Pete Langdell first engaged in mandolin building in the 1960s. Taking fundamental but astute acoustical theories, he formulated a totally radical process of attacking mandolin building. For the next two decades, he mulled, tinkered, and eventually refined this revolutionary method that would become the development of the Rigel concept in the late 1980s. The first full-scale prototype of the Rigel mandolin would be built in 1990. Breaking the barrier of the intensely traditional mandolin market would be a challenge for the young Langdell, as to accomplish this groundbreaking process resulted in a totally different look. Committed to build off tradition rather than replace it, he developed models that would play homage to a century of mandolin building, despite the visual difference of radiused (curved) sides and visual tamper in a unique wedge-shaped body silhouette. (The 'A' body became the 'A+', the 'G' & 'CT' series similar to the Florentine, and later the 2-point would become the 'R' series.)
Good tone and playability are certainly a universal desire, no matter what playing style. The versatility of Rigel mandolins makes them suitable for a wide range of music, from bluegrass, jazz, country, old time, and Irish, to the more classical stringed arrangements. You'll find these amazing instruments used today in ALL these genres.
http://www.rigelinstruments.com/
