t have to be conscious of where my fingers are naturally laying. And with the single pickup I prefer, it nudges me to use the full range of the
The Do It ALL Guitar!
“I’ve been playing professionally for over 30 years now, 20 of those as a Navy musician. In all my years of playing, I’ve longed for that one guitar that could cover numerous styles of music, and this is IT! This guitar can cover jazz, blues, rock, pop, country, you name it….. from a quaint solo/duo setting, a small jazz combo, to a blistering rock band, all the way to full big band playing Freddie Green style, this guitar can cover it all. Not only is this guitar versatile, but it looks and sounds amazing, and plays itself! That’s because this Conti Heirloom is made with the finest woods and electronics available today, the craftsmanship in the build is second to none, and they have a professional luthier that sets it up perfectly before it goes out the door. Then as one last step of quality control, and this is the