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I am a great admirer of Roger Rossmeisl's designs and building techniques from early in the 70' - first at Rickenbacker and then at Fender. His work drew from European inspiration and training, and looked nothing like most American designs of the same era. I loved the look of his German Carve on Rick solidbodies and semi-hollows, and on Fender's LTD and Montego archtops. He worked twice at Gibson, once early in his career and then ending his career before he moved back to Europe, dying at age 52. His father left a large body of work with flattops, archtops, and solidbody guitars in Europe marketed with the Roger brand. I was lucky enough to work on one in the early 80's.

To my knowledge, no book has ever been written about Rossmeisl's life and career, but a documentary film on his life was made in France back in 2020, and was streamed but not ever released in other forms. It was titled Who the F is Roger Rossmeisl?, featuring several rock stars and a few builders with comments on his instruments.

Has anyone here ever seen this film?

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I'd sure like to see it! I've always admired his designs as well.

Dave

Yeah me too. I've not heard of the gentleman but I'd love to see the film too.

I've worked on a number of Wenzel's archtops under the "Roger" brand as I knew a collector of German jazzboxes with several in his collection. While I'm not aware of the current value, at one time they could be acquired for a modest amount considering the quality of their build and materials (under $1000).
Attached is a small essay on the "Roger" instruments, Wenzel and his family.
My understanding is that the new Rickenbacker book has a small section dedicated to Roger.

Semie Moseley refined his skills under Roger's tutelage.

Doc

http://cloud.tapatalk.com/s/628543f6120b8/roger.pdf

Yes, the new book from the Kelly brothers - Rickenbacker Guitars: Out of the Frying Pan into the Fireglo has a single chapter devoted to Roger, and as each model is discussed, so too is Roger's involvement. The book mentions Semie Mosley, and a couple others who worked under Roger at Rickenbacker. His work at Gibson and Fender is mentioned, also - which I thought was nice since the book wasn't really about him. Many people don't know about Roger's work at Fender which brought us the Coronado series, the thinline Telecaster, and the solid rosewood Tele made for George Harrison. Roger should really be more well known in my opinion. His influence in the electric guitar world should be remembered.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

I could not resist buying a guitar with my name on it on several places! It's a nice and heavy piece of work, too bad I'm not that interested in archtop guitars though. But it looks nice

According to the PDF, it's from the 1930-1946 period. The tailpiece is different to the ones showed in the PDF.

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New will change the old,
turn to ashes or gold

http://www.gammelgura.se

What the heck are you talking about?

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Roger that...

Roger, Roger. What’s our vector, Victor?

Well. I have a nice and heavy Roger Rossmeisl archtop hanging on the wall. My name "Roger" is on the headstock as a nice pearl inlay, on the tuners and on the tailpiece. I don't like archtops. But I bought it because it has my name on it. What's not to understand?

Not particularly interesting, but a bit of fun. And I do remember Roger Rossmeisl.

_________________
New will change the old,
turn to ashes or gold

http://www.gammelgura.se

Hey Roger - wanted to welcome you to NATO!

Now you need a Hagstrom to keep it company.

_________________
"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince