Heirloom Archtop Guitar
$1,849.00
Solid Spruce Top, Solid Maple Back and Sides, Ebony Fretboard and best of all, it’s got the Conti name on the top. The player’s dream guitar is back with the new Heirloom model.
Description
For more detailed specs, photos, videos and owner comments from around the world, please visit our dedicated website for the Conti Guitar.
17 reviews for Heirloom Archtop Guitar
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Larry Zumwalt – El Dorado Hills, CA –
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 but I can play some lead when called upon. The Conti Heirloom fulfills all of my wishes. It is a joy to play and I have sidelined all my other guitars for now! On a side note, my friend Tom ordered an Entrada the day after I let him play my Heirloom! A sincere thank you to Mr. Conti and his main contact Mike and to Kent Armstrong, for all of the help they gave me standing behind the Conti name and product. I’ll sum it up by saying “I Love This Guitar!”
Gabriel Anfosso – Nice, France –
Oh please let me say a few words….I’m SO happy because of you, you are like a father, it’s a real present, a real chance to know you. I don’t want people think I exaggerate. I’m a Professional jazz player and singer, one year and a half I began to work on your material, more and more…..and more. A private Lesson with you, a real gift, hours of pleasure and joyfulness. I work and I work again, my buddy players: “oh you play so nice things now it’s incredible.” To thank you and because I knew it would be great, I decided to purchase a Conti Heirloom Blonde…the best guitar I’ve ever owned! (I played Gibson 175, Ibanez JP 20, for years, an excellent Epiphone emperor too.) Photo of me here in December, sound check of a great private gig in Paris). So I’m so happy with what I learn with you (I will work again and again) I play on a fantastic guitar, I’ll have two private lessons with you in 2019, what more? BOB YOU ARE GREAT YOUR CREW IS GREAT HAPPY NEW YEAR HOPE I CAN SEE YOU AGAIN THANK YOU AND THANK YOU AGAIN!
Harry Trombley – Richmond, Canada –
My Heirloom has arrived and acclimatized to its new environment here in Canada. It plays and feels as good as it looks. The shipping experience was excellent; no problems. I want to thank all of you at Conti Guitars for all the help and service that made my purchase flawless. I would recommend you to anyone who asks!
Robert Gardner – Canary Islands –
The Search For A Lefty Begins…
I’m a left hander, and only other left handers will understand how difficult and frustrating it is to try and find a shop that actually has some you can try, lots of famous makes dont supply them. The island I live on in the Canary Islands (La Palma) has one guitar shop, and I’ve seen one lefty there in fourteen years. This year on a trip back to the United Kingdom, I went around central London. I couldn’t find one single lefty archtop. Sure, they advertise them online, but they never have them in stock. They are as rare as Hens Teeth!
I really didn’t want to spend a couple of thousand dollars on a guitar without trying it first. It would be crazy, wouldn’t it? But when you’ve been looking for over a year, you are left with no alternative and have to take a chance. So how do you decide?
Discovering The Heirloom
I surfed the internet for left-handers and eventually found the Conti Heirloom archtop guitar. I checked the specification, read the reviews, looked at discussion forums, etc. The clincher that really made me decide on a Conti Guitar was the fact that there are virtually none (and I mean NONE) available secondhand. So either Robert’s not selling many, or the people who buy them like them so much they don’t want to sell them!! (Now that I have one, I know that’s the case)
As it happened, it was my 70th birthday in November and I had decided to “invest” in a Conti Heirloom. Then my daughter and her partner insisted on buying it for me as a present. (Yes, I’m a lucky guy, must have done something right as a dad!)
I emailed Mike, he phoned me back said he had TWO leftys in stock (wow that’s unheard of) So cutting a long story short, it took four weeks to get to my door, due to nearly three additional weeks, delayed in Spanish customs. It arrived safely, and during the long wait there was much moral support from Mike who tried to alleviate my growing despair. (All the nice things they say about Mike are true as well)
About My New Guitar
There is not much to say about the Heirloom that hasn’t already been said, (it’s all true by the way) so I won’t. Except to say I wish I had ordered one of Robert’s guitars years ago!
I just can’t put her down! You are very lucky to get this email, as I am so reluctant to put it down and do anything else other than play it! Wow, what a guitar! The quality, the craftsmanship, the sound – unplugged it’s great too. And it is so, so, so easy to play. Even with my arthritic fingers, I can’t believe the difference. When you feel that sort of difference, it gives you so much more enthusiasm.
Couldn’t have wished for a better 70th birthday present. I am absolutely delighted. Many thanks to all you guys for the help you have given me. I will send some pictures when I can tear myself away and find a camera ! ! !
Unlike most of the guys who appear on the website I don t have a long history or experience with guitars. I picked one up around fifteen years ago, bought one a while later and have been persevering since. Being retired I now have the time to do the things I want. Learning to play chord melody is one of them. My hands are arthritic so I’m never going to be like a lot of the guys in the videos, but that’s no excuse not not trying to be as good as you can. My level of ability can no way justify this quality of guitar, but it is so easy to play. I’ve had it four days and already I can play things I couldn’t play before.
In Closing…
So if anyone reading this is thinking of buying a Conti Heirloom, ask yourself if you want to leave the money in your bank as an inheritance for someone else, or invest it in a family Heirloom that you have the pleasure of enjoying.
The guitar remains a delight to play. I’m working hard on the “Chord Melody Assembly Line” and so far, my wife has not threatened to leave me!
John McCarty – North Kingstown, RI –
“Here I am with my new Conti Heirloom guitar! It is of very high quality, beauty and value. She arrived perfectly set up and intonated with Conti strings, which I’d already been using on two of my guitars. Other features include a 24 fret neck and the front strap button factory installed, both highly unusual with archtops. The playability is of the greatest ease! The sound is warm and lovely, even when played acoustically. Finally, customer service was friendly, helpful, and super professional. And what a pleasure to view the video of Robert Conti performing with my actual guitar and pointing out her many features!”
Philippe Letellier – Laugnac, France –
“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 very pleasant to play!
You can rest assured that I would be doing a very favorable promotion to Conti Guitars on French sites and forums
For a long time I lived in Paris but now I am in the countryside in deep France so I only have internet left and I’m happy to have discovered the good Conti guitars because I’m going to talk about it to my friends In addition your communication and your after-sales service is excellent ”
David Hall – Milford on Sea, UK –
“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 difficult on a number of guitars.
Plugged in , the Kent Armstrong Humbucker is just right presenting a modern version of a true “Johnny Smith” humbucker albeit being slightly sweeter across the pitch range on all strings. I have found that the tone & playability of all the very best Jazz Guitars are “plectrum sensitive” & this instrument joins that exclusive club. My go to plectrum is a heavy 1.00mm D’Addario which produces an overall gorgeous tone on this Heirloom. The strings supplied work particularly well although in the past I have always strung my jazz guitars with flat wounds. Later on I might try a set on this instrument to see if I can detect any difference. I would be most interested to hear Robert’s comments/preferences on plectrums at some point.
Finish & build quality can’t be faulted & this beautiful musical instrument is just superb value for money in the UK even after shipping cost & import taxes are added on.
I ordered the hard case & this is a first class USA “Access Stage Three” case, again being excellent value — I would strongly advise anyone purchasing a Conti Guitar to get the hard case as these guitars are keepers & worth giving the maximum level of protection, particularly if shipped overseas from the USA.
Many thanks to Steve & all at Conti Guitars for truly excellent customer service as well as most helpful & informative email advice as well as super fast international shipping –made the whole customer experience truly memorable.
Oh , I nearly forgot — I have both feelings of joy & regret on receiving Robert Conti’s introductory video to my guitar. His beautiful playing brought tears to my eyes but a slightly pained feeling that this guitar may never sound like that again in my hands — but live in hope & keep trying is my motto! This beautiful video is worth the total costs of purchase alone in my view!”
Steve Shrout – Marble, TX –
“You gave me lessons on the Gibson, my first guitar. Now fifty years later, I’m playing my gorgeous Heirloom. She’ll be my last. Always save the best for last….right? As you performed the Classics on the video, I knew this would be my last guitar. She’s even better than I expected! Every aspect of the guitar is exactly how it is described on your web site. Believe me folks, you will not find any guitar with the craftsmanship, precision and quality as the Heirloom for this affordable price. I am so pleased that I made the purchase! Could have spent 3x the amount and would’ve gotten much less. I opted for the gold finger tail piece and the gold knobs. You know you like it…I can’t put her down! Bob, thank you and your team for taking care of an old friend/student. You’re the best guitarist on the planet! Love ya Brother.”
David McCormack – Banbury, UK –
Thanks to Robert for the video! She arrived, as promised on the day. My Blonde Heirloom plays beautifully, like magic. And I’ve had lots of admiring comments from fellow guitarists – one of whom, Bob Burrell, is currently talking to your guys about buying a new Entrada. This is a guitar for my grandchildren to enjoy… a real heirloom. Many thanks for a brilliant buying experience.
Steve Negri – Summerville, SC –
“This year I gave myself a truly fine gift for my birthday. Witness my Ruby Red Conti Heirloom Guitar. It is the finest instrument I have ever owned, including a Gibson Gold Top Les Paul, a Gibson ES355TD, a Martin Classic O model, and a Johnny Smith model Gibson to name a few. The action is unsurpassed and the tone is mellow and superb. Such a pleasure to play and hear. Thus have I satiated my guitar lust for years to come. If I live another seventy-three years I may become its equal.”
Steve Moore – Marietta, GA –
“My Conti guitar (natural blonde Heirloom) came this weekend and it gorgeous! It pretty, very “fast” to play with, and surprisingly super light weight as well. Your service and follow up was excellent and noticeable how much attention you place on detail. I’ll enjoy it and am looking forward to the upcoming NEW learning materials you have planned!”
Gary Keniston – Fleming Island, FL –
“After purchasing my Ruby Red “Conti Salita” model guitar in May of 2017, it was obvious I had finally found the perfect Jazz guitar for me. I never wanted to be without it and I knew I had to have another. I wondered that if I was so impressed with the mid-priced Salita model, what would the top of the line Heirloom model be like? So I ordered one and I am SO glad I did! My new Antique Sunburst “Conti Heirloom” model guitar exceeds all expectations for a pro level Jazz guitar! The superior build quality and attention to detail is second to none. The finish is stunning, but most of all, it plays like an absolute dream and sounds fantastic!
It arrived perfectly set up with super low action, so all I had to do was tune it and play. Since the Salita model I previously purchased and the Heirloom model share the same specs, the new Heirloom model felt comfortably familiar in my hands. I have bought and sold many guitars over the past 45 years, but my new “Conti” guitars are keepers and I’ll never part with them. Again I have to thank Mr. Conti and Mike for outstanding customer service. I especially liked the custom video Mr. Conti made for me demonstrating my new guitar. I am now a proud member of the “Conti Duo Club”!”
Bob Roetker – Milford, OH –
“Photo with my new Heirloom model! Looking forward to trying this beauty on a gig. The sound acoustically is wonderful and it plays as smooth as glass. Hoping to send a video soon.”
Mark Wilson – New Zealand –
“The CONTI has landed!!! I’m very impressed. Stunning, light, the action is fast and no work will be done at my place for at least 6 months! Time to get this beast under my fingers. Thanks again Robert Conti, Mike and all staff who had an input into this great axe.”
Jack Pezanelli, Berklee Professor –
Spectacular guitar, something I’ve been looking for for a long time. All solid wood, attention to detail is top notch. If I were to design a guitar for myself, it would be a lot like this. Very comfortable, highly recommended!
-Jack Pezanelli
Professor, Guitar, Berklee College Of Music
David Leaptrott –
Owned many guitars since I started playing in 1972. My new blonde Conti Heirloom is by far the finest.
Jerry Bloch –
Just received my Heirloom guitar in Ruby Red. First, I have never purchased a guitar that I haven’t played before purchase. The Conti guitar met and exceeded my expectations! The neck is superb, the fit and finish are top notch. This is the quality you get when the Kwisatz Haderach of guitarists specs an instrument. I tested about 15 other guitars and Robert’s blew the others away! I tried a Gator case and the fit was off the Epiphone 335 case did the trick.