In writings Embergher advertises these models as being his top instruments. Everything he stood for about quality of sound, perfection and playability was united in these models, something that is evident because of the best choice of wood and materials. The preserved mandolins from around 1900 mostly have a scratch-plate with the butterfly design. Later however Embergher used the famous roman design with the rolled parchment. Interesting to notice is that, on the early designs, the rolled parchment on the left goes straight downwards, parallel to the strings. The later the model, the more diagonal the parchment is placed. These slight changed in design can also be seen at the rosette: First we see very refined inlaid mother of pearl while later ivory and even later imitation-ivory (ivorine or white celluloid) is being used. These instruments as well as the N. 3 (which already has a lot of the features of the concert models) were always signed by the maestro himself using an ink written signature on left side rib inside the body.
Mandolino per concertista e solista Model No. 5 / Mandolin for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5
Note that the highest two frets are covered with a metal cap with which it is possible to adjust the tip of the fingerboard to the hight of the 1st string pair
a Mandolin Soloist model N. 5 (1903)
Note the early pearl of mother rosette design, the straight scrol. Both features, together with the ‘folded curtain’ inlay at the head, are typical of this period for this model
Note the fingerboard with 24 frets under the 2nd and 29 frets under the 1st string pair
Mandolino per concertista e solista Model No. 5bis / Mandolin for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5bis
Photo published with kind permission of mr. Claudio Ricca.
Mandoliola per concertista e solista Model No. 5bis / Mandoliola (Alto Mandolin) for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5bis
Mandola per concertista e solista Model No. 5bis / Mandola for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5bis
Mandoloncello per concertista e solista Model No. 5bis / Mandoloncello for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5bis
This Mandoloncello Soloist model N. 5-bis (1908) is exhibited in the Museum Vleeshuis in Antwerp, Belgium. Collection Stad Antwerpen, Museum Vleeshuis, AV.1989.005.
LIUTO CANTABILE (early) per concertista e solista Model No. 5bis / Liuto cantabile for concert performer and soloist Model No. 5bis
The photos of this Liuto cantabile are published with kind permission of mr. Valery Afanassiev.
The catalogue states the following about this model:
Mandolino per concertista e solista
Description of the Mandolins Number 5 and 5-bis
Instruments for the concertista e solista, in richly curled maple- or palissander wood with 35 sculpted ribs, and with a varnished sound-table. – The manufacture of these instruments is executed with great care and perfection and. – The principles of these mandolins are based on the construction of the violin. Artists who have aspirations to be soloists will gradually become aware of the many advantages of this instrument. – The fingerboard, a proper system with 29 divisions, corresponds with the scale like that of the violin and reaches up to a””, ensuring the execution of every classical music composition.
Besides there is an important element added to the fingerboard, the enlargement of the fingerboard under the second string up to g”’ to, as already mentioned above, be able to perform all the music of the great Classics.
All extra ornaments are left out: these only blind the eye of the layman and destabilise the harmony of the instrument. – Finally the mandolin is equipped with a patented mechanic, that allow the strings to be changed rapidly and with very great ease, ensuring the tuning to be prolonged for long periods.
The N. 5-bis differs from the N. 5 because of its head design in the form of an ancient lute [Liuto antico].
N.B. This instrument is also constructed in Mandoliole (Alto-mandolins) – Mandole (Mandolas) – Mandoloncelli and Mandolbassi.
Mandolino per concertista e solista Model No. 6 / Mandolin for concert performer and soloist Model No. 6
Note the ‘dragon’ inlay on the scratch plate and the ivory lining at the side surrounding the end-clashp and sides. Photo taken from the internet.
The catalogue states the following about this model:
Mandolino N.6
Elegant mandolin for concertists and soloists. – This instrument is identical to the N. 5-bis differing only by the harmonious sound box with 39 sculpted ribs, the elegant ivory linings at the sides and the inlay on the scratch plate. An instrument with a beautiful appearance. – It is made in maple- and palissander wood.