DESCRIPTION:
The Rigel A+ Oval mandolin was built at Hyde Park, Vermont by Peter Langdell and has a unique, patented construction (U.S. Patent #D383481, awarded September 09, 1997). Rigel now operates out of Jeffersonville, Vermont. The Rigel Oval hole models are scarce; the brighter, more percussive F-hole models have generally been more popular since the rise of Bluegrass bands in the 1940's. Oval hole models tend to have a warmer tone.
Here we’re looking at a Rigel A+ Oval e mandolin in Black finish, likely built during late 2000 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 with Mother of Pearl dot position markers, and the bridge is also Ebony. 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. They are 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.
Rather than being bent from flat pieces in the traditional manner, the Rigel A+ Oval 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, Rigels 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.
Here is the builder on the Rigel A+ Oval 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.”
|
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 Plus Oval
- Instrument Manufacturer: Rigel Mandolins
- Instrument year: 2000
- Instrument Finish: Gloss Black
- Instrument Class: Used
- Instrument serial number: 1543, likely built late 2000 at Hyde Park Vermont
- Country of Origin: USA
- Instrument Condition: Very Good
-
Playing Condition: Very Good
- Right-handed
- CITIES Documentation Required: No
- Case included: Yes
- Case original: Yes
- Case Type: Hard
- Instrument Weight Imperial: 2.288 lbs
- Instrument Weight Metric: 1.03 kgs
- Scale Length Imperial: 13.937 in
- Scale Length Metric: 354 mm
- Nut Width Imperial: 1.225 in
-
Nut Width Metric: 32.12 mm
- Items in Case: N/A
- Consignment: Yes
- Product ID: 190266
|
|
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 |