Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments

Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world. 

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!!

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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

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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

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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!

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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!

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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. 🙂

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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..

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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!!!

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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!

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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.

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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David Hall with Conti Heirloom Archtop

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

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Dale Polewach with his Conti Entrada Archtop

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”)

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Robert DiNardo with new Conti Entrada Archtop Guitar

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.

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James Hopkins on the beach with his new Sunburst Conti Entrada Archtop Guitar

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

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Chris Shearer plays his Conti Entrada Archtop Jazz Guitar

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

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Photo of Kenneth Babb with his Conti Entrada Archtop Jazz Guitar

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

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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

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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

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