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Thread: Embergher Instruments best period

  1. #1

    Default Embergher Instruments best period

    Good morning everyone,

    I have a question about Embergher mandolins.

    Do you know if the instruments from a particular period of Luigi Embergher's career are more sought after than others?

    For example, is a 1926 Embergher 5 bis mandolin of better quality than a 1938 Embergher 5 bis mandolin?

    I ask myself this question because the greatest luthiers have had periods during which they reached the peak of their art (like Stradivarius for example).

    Thank you in advance for your explanations.

    Sincerely

  2. #2

    Default Re: Embergher Instruments best period

    I would also like to add a small question, what is the price range of a Luigi Embergher mandolin in good condition today?
    For example for model 3, 5 Bis, 6, 7 ... etc.

    Thank you in advance for your answer.

    Sincerely

  3. #3
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Embergher Instruments best period

    I am really not too sure how to answer your question. AFAIK this was a small shop but there were a few workers who worked with and for LE. I think in the very earlier days perhaps LE made all the instruments. However later I would guess he oversaw building but had others work on various aspects. I have a 1904 style 3 and it is a very nice instrument. I believe at that point LE may have built this one from start to finish. His signature is inside the body in a few places. There were some changes from that time. Mine has a symmetrical scratch plate, shorter fretboard extension and no zero fret but other aspects of the design. I believe the asymmetrical scratchplate came in about 1907 along with the zero fret. I think the extended fretboard that reached over the soundhole was added in the later teens. My 1913 Student A has a shorter fretboard.

    I have played a few 5bis mandolins from the 1940s and by that time Domenico Cerrone had taken over the shop. Luigi Embergher had passed away in 1943. Embergher had announce that Cerrone would be his successor for the brand in 1938. Those instruments were and still are quite excellent. However I am not too sure that that period is valued higher in monetary value than any others.

    The big problem with these mandolins these days, at least here in north America, is finding people who know how to set them up properly and even to use the proper strings. I was lucky to have an excellent luthier in addition to an expert to do the final set up.

    Moby75: what exactly is your interest in these mandolins? Have you actually played any? As much as I love my style 3, I warn people that these are very different even from Neapolitan style bowlbacks like Calace, Vinacccia, DeMeglio, etc. The necks are very narrow and with a triangular contour.

    As far as prices go it is hard to tell. I know that there are a handful on Reverb and possibly eBay right now. Some are priced pretty high but that doesn't mean they will sell for those prices. If you are in Europe you may find others for sale as well that may not appear on sites here.
    Jim

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  5. #4

    Default Re: Embergher Instruments best period

    I'd like to share my somewhat limited experience with Embergher instruments I was lucky to play, made from 1890's to 1916, only one was model 5, all others were models 1, 2 and 3. All instruments were consistently great. I have noticed that lower models tend to produce more round mellow tone, while the higher models tend to have the same clear and loud bass, but more penetrating and crystal trebles. I currently have a rosewood No. 3 model, made in 1910, signed by LE as my main instrument and I am very happy with it. It has been expertly restored by Lorenzo Lippi's pupil Fabio Bonardi in Brescia, Italy

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  7. #5

    Default Re: Embergher Instruments best period

    Hello and thank you for your answers.

    I asked myself this question because I know that sometimes in the career of a luthier, certain periods are better than others in terms of the quality of the instruments.

    In the case of Luigi Embergher, it seems from what you say that the quality has always been excellent throughout his career.

    To answer Jim's question, I am interested in Luigi Embergher's instruments because I found a Model 5 bis at a very reasonable price.

    The instrument is in perfect condition, there is only one crack on the soundboard (probably related to the temperature).

    I share your opinion on the Embergher mandolins, the sound is very pure.

    As for the restoration of Embergher mandolins, Fabio Bonardi (Brescia, Italy) seems to be one of the best specialists.
    http://www.falpius.com/lang1/luigi_e...904_rome_.html

    It is also possible to mention Wolfgang Früh (Paris, France).
    https://www.lepointdaccroche.com/?Restauration

    And the couple Sinier de Ridder (they are near the city of Bourges in France) and are specialized in the restoration of very old instruments.
    https://www.sinier-de-ridder.com/res...rgher_eng.html

    Thanks again for your answers and have a nice day.

  8. #6
    Mando-Accumulator Jim Garber's Avatar
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    Default Re: Embergher Instruments best period

    Moby75: Just curious... what year is your 5bis? Please share your photos etc. and your experience when restored.
    Jim

    My Stream on Soundcloud
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    Playing lately:
    1924 Gibson A4 - 2018 Campanella A-5 - 2007 Brentrup A4C - 1915 Frank Merwin Ashley violin - Huss & Dalton DS - 1923 Gibson A2 black snakehead - '83 Flatiron A5-2 - 1939 Gibson L-00 - 1936 Epiphone Deluxe - 1928 Gibson L-5 - ca. 1890s Fairbanks Senator Banjo - ca. 1923 Vega Style M tenor banjo - ca. 1920 Weymann Style 25 Mandolin-Banjo - National RM-1

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