Entrada Archtop Guitar

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.

Very good idea to make a video of Robert playing my new guitar. I am happy, just received my guitar in perfect condition! Most important for a guitar is the pleasure you have to play it. Great sound, very smooth, nice and very good instrument. Thanks again.

Thank you Mr. Robert Conti! I viewed your personalised introduction video with joy and anticipation. It’s been five days since she arrived and I have certainly fallen in love with my beautiful new Conti Entrada. As promised, she felt great out of the box- such a pretty thing- and came with a great quality gig bag. I plugged her in and what a gorgeous sound. After such a long trip, I gave her a quick tune and action/ intonation check. I was smitten. She’s a bit like a super-model- beautiful from all angles but has more than just the looks. The neck is pretty special- delightful and effortless to play. The ebony really feels wonderful, the dimensions and shape make playing a breeze- it seems almost easier to select individual strings. Abalone inserts are super nice. Headstock really is beautifully shaped and proportioned and genuinely classy in my opinion. Tuning keys are top quality and really accurate- stays in tune really well too. I’m really enjoying the string gauges. Electronics are all silent and work well. She feels wonderful in my arms.

Overall impression- there is no question that she sounds and feels like a high-class instrument- is a high-class instrument. I find myself turning to look and admire her frequently- I’m so happy with my purchase. Mike and Steve were proactively helpful and responsive to all my questions and provided genuine and enthusiastic high quality customer service, which made the whole experience so nice. I look forward to a long and happy relationship with my new baby. Thank you!

Absolutely wonderful guitar! Jammed tunes from blues to jazz, and some of my originals. Plays like butter, and the setup is fantastic. Not a bad spot on it! I’m able to get different sounds out of it. It is very flexible and wide range. It is also very light and not cumbersome. I’m enjoying very much. Getting ready to go to praise band practice. I’ll let you know!

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!

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 so. Easy to dial tone in. Great choice on those. Tuners are nice and responsive. Love the ebony accoutrements. Very classy. I also love the gold hardware. Only one thing I could suggest for improvement: hard to get a strap on the bottom with the tailpiece. Probably supposed to be that way. I just play it sitting, so I don’t use a strap anyway. Great guitar!!! Thanks so much Robert!!!

2.5 Years Later

Robert, I wanted to give you some honest feedback now that I’ve spent plenty of time with my guitar. Tone is fantastic through both solid state and tube amps. Hardware is holding up very well. Took me a few tries to get used to stringing with that style tailpiece. Grown to love it. Stays in tune very, very well. I was a little worried with the temp and humidity changes here. No type of wear or cracking to the wood after this amount of time. Very solid. I use an Oasis case humidifier. Fretboard is terrific, very smooth, no signs of wear. Very, very infrequent adjusting is necessary. Case is one of the nicest gig bags I’ve ever used or seen. Holding up well. I really like the shape of the neck. Fits well in my hand. Many thanks, and know it’s being played and properly loved. I’d buy another down the road.

November 2022 - Second Entrada (Port Wine)

Letting you know the package arrived with no damage over the weekend. Plays beautifully. Looks great. Sounds terrific.

…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 jazz guitar that’s both elegant looking and a joy to play, get an Entrada – and then you’ll be smiling too!