When I casually mentioned to Hans in an email that I hoped to try one of his instruments, he replied “I’ll send you one for a week.” Holy cow, this guy builds dead serious banjo killing Loar style mandolins! It's one heck of an instrument with a big, big voice. I’m very impressed. Where folks like this come from and how they get this good at building is a mystery to me. I’m sure glad there are builders like Johann putting out remarkable instruments. It’s one of the finest mandolins I've ever played and I hope to own one some day.

I had been badgering Hans for quite some time to make an A model mandolin, when finally an email arrived with just a photograph of my “21” headstock. Working with him is very rewarding; the creation of your instrument is a collaboration of your greatest desires and his talent as a master craftsman. Every detail and nuance is considered and discussed in the process. I wanted something that reminded me of the clarity and crisp tones of a fine old violin. Superlatives failed me when I opened the case for the first time. I was stunned and amazed that my hands immediately found a new way of playing better just because of the quality of the instrument. Tonally, there is a certain crisp smoothness in the Brentrup that I have never heard in any instrument before. The tone is frighteningly clear, but also sweet. It is well balanced and powerful. This mandolin can do classical or hang with the “Monroe boys” with equal ease.

Does lightening strike twice— absolutely! “Marilyn William Monroe” is my second Brentrup— a 21C of epic style. She has all the superb quality, playability, power, and tone of her older sibling. There are just no words that are adequate to describe the magic of Hans’ instruments, but if I had to pick one, it would be “elegant.”

I live in a two-Brentrup household following the delivery of my Italian Spruce 23V in February 2003. Now, two jealous mandolin siblings vie for my daily attention. “Play me,” each one calls. Which one to pick up today? The rich and sonically complex Italian Spruce 23V, or the clean, crisp and robust Red Spruce 23L? Both emit dulcet tones when plucked, and have buttery playability, banjo-maiming volume, and looks to die for. Both have deep bass and clear treble, balanced from the open strings to the highest frets. Would that all of life's dilemmas were so agreeable.

Over the past couple of years, I've had the pleasure to play many of the new mandolins crafted in the Brentrup workshop. The consistency of tone, workmanship and playability is truly amazing. Hans is a true master of his craft.

I am not sure that any description that I could pen would do justice to my Brentrup 23V. Being a Master Optician and the owner of a precision optics company, I am somewhat cursed by an eye for perfection in my field. When I received what I feel is the “Holy Grail” of mandolins, I quickly found out that Hans Brentrup shares that same drive for perfection. From the flawless varnish finish, the use of the finest tone woods, to the incredibly warm hue of the sunburst that allows the intricate grain of the Italian spruce to show through, Hans’ craftsmanship shines on every square inch of this amazing instrument. The tone is wonderfully complex, even right out of the box! I can only imagine what it will become in time. I am looking forward to the long journey ahead with my new found “friend.” A million thanks to Hans for fulfilling my dream of owning the finest mandolin I could ever imagine!

My month-old M21V is already one of the best sounding mandolins I’ve ever played. It has a tone that can be described as incredibly rich and full, with the most astonishing single note clarity I've ever come across. From the open “G” string to the “E” all the way up, the notes are amazingly clean and precise. The M21V produces what I would describe as a warm, yet powerful tone with plenty of volume to cut through a group of bluegrass musicians without being shrill. Hans has successfully achieved the sound that I’d been hoping for in the mandolin.

The fit and finish is simply exquisite. The sunburst is lovely and subtle, generously allowing the grain of the Italian spruce top to be seen. The tortoise style binding and purfling is unique for an “A” style mandolin. A very special touch is the ebony finger rest, with matching binding and purfling. Hans has come up with a ingenious mounting system for it, and the coordinating scooped sections of it and the fingerboard are equally as intelligent, and from a player’s standpoint, comfortable. I love playing this mandolin!

As a fiddler, I’ve always searched for vintage instruments with great depth of tone. Before playing my new Brentrup 21V (the prototype for the series), I hadn’t realized that a mandolin— and a new one at that!— could deliver that same kind of full-bodied and rich tone. It resonates evenly across all the strings and all the way up the fretboard. Hans’ use of Italian spruce and varnish finish have combined with his crisp sense of design and impeccable craftsmanship to give this mando a vibrant woody chop for bluegrass, a full and ringing tone for oldtime fiddle tunes, and a breath-catching quickness of response for rapid Irish ornaments.

The neck is a dream, the action is low, and the scooped pickguard is a real help. Hans answered my set-up questions very knowledgeably and pleasantly over the phone. My playing has improved not just from the easy playability and responsiveness of the instrument, but also because it’s so hard to put it down! I would unhesitatingly give Hans Brentrup’s mandolins my highest recommendation.

I’m the happy owner of a Brentrup 23F with a German spruce top. I wanted an instrument with a rich, woody sound, but still able to punch through in a group. I wanted a mandolin that would record with a fat, woody tone without equalization or compression, and would sound good on swing, jazz and Jethro style as well as bluegrass. I got what I wanted. This mandolin has the woodiest chop I have ever heard, like an arch top guitar. It has a rich bottom end, and power along with "plunk" on the top end. It plays like a dream. I can now play faster and more comfortably than previously. The neck is a pleasure every time I pick it up. The scooped pickguard and fretboard extension are functional improvements on the traditional design and really make a difference. The wood is beautiful, and the finish is a pleasure to touch as well as see.

I have had the chance to compare and play a number of "big name" mandolins, in which company the Brentrup holds up very well, and gets favorable comments. I’d recommend a Brentrup to a friend, as a piece of musical art that will help you be a better musician, and give you pleasure every time you look at it or pick it up to play.

The 23F Hans built for me sounds, looks, and plays better than the one that you dream about. My first practice with this mandolin was the most rewarding I’ve ever had with any instrument. It’s very loud with deep bass, clear, strong mids and highs, and has that great woody chop for bluegrass. It had unbelievable tone right out of the box, and it plays like butter. It keeps getting better every month since I picked it up in September.

I’ve been to Hans’ shop several times and he was always very patient and knowledgeable with my questions. I’m extremely pleased with his attention to detail. I’ve played five other Brentrup mandolins; a 23, two 23F’s and two 23L’s, and they were all wonderful. I’ve played some other great mandolins, but I would not trade my 23F for any of them.

I am the proud owner of a Brentrup Model 23 mandolin. After "test playing" many mandolins, this was the one I dreamt about. I could feel the music vibrate through my body when I played, and the notes lingered for what seemed to be eons. The tone is wonderfully rich, with amazing volume.

The workmanship on this beautiful instrument is superb. Hans is very attentive to every detail and welcomes visits to his workshop. The care he gives to each instrument (and their owners) is something I really appreciate. I hope to have many years to play and enjoy my Brentrup Mandolin.