The Rigel A+ Deluxe mandolin is now built by Peter Langdell in Jeffersonville, Vermont and has a unique, patented construction (U.S. Patent #D383481, awarded September 09, 1997).

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.

Here we’re looking at a Rigel A+ Deluxe mandolin in Darkburst finish, built during 2001 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. 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 tweed hard shell case.

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+ 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: