Out of the box, the Conti is bright and jazzy (makes you feel good) not screechy like a rock guitar. The guitar is fast, low flat action, none of the usual buzzing from having been shipped and very easy to play. The frets have a nice feel and are easy on your fingers. What you play is what you get, even quickly when you change chords with each beat. Being solid wood makes it more tonal. In other words, the pickup is not the only thing affecting the tonal result. I got that as soon as I started playing it.
Mike Keeling, Auckland, New Zealand
Here’s a photo of me with cheesy grin occasioned by my new Conti Guitar which arrived safe and sound, only 4 days Las Vegas to New Zealand! Beautifully packed—might spend some time reading the Las Vegas newspapers! First impressions are of a beautifully finished instrument, the fret polishing is impeccable. It even has that new guitar smell! Going out to the local guitar shop to buy a new strap, won’t insult it with a tatty old one. Buying a guitar sight unseen is always a time of mild stress, will it be what they claim? Will the neck be a small tree trunk, etc.? I read all the patrons’ comments and went ahead. Guess what? They were all right on the nail! It’s a pleasure to play and is beautifully styled. I will never achieve Roberts level of playing but I’m going to have huge fun trying! I always wanted a Gibson Byrdland but even the Epiphone version was twice the price of the Conti in New Zealand. How great to have a thin bodied archtop at such a reasonable price. Thanks to you all for a very efficient deal and thanks to Robert for coming up with such a fine instrument at such a price. Keep up the good work!
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Far superior to a $5,000 archtop I sold…
October 2024 Update “I have to say that over the last 3 years, I’ve had at least 10 guitars of varying styles. From archtop, to Les Paul, to Telecaster, and from various manufacturers. But the finest guitars I’ve ever owned are my Conti guitars. I’m partial to the aesthetics of my wine-colored Entrada (the pic doesn’t do it justice). The sound of my blond Heirloom is extraordinary. And the antique burst Entrada is a treat when I feel the need for a traditional looking archtop. But they all sound fantastic in their own right and are easily the most playable
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
Paul Pitt – San Diego, CA
Out of the box, the Conti is bright and jazzy (makes you feel good) not screechy like a rock guitar. The guitar is fast, low flat action, none of the usual buzzing from having been shipped and very easy to play. The frets have a nice feel and are easy on your fingers. What you play is what you get, even quickly when you change chords with each beat. Being solid wood makes it more tonal. In other words, the pickup is not the only thing affecting the tonal result. I got that as soon as I started playing it.
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