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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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!!
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
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
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!
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!
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. 🙂
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..
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!!!
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!
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.
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
Other guitars are now on probation…
“Case closed, this is the guitar of the future. The appointments far exceed all my expectations and make all of my studies pertaining to jazz guitar a monumental pleasure. Many bell-like tones, bone nut, perfect neck, solid woods. All my other guitars are now on probation. Once you get your hands on a “Conti/Equity” guitar, there is no turning back.” -Toby Tobias – Kingston, NY
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
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
Voicemail from Paul McCormick
Please click “Read More” to hear Paul’s voicemail.
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
Donald Grass – Beaumont, CA
Second Conti Guitar The Entrada just walked in the door! What a Beauty!! Mike, your the Best! Thank you, very much, for the care and handling it took to get it here. Very grateful to all involved. It’s a pleasure doing business with a first-rate outfit. Mr. Conti, thank you for taking the time to review my guitar. Your attention to detail is a hallmark of your playing and your business. Mr. Conti, Mike, et all, Good Luck and Good Health to you and your families. Very much appreciate it!! First Conti Guitar To all at RobertConti.com: What a pleasure it is doing business with a first class organization such as yours! From the initial contact to the final arrival (right on time!) of your beautiful instrument – the whole process has been flawless. The guitar is a work of art – fine craftsmanship. Tough to describe, like owning a
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
Already taken part in a jam session
I’m very happy to confirm that my Entrada arrived here in the UK yesterday afternoon and has already taken part in a jam session (this morning) with my fellow villager and guitarist friend Davey McCormack playing his new Conti Heirloom! I am really thrilled with the guitar and look forward to many hours of pure pleasure playing it. Can I also say how impressed I’ve been with all aspects of the buying process from the online chat with Steve and yourself before ordering; the personal video message from Robert himself; the incredibly fast order to delivery time (I placed my order on the 14th December and received my guitar on the 20th); and the follow up phone call from yourself this evening. I don’t think I have ever experienced such attentive service from any other company. In short – I am one very satisfied customer! Bob Burrell – Oxon, United
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