I received my new Blonde Entrada with the Midnight Package and two pickups exactly one week ago. Let’s just say it was love at first sight. I wasn’t quite sure what to make of all the “hype” on the Conti website, but this guitar has exceeded my expectations.
The guitar was shipped in a sturdy container that was well packed. I thought about ordering the hard-shell case, but the gig bag is well constructed and sturdy. If I was touring and traveling, I think this would have been a good option, but the gig bag will be fine for gigging locally.
The black knobs, switches, and tuners really pop against the natural blonde wood. I’ve looked this guitar over carefully and cannot find an imperfection or a flaw with the finish or build. Every time I look more closely at this guitar I notice more interesting and beautiful wood grain textures that make this guitar unique.
The intonations are spot on, and the action is probably the lowest of all my other guitars. The neck is setup just right because not a single string or fret buzzes. With the ebony fretboard, this guitar does “play like butter.”
The tone of this guitar really sets it apart, and I am very impressed with the Kent Armstrong pickups. As I would expect from a good jazz guitar, it has warm, bright, and clear tones when played cleanly. However, this guitar can get down and dirty when playing rock or blues. The tone of the guitar cuts through when using a little distortion and effects. With two pickups, this guitar does it all!
The customer service has been excellent. Shortly after placing my order on the Web site, I received a phone call to confirm my order and ask questions. I thought it was a nice touch to reach out to me and create a more personal relationship. My guitar shipped as promised.
Everyone who purchases a Conti guitar is promised to receive a video of Robert Conti playing YOUR guitar as a final quality control check before the guitar ships. Honestly, I expected a 2- or 3-minute video of Robert running through a quick song and then saying something like “Thanks for buying a guitar.” The video I received was over 30 minutes! Robert played several songs and even read the serial number of the guitar that I would receive, as well as some important information regarding the maintenance and care of this fine instrument. I’ve watched the video over and over just to enjoy his beautiful playing. Thanks, Robert. The video adds so much more to owning this guitar.
