Conti Guitar Worldwide Owner Comments
Enjoy this sampling of photos and commentaries from owners of Conti Guitars around the world.
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
Hadley Jones – Forster, Australia
Hi, Steve. I’d like to thank you again for your assistance. In all respects, this is far and away the most satisfying guitar that I have owned! Hadley Jones – Forster, Australia
More I play it, better I love it!
“Here is a picture of me with my new Conti Entrada. I have a 1951 Sunburst Gibson ES-175 I bought used around 1960 and a Blond Epiphone Emperor II Joe Pass model guitar I bought used in 2008. Buying an instrument sight unseen, is a daunting proposition. However, I must say that this guitar is everything you said it was. The action is perfect! The more I play it, the better I love it! I am still pleasantly surprised by how great the action is as I move up the neck. I kind of subconsciously expect more resistance with chords in the upper registers, and have to smile whenever I play chords in that area. It has such a great feel and very easy to play the way it is set up. Thanks much for Bob’s personalized video playing my guitar. It makes me feel like part of the family!
Nothing better than a guitar designed by a player
The Road To Canada Is Paved With A Conti Heirloom! Having enjoyed his Conti Entrada archtop for the past year and a half, Tony considered acquiring a second Conti Guitar, and he had his eye on our top of the line Heirloom model, featuring solid spruce top with solid maple back and sides. During a recent one-on-one video session with Robert, Tony (a resident of Las Vegas) learned that we were now down to our last Heirloom in stock, along with the likely possibility of no new inventory for at least 6 months. Without hesitation, he asked if we could have that last Heirloom ready for him to pick up, on an upcoming trip to his second home in Canada. As indicated by the photo, Tony made a pit stop in East Idaho to take delivery of his gorgeous Ruby Red Heirloom featuring the exquisite gold finger tailpiece – thus becoming a
Happy I chose a Conti Guitar. . .
What a treat! Please thank Robert for me. Never expected he would take 28 minutes of his time to personally play my guitar and explain why he is so proud of them. Says a lot about the instrument but more about the man. I’m happy I chose a Conti Guitar and am confident it will be every bit what Robert says it will be. PS- his song selection was spot on for me and his playing inspiring. The video will remain a valued keepsake- thanks again. -Mark Murret – Kenner, LA USA
Fr Ron Parker – Bryn Mawr, PA
“Like most professional guitarists, I have had a collection of fine guitars. Doing studio work in the 60s and 70s, I would sometimes go to the studio with five guitars: an arch top, flat top, acoustical, and solid bodies. One time I was evicted from an elevator on 56th street in New York – embarrassment! But now I have the guitar that does it all and sounds good playing jazz and rock. The Entrada fits with today’s sounds, the action is good and it fits under my coat. This is the guitar I have been waiting for. It’s got Moxi! I have been playing and teaching guitar professionally for at least 60 years. I was a studio guitarist for three hit shows. Sweet Charity, and Promises, Promises, played jazz guitar for Chico Hamilton, featured at the River Boat Restaurant in the Empire State Building, played a lot, learned a lot,
Providing fantastic playability . . .
“After few hours of settling down, my Entrada only required a little tuning and was ready to play… impressive. It is a superb instrument providing fantastic playability and offering excellent sound – I have the dual pickup model so I also tried the bridge pickup with some decent drive and man it is a great blues/rock guitar, hands down (btw the strings seem to be a perfect choice, too). Visually it is a sheer beauty, and the craftsmanship is excellent, too. The gig bag is quite decent and very solid, much appreciated. There is, however, one issue after all – and it is my curiosity about the solid wood model… hell, I started saving for it already (and my kidney is being considered to help here!) In summary – I am happy as a cat, and enjoy playing this instrument every minute regardless for how long I keep it in
You get what you PLAY for!
Jan 30, 2020 Update! As Paul was so pleased with his first Port Wine finish Conti Entrada, he decided to join the Two Conti Club and add a Natural Blonde, with a mix of black hardware and the elegant Gold Finger Tailpiece. Especially unique to this instrument, Paul obtained a custom P90 pickup directly from Kent Armstrong and we had our shop technician set up his new guitar with this great sounding pickup. See his new comments below: “I’m always trying to recreate the sound of a guitar from ‘back in the day’ and this new Conti with the Kent Armstrong P90 comes very close to those great sounds from the pre-humbucker era. This is really fun to play and just like the first one, the fit and finish are superb and the sound, at least to my ear, is quite different. Great job guys!” Paul’s Comments on his first
The guitar is perfect. . .
“Attached is a photo of me with my new Sunburst Heirloom and my original Ruby Red Equity. Besides the Equity, I have used many of the Conti teaching materials over these last few years, ever since I first encountered Bob in “Just Jazz Guitar” magazine. I appreciate the help and advice as I decided whether to buy the Heirloom. It arrived at my Oregon home in just two days. It was well packed and needed nothing but tuning to be play ready out of the case. The guitar is perfect. The finish is beautiful. The hardware is clearly high quality. I am impressed by the sound quality even when it is not plugged in. I am really pleased by the slightly smaller lower bout; it relieves some strain on my shoulder. Finally, the video of Bob playing my guitar and telling me about it just before it shipped was wonderful.
So comfortable to play. . .
“The guitar was delivered today and everything is as I thought it would be – feels and plays great, machine heads are smooth and accurate. I was surprised at the pick guard position because it is perfect, making it so comfortable to play; my other guitars are not like that. The guitar looks gorgeous. Thank you to you all from one happy boy.” -Mike Powell – Warranwood, Australia
…had never imagined buying a guitar without trying it
“Thank you so much for this great guitar, a beautiful Conti Entrada Natural blonde, that arrived yesterday in France. FedEx did a great job; it was delivered right on time, only two days after shipping. I greatly appreciated the fact that Robert had made a pre-video. A nice présentation, personally tailored explanations, including a very touching tribute to Francis Lai and Michel Legrand. Well beyond a commercial gesture, it was an expression of his generosity and passion, in addition to the concern for perfection that we find in everything he does. Following his advice, I left the guitar several hours in its shipping box, to allow the wood to adapt to any change in temperature. Packed with great care, the guitar was pretty much in tune. Like all owners of your guitars, I was pleasantly surprised by its workmanship, as well as the fine quality of the wood. I immediately
This guitar is simply the best!
“Hi, my name is Jerry McKinnon and this is a picture of me with my wonderful Conti Entrada guitar. This guitar is super excellent when it comes to sound, playing ability, and needless to say -appearance. I’ve owned many brands of guitars, and this guitar is the greatest, best playing, and best sounding I have ever owned! Conti Guitars, state of the art. Thank you Robert Conti for your excellent products. For those of you thinking about getting one, do it. You will be extremely happy.” -Jerry McKinnon – New Braunfels, TX
It is so easy to play…
“My new Heirloom arrived safely in Norway some days ago and I couldn’t be happier! It is an incredible guitar. It was thoroughly packaged and the support and follow up from Conti Guitars was top notch so I felt in good hands all the way. Also very special to have a personal video from Mr. Conti himself playing and advising about the guitar. The sound is so inspiring and it is so easy to play it is incredible.. Highly recommended!” -Skjalg Reithaug – Norway
Build quality is perfect…
“Beautiful to look at, and beautiful to play! Today is International Left Handers Day and look what FedEx delivered! My beautiful Port Wine Entrada – Left Handed of course. The sound is just like the looks, beautiful, clear and crisp, even without an amp. It arrived earlier today and I can’t stop playing it. The build quality is perfect and the Port Wine finish is exquisite. The entire Robert Conti company is so customer/player oriented, it is a pleasure to do business with them. They called when they received the order, and once it was delivered to be sure everything arrived in perfect condition, which it did. The video of Robert holding my Entrada (and playing a right handed identical model) was great.” -Ken Schultz – Frederick, Maryland
Passion more than business…
Comments on Pre-Ship Video https://youtu.be/neBbjQk_m5Y A big thank you for this very long video for my new guitar. What a pleasure to see you play it. Thanks also for all your very detailed explanations. I see that your passion is really intact and it confirms to me that I made the right choice. Fedex announces a delivery next Monday in the evening and I can not wait to receive it. I would love to record a video clip in response to your attention, as well as some pictures. Another big thank you and especially for your final medley in tribute to this French music that you like (I also like Francis Lai and Michel Legrand who left us recently). See you soon, I’ll have fun with this guitar, I’m sure! Wishing you the best for the future! Comments After Receipt of Entrada Hi Robert and Steve, thank you very much
Like a kid before Christmas
Love the video! Robert is so kind and generous as a teacher and I really have enjoyed his lessons. What a wonderful introduction to my new guitar! My family watched the video too and we are all so excited for it to arrive on Monday! I am like a kid right before Christmas! Thanks again, to you and Robert and all the folks who made this guitar possible for me! Cynthia Zarsky – Fernandina Beach, FL
I Love This Guitar!
Happy 4th of July 2019 to all of you Conti Guitar players from an El Dorado County California Combat Infantry Veteran! I call my new baby My Little Blonde. She will never sound as good as she did when Mr. Conti played her and sent me my video, but I’ll give her my best effort as she is my main axe from now on. She plays like butter and the pickups sound fantastic. I am not a real jazzer, so I needed the two-pickup model for my vocal backup and solo act. I play a variety of clean old jazz standards like Ain’t Misbehavin, Country, Country Rock, Rockabilly and Classic Rock and Roll. I needed a clean jazz guitar going direct into the amp along with the ability to get the other sounds when jamming or gigging with others. I’m mostly into chords and rhythm for backing up my vocals
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
High quality instrument…
My Port Wine single pickup Entrada guitar arrived yesterday in pristine condition. Very securely packed and in the best hard case I have seen. Thank you Robert and your team, especially Mike, who kindly answered all my questions when I called on Thanks Giving. A truly beautiful and high quality instrument. I look forward to many hours of playing. Thank you! -Peter in Melbourne, Australia
I’d buy another down the road…
August 2017 – After Receiving First Guitar (Blonde) Robert, I just wanted you to know I have been enjoying your guitar. I had a particularly nice time when I took it to get adjusted today. Thank you so very much for the guitar, and for all the inspiration you’ve given me along the way!!! You’re a class act, and I appreciate everything you’ve shared with me along the way. Be well, and I hope this finds you in good health. Two Weeks Later I didn’t want to give blind comments, so after spending plenty of time getting to know my Conti, here are the best comments I can give. Great looking guitar, neck and fretboard feel really good. Took a couple tries to learn how to string, but now that I’m used to it, I love that. A lot actually. Pickup and electronics have a lot of snap, very much
You’d Be Smiling Too…
…if you were holding this beautiful instrument. My Entrada is exactly what I was looking for in a new guitar. Great tone, easy to play, gorgeous, and affordable. Pictures don’t do it justice – the combination of the Port Wine finish, gold hardware and inlays is stunning. I selected the dual pickup version, where I can dial the Entrada to either a smooth jazz sound or a more bluesy and even country style. It’s also much lighter than my previous semi-hollow archtop, which helps in how easy and fun it is to handle. Mr. Conti’s video showed that my Entrada performs beyond anything I’ll be able to pull from it. I want to thank him, Mike and Steve for all of the great customer support they provide, both in the purchase of the guitar and for the courses available from the Robert Conti website. If you’re looking for a great
Struck gold with this guitar…
Received my Entrada yesterday! Wow! What a great guitar! I love it! The look the action and sound without an amp is incredible. I’d say I’ve struck gold with this guitar. From the personalization, the video to receiving this excellent looking and sounding guitar. I’ve never received a guitar I can play without a setup. You are one special man helping me achieve my last goal in life, to be a jazz musician. Your luthiers have done a fantastic job creating this valuable instrument for me. I feel very special having this incredible instrument. I look forward in the lessons you have provided for me. -Eugene Albrecht – Rotonda West, FL
Best I’ve ever played…
“I’ve been playing my gorgeous new Conti Entrada for a couple of weeks now, and I’m convinced it’s the best-playing guitar I’ve ever owned, maybe the best I’ve ever played. The combination of the Ebony fingerboard, perfect fret size, and the amazing attention paid to the fretwork, all lend a sure feel to the fingers, instantly evident in difficult passages. The setup was terrific, including the perfectly slotted nut. On top of it all, the guitar is so beautiful. Buying was a remarkable experience—the commitment to excellence and personal attention this company provides is unmatched in the business world. Kudos to everyone!” -Randy Allred – Bellingham, WA
Better than the most expensive guitars…
Totally Responsive Sellers and Excellent Guitars!!! These guitars are just as good if not better than the most expensive guitars you could buy!!! -Charles Frederick Perry, Findlay, OH, USA Lucky Entrada Guitar Player
It plays perfectly every time…
What are the chances of another Robert Conti ordering a Conti Guitar! — The Entrada is excellent. I wanted to give it a fair bit of playing before responding in order to give my full thoughts. Right out of the box it’s marvelous to look at. I still sit and just stare at it from time to time simply to enjoy its beauty. It plays perfectly every time. No matter what style or manner in which I desire to play it, I can always customize the sound exactly to my liking. From the action to the resonance, every aspect of this guitar is exactly what I was hoping it would be. It takes the slightest amount of pressure to play any note, and my fingers bounce off the stings when I pluck as if they’re trampolines. I couldn’t have asked for a better instrument for a better price. And with
Love Our Entradas!
I’m Pete Sternloff the proud owner of a Conti Entrada. Thought you would enjoy this picture of the 3 Conti Entradas in Mercer County, West Virginia. Pictured is me on the left, Tom Janes in the middle and Vince Lewis on the right. We all, as I’m sure you might be aware, love our Entradas!
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
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