Brian Cohen, Guitar Maker

I became a professional guitar maker in 1972, and am now the longest-established independant classical guitar maker in the UK. As well as classical guitars I make many other types, including flamenco, requinto, multi-string, steel string 'acoustic' guitars, archtop Jazz, as well as historic reconstructions. 'Special commissions' are welcomed. (Member of the Crafts Council Selected Index.)

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Instruments for Sale

I do have some mandolins and guitars in stock for sale: some new, some pre-owned older master examples and some rare antique guitars too- enquire please. I also look to buy outright fine master guitars and high quality mandolins: contact me with what you have for sale please.

Luigi Embergher , Roman Mandolin, 1910, Study mandolin type B

A fine Roman mandolin, labelled , dated with correct label in unblemished condition. Body of several smooth ribs of a dark tropical wood, with lighter spacer lines. Table of spruce, ebonized neck, good tuners, head with correct Embergher brand clearly visible. All set up to play, new Lenzner Bronze Consort strings fitted, gauged especially for these type of mandolins, body with no cracks, table has no cracks, or repairs, tone very bright, open and sweet, typical of Emberghers. Fingerboard ebony with original bar frets. One owner apart from myself, acquired from a deceased estate in Switzerland. Comes with original soft canvas bag. Conforms in every aspect to the specification of the type B study mandolin as per the Embergher catalogue. A copy of the Embergher book by Ralf Leenen and Barry Pratt will be supplied with this mandolin. (Copies of this book are available from me for £40 plus postage)

Condition:

The body of smooth ribs, dark wood with light spacers inlaid, is good, no cracks or repairs. The table is in near perfect original unblemished condition, and has no distortion around soundhole area, or anywhere else. Action very good, the possibly original bar frets, all trued now and dressed, and all the tuners work well- This mandolin is ready to play, and produces a good strong clear tone- fitted with new special 'Embergher ' strings, ( Lenzner Consort Bronze.) The typical inlaid scratch plate is in perfect condition. The string holder/ wrist guard is original, and in good condition, and this makes it very comfortable to play and easy to re-string. All inlays and other decoration are original and completely intact. As far as originality and condition are concerned there can be no finer example, it could be described as 'museum quality'.

We stock and supply 'Lenzner Bronze Consort' mandolin string sets, made especially for Embergher mandolins and other period concert mandolins, made to the correct original specification

Photos: Click here

Dimensions: (to add and complete)

Price: Enquire. Sale includes an original soft bag . (A custom hard-shell case could be made for it, at cost, on request)


Price excludes freight, taxes etc. and VAT ( VAT zero rated if exported from EC, packing free, freight charged at cost- (ParcelForce, FedEx, or UPS)
The mandolin can be sent out for approval, for a 48 -hour period after receipt. However, all freight charges, inwards and outwards, must be borne by the client, import duties may be levied in some countries, and for the USA the 'Lacey Declaration' has to be complete in addition to any CITES permit if needed. Payment must be in full in advance, and evidence provided of insurance for the journey. For these additional services, a charge will be made. Funds will be refunded in full, provided the instrument arrives back in the shop in the same condition as when it left. If these conditions are not met, then the instrument will be considered 'Sold'.

I invite you to take a 'virtual tour' through my website, which is continually under construction and renewal, and I welcome any comments you may have about the site. Not all links and pages are active, but I hope to complete the site soon.

Opening times and all contact details, directions etc. on our 'Contact' page. Visitors welcomed, but strictly by appointment only.

Please enjoy a tour through the new site!