Description
Since July 2006, the Rigel A+ Deluxe mandolin has been meticulously crafted by Peter Langdell in Jeffersonville, Vermont. It features a one-of-a-kind, patented design (U.S. Patent #D383481, awarded September 09, 1997). While Rigel shut down their production shop in late 2006, they continued to offer custom builds for a period of time and their website remains active.
Here we're looking at a Rigel A+ Deluxe mandolin in Darkburst finish, built during 2002 in Hyde Park, Vermont. The core of the mandolin - the unique side and body block section, the back and the neck - are Maple; the neck also has a graphite stiffening rod in place of an adjustable truss rod. The top here is Spruce, likely Adirondack. The fingerboard is Ebony, as is the bridge. This model comes stock with a piezo element installed with the output via an end-pin jack. The tuners look to be excellent Grover models, and the bridge is a custom piece with Rigel engraved.
This is an excellent instrument. The design is not entirely traditional, but that's not a bad thing! This example is in overall good, clean and original condition, with its original rectangular tweed hard shell case. There are a few small indications of age and use, including a spot on the tailpiece, light finish wear to the back, and light fret wear. Rather than being bent from flat pieces in the traditional manner, the Rigel A+ Deluxe sides are carved from a solid block that supports the top and back. The back is full sized but glued on, while the top is a circular plate, somewhat like the resonator on a reso-phonic instrument. This concept is extended to the other mandolins in his catalog. As well, the neck uses a removable joint so that repairs are simplified.
Since their launch in 1990, Rigel mandolins have been built in three locations, either within Jeffersonville or a few miles away. The first models were built in Jeffersonville, then Hyde Park, then Cambridge, and finally back to Jeffersonville.
More From The Builder On The Rigel A+ Deluxe Mandolin:
"Timeless in its simplicity, adventurous in its blatantly anarchistic orbed shape, the A+ Deluxe bows a bold but loving nod to the classic A style mandolin with a 21st century upgrade: radiused sides! Sides cut from a single block of Vermont's best Sugar Maple, the instrument is "invisibly" melded to its carved, figured maple back and painstakingly tuned spruce top. This "entry" Rigel is a legitimate contender for the working musician or serious hobbyist seeking professional level tone and unsurpassed playing comfort."
Rigel A+ Deluxe Mandolin Specifications:
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |
DETAILS:
- Instrument Model: A+ Deluxe
- Instrument Manufacturer: Rigel Mandolins
- Instrument year: 2002
- Instrument Finish: Dark Burst
- Instrument Class: Used
- Instrument serial number: 2026, built during 2002 at Hyde Park Vermont USA
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Very Good
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Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hard
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 2.376 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.08 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 13.9 in
- Scale Length Metric: 353 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.182 in
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Nut Width Metric: 30.03 mm
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190220
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There are no refunds or returns on used items unless authorized in advance by a Twelfth Fret Sales Associate at time of sale. View Our Full Terms Here |