Rigel Mandolins
Cutting edge mandolin craftsmanship

Rigel's tribute to tradition includes its hybrid version of the classic "A," the variations on the A + Deluxe, the two point "R" series, and R-100, and its vast improvements on the F style, the "G" series G-110, it's tweaked sisters CT-110 (used by the site author) and groundbreaking Gypsy departure Q95.

Also known for its custom work, Rigel has introduced spin-off versions of the cylinder back and Lyon & Healy reproductions, as well as a fantastic homage to the asymmetrical two point "Jethro" model. Its most recent venture, a very neoclassic G-5 which continues to receive rave reviews in Bluegrass circles.

Mandolin and Mandola restoration are a specialty, but through their Custom Shop, they are even more capable of taking any instrument to the next level, be it a dazzling Paris runway high-fashion finish, or a strikingly sentimental abalone inlay.

Rigel G5		Rigel "Jethro"

It's not beauty alone, however. Pete Langdell's machinist experience and engineering genius have taken mandolin playing to a whole new level of sound and comfort. Mention Rigel in any professional player circles and the word playability is the consistent theme. Fit, function, ease, effortlessness, you'll hear nothing but positive when their instruments are evaluated and discussed.

The Rigel team of luthiers have captured truly innovative construction methods; design and approach are singularly unique. Carved of solid wood, the "signature" radiused sides and wedge-shaped body give the instruments a meaty, harmonically complex sound. String-to-string balance characteristic of only the highest caliber American made products, these instruments are priced consistently less, offering the player one of today's most economical options to a professional mandolin.

Rigel CT-110

What style of music can a Rigel instrument play? Though its unique form and body shapes could intimidate the radically traditional purist mandolin player, its tone and articulation is capable of a wide variety of musical genres. Jazz, old time, Celtic, classical, contemporary rock, you'll look long and hard to find music it can not do. Even the "bark" desired by the most ardent bluegrass musician can be attained simply by working with Rigel on an order from the ground up. Its unique approach to assembling top and sides allow the carving and "tuning" to a player's personal craving, BEFORE the instruments is glued together and finished. (This option is virtually unheard of anywhere else.)

20th Century Homage

A: Timeless in its classic simplicity
F4: Scroll and bottom "lap" point, with the intimate tone production of an oval hole
F5: The Scroll with the classic "punch" of an F hole
Two Point: The sleek, elegantly understated arch-top that "fans" before meeting the neck
21st Century Innovation

A+ Deluxe: A whole new level of sophistication in an elegant, yet simple shape. Three dimensions of round, unlimited new dimensions of sound...
G95: A new, relatively unexplored foray into oval hole bliss.
G-110, CT-110, G5: Each in its own way taking the best of the venerated F5, but adding curve, radius sides, string to string balance, and a fretboard ready to play.
R-100, Jethro: Reverence to the underappreciated two point body, one symmetrical, the other provocatively asymmetrical..