Official Luthiers Forum!

I recently got a query about one of the late Johann Brentrup's books, Building the Obscure American Guitar. He also authored the mandolin construction book Building the American Mandolin. These are both out of print and had been self-published. I would like to contact his estate about the possibility of republishing these books, in whatever manner that would be acceptable to them. I have only seen but don't own a copy of the guitar book. There is some great information there and it is a shame that these books are no longer available. Although his website is still up there is no contact information for his estate. I know he was a contributor here. If anyone knows of a way to contact his estate I would appreciate it if you would tell me how to do that, or forward a message to them for me about this possible project.

_________________
R.M. Mottola
LiutaioMottola.com

Author of the books Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments, and Mottola's Cyclopedic Dictionary of Lutherie Terms.

I don't check in here very often. If you need to contact me the best bet is via email through the contact page on my site.

Hans was a friend but I had not seen him for a while before he passed. His wife died shortly before he did. Dakota Dave Hull was a good friend and might have some info.

https://dakotadavehull.com/

_________________
It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

If this project comes to pass you can definitely count me in as a purchaser. I followed the work of Hans online and have adopted a few guitar building ideas that he discussed or demonstrated. I also have Mr Mottola’s books and could not think of a better author to guide the Brentrup books back into print.

Thanks for the tip Terrance. I haven't quite got there yet, but there is light at the end of this particular tunnel. Plus, I've already corresponded with some very interesting people. And thanks for the encouragement Mark, and for your very kind words. If something comes of this I will report back.

_________________
R.M. Mottola
LiutaioMottola.com

Author of the books Building the Steel String Acoustic Guitar, Practical Design of the Acoustic Guitar and Similar Instruments, and Mottola's Cyclopedic Dictionary of Lutherie Terms.

I don't check in here very often. If you need to contact me the best bet is via email through the contact page on my site.

I recently made a video that will be featured on Robbie O'brians Luthery Academy on making purfling using the techniques that I learned from Haans Brentrups book.