J. Brentrup 2014

[Murray Hunt]

Haans, sorry to see you go, that is very disappointing. I have enjoyed your input on this forum. I'll have to find somewhere else to get my fill of Larson inspired builds I suppose.

[Joe Sustaire]

I don't know what happened, didn't see the post before it was edited.
Sure going to miss a bright a bright light on the AGF!
And the world continues to spiral downhill.....

[maurerfan]

What the heck .. Haans, you are virtually the only luthier that interests me here. What could have possibly resulted in someone "editing" one of your posts (assuming that is the precipitant)? I can only guess that some overly vain enthusiast from the cadre of frou-frou modernists .. took offense. I hope you reconsider .. your artistry and craftsman reflect a degree of excellence that outshines much of the over-the-top, ornamented stuff that shows up here.

Best,

Maurerfan

[Bruce Sexauer]

I just checked in to see what Johann is up to and I missed the pivotal moment, but I can imagine. I see that the pictures were all taken down and that seems a bit over dramatic, and possibly even self destructive. I am disappointed.

[ewh2]

I'll be sad to see Hans leave this forum.

[pgilmor]

A sad, sad day for the AGF.

[iim7V7IM7]

I too will miss Haans' unique creations and knowledge being shared in this forum. It will be like listening to a piano with no black keys around here.

Too bad.

[Kent Chasson]

Originally Posted by maurerfan

... the cadre of frou-frou modernists ..

Wow! Really?

Anyone who was paying attention knows it had nothing to do with contemporary vs traditional.

There's a huge amount of mutual respect among most builders and to take a small spat and try to turn it into a factional rift is irresponsible and misses the whole point of this community.

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

I just checked in to see what Johann is up to and I missed the pivotal moment, but I can imagine.

<<snip>>

I saw a few of the "moments", and I support Hans fully in his decision...it is, after all, his decision.

(not disagreeing w/Bruce...just using his post as a springboard)

I could say more, but I think I'll stay on the right side of the law...but to Kent, I'm pretty darned sure that this has nothing to do w/style differentiation amongst builders that participate here...

[Bruce Sexauer]

Some of us use the white keys Or the black keys, and some of us use both. I know Hans well enough to be pretty sure that's not what this was about, even though I missed it.

[maurerfan]

"Wow! Really?

Anyone who was paying attention knows it had nothing to do with contemporary vs traditional."

Actually, as I have since learned, this is not entirely correct .. but not the whole story either. Regardless, Haans represents a tradition and sensibility that I personally value greatly, and I will miss his artistry and his good will.

[stringjunky]

Originally Posted by maurerfan

[I]"Wow! Really?

... Regardless, Haans represents a tradition and sensibility that I personally value greatly, and I will miss his artistry and his good will.

Yes. Although that tradition is apparent in some other builders here Hans is hardcore and as such the contrast he provided was good reference to where luthiery had come from to where it is now. It's a great shame but I think I understand.

[theEdwinson]

Originally Posted by maurerfan

"Wow! Really?

Anyone who was paying attention knows it had nothing to do with contemporary vs traditional."

Actually, as I have since learned, this is not entirely correct .. but not the whole story either. Regardless, Haans represents a tradition and sensibility that I personally value greatly, and I will miss his artistry and his good will.

I am one of those "modernists", and I too will miss Haans, his gracious wisdom, and his brilliant guitars. While we may occupy different ends of the spectrum in our approach to lutherie, I have never had anything but deep respect and admiration for "traditional" guitars, and the people who make them and play them. Without all that came before us, we "modernists" would have no foundation.
And Haans is clearly, unequivocally, one of the very best.
I think this world is big enough for all of us. The question is, are WE big enough for it?
Be well and prosper, Haans, and best of Good Fortune to you. And should you decide to come around again to the AGF later on, you will find a very large crowd of people welcoming you as our good friend and colleague.
-Steve

[Kent Chasson]

Originally Posted by maurerfan

Regardless, Haans represents a tradition and sensibility that I personally value greatly, and I will miss his artistry and his good will.

We're in perfect agreement there.

[Edbuff]

What???? this is stupid. I can't believe Haans left. Now where am I going to watch his builds? I don't know what happened but there is room in this world for all kinds of art. Haans is truly an artist. Ed