Rigel has introduced a number of innovations in instrument design over the years, starting with the radiused edge of the G-110. Though Rigel utilizes bent-side technology in building its reproductions of turn-of-the-century instruments, the construction method behind the G-110, R-100 Deluxe, A-Plus Deluxe, E-110 (Rigelcaster), and Resophonic mandolins is wholly unique. The body is carved from a solid block of Vermont maple, the interior coved and the exterior radiused, resulting in a rim of great strength, integrity and considerable acoustic advantage, without the need for binding or liner blocks which interrupt the transmission of reflected string vibration.
The carved maple back and carefully voiced spruce top are set into the rim, increasing strength and augmenting the rim's properties. Rigel luthiers have the additional luxury of being able to string up and test the instrument before the top is glued in place. If the tone is anything less than superb, the top is easily and quickly removed and the braces shaved or the top re-graduated, resulting in great beauty and consistency of sound.
Rigel uses its own elegant, one-piece, down-hooked tailpieces that allow for lightning fast string changes. In most of our instruments we mount a passive piezo that allows for the most accurate amplified mandolin sound to be found anywhere.
The versatility of Rigel instruments makes them suitable for any kind of music. From a powerful bluegrass chop to the sweetness of an angel's song, a Rigel is capable of everything from bop to Bach to bluegrass and beyond. Each instrument is painstakingly crafted for the finest sound quality and purity of tone.
In addition to our production models, the Rigel Custom Shop produces reproduction mandolins of astounding beauty and quality. Lyon & Healy A-style and Vega Cylinderback reproductions are our speciality. The treasures of the past are being built anew today at Rigel.
RIGEL MODELS
THE G SERIES
Renowned for their beauty and powerful, sweet voice, these carved maple and spruce marvels are coveted by players around the world.
These top-of the line models utilize highly-figured Vermont maple, the world's finest, slow-growth maple, for the back and sides, Engleman spruce for the top, a 3-ply maple-ebony-maple neck, bond and radiused ebony fingerboard, mother-of-pearl inlays, gold-plated Schaller tuners, ebony bridge, pearl nut, and internal piezo pickup.
A-PLUS DELUXE
The Rigel A-Plus is a loving nod to the classic A-style mandolin translated through the wizardry of Pete Langdell and his talented team of luthiers into a stealth and beautiful powerhouse of a mandolin. The A-Plus Deluxe share the same appointments as the G Series. These elegant A-style mandolins are powerful, bright, responsive, and are simply a delight to play.
A-NATURAL
The newest addition to the Rigel line, the A-Natural, is an economy-minded instrument that features Vermont maple back and sides, Engleman spruce top, economy tuners, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, matte finish, and nickel hardware. It has all the great tonal characteristics and playability that Rigels have become famous for and at a price that is hard to beat. Coming early 2002!
R-100 DELUXE
This exquisite 2-point mandolin was inspired by the great 2-point instruments that were popular in the early years of the century. Translated through Rigel into a sleek, modern instrument with looks to kill and a voice to match. The R-100 Deluxe series share the same appointments as the G-Series.
E-110
Built along the lines of the G-Series, the E-110 is a semi-hollow-bodied electric mandolin built with the same quality parts and wood that goes into a G-110, but sports an EMG pickup for a unequaled plugged-in sound.
RIGEL RESOPHONIC
Similar in shape to a G-Series this beauty features a 9" spider cone lending itself perfect for playing blues, slide, and swing. Yet another incredible innovation coming out of the Rigel shop in Vermont.
RIGEL R200 MANDOLA
Based on the exceptional R-100 mandolin, the R-200 mandola is painstakingly carved of figured Vermont maple and Engleman spruce, exquistely voiced for great tone and blance. With paua inlays and gold hardware, the R-200 will turn heads everywhere with its looks and voice. If your looking for the ultimate mandola, look no further. Available in 2002.
All models available with hardshell case.
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RIGEL ALUMNI AND VISION
Rigel's family of delighted owners includes some of the world's finest musicians: Chris Thile, Chris Hillman, Paul Glasse, Marty Stuart, Jimmy Gaudreau, Mike Marshall, Katerina Lichtenburg, Gene Johnson, Drew Emmett, Tamara Volkskaya, Will Patton.....
and the list is growing.
Rigel's goals are simply to build the finest mandolins, mandolas and other stringed instruments possible, utilizing Vermont maple and spruce (some of the finest tonewoods in the world) in conjunction with Old World craftsmanship and pride.
A Rigel instrument should be a joy to hold, behold, play, and hear. All Rigel luthiers are accomplished players themselves, and know firsthand how the instruments should feel and sound. Rigel is very proud of their work and want to share that pride with all Rigel owners.
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All photos by Shanti Curran
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