Rigel R-100 Thoughts?

[Marc Schlotthauer]

Greetings -

Just bought a used Rigel R-100 from Ken Cartwright and couldn't be happier. Great guy, great instrument.

I'm curious why I don't see this mandolin discussed very often...is it because it isn't a real popular design? Lots of stiff competition in its price range? I think it has a marvelous tone with incredible aesthetic appeal. No scroll, but what a deep, resonant sound (especially with the tone guard).

[John Flynn]

Congratulations on your purchase. It is a great mando.

Since you asked, here is MHO. I think the R-100 is at a tough price point, it does not have a good market positioning, and it hasn't gotten a lot of publicity. At that price point, there is a lot of competition: Collings, Weber, Gibson, Breedlove all have serious contenders at that price. As far as market positioning, it is not the super value that the Rigel A's are, but it is not the cutting edge design that G's, CT's and Jethro are. It's like it doesn't have a clear marketing "story" as to why it exists in the product line. Finally, the A+ Deluxe and higher end models have all gotten some very nice celebrity endorsements. The R-100 has not.

Just on a personal note also, I considered an R-100 as a step up from my A+ Deluxe. But I played one in a store, and please understand I am only talking about this one I played, not yours#or any others, but frankly I actually liked the sound of my A+ better. It may have been that it was new and mine was played in, or it was just a lemon in an otherwise worthy line, but I did not see it as a trade up. On the other hand, I picked up a G-110 and I was blown away.

[PCypert]

Yeah,
I love Rigel's sound and love their instruments. But I never understood the extra bucks for what amounts to a minor bit of cosmetics. I know others will have different opinions and this is just mine. I think it's a great mando. I like the way it looks. But there are a lot of style purists. And for just a little extra you can go ahead and get the G110 or whatever. Now that Rigel Lyon and Healy is a sweet deal that should be getting more marketing etc.
Paul

The R100 was made in a standard & Deluxe version just like the A+ & A+ Deluxe......the R100 standard was discontinued several years ago, as was the A+ standard. They still pop up occasionally. Just be aware there is a difference between a Deluxe & standard.

[Marc Schlotthauer]

I've been communicating with Peter Mix via e-mail to learn a bit of history about the instrument, and he told me "I love the R100 and think it's the loveliest instrument we build". That's a pretty strong endorsement.

Marc

[peteymando]

Hello to everyone as this is my first post on the cafe.Been lurking for a while and finding out all kinds of neat stuff on mandos.I have been playing for about(well trying to play)for about two years.When I saw this post about the R-100 I thought I would add my two cents worth.After about two months of looking at the R-100 at Greg Boyds I bought it last week.It was Peter Mix personal mando and the first Virzi equipped mando made by Rigel.In my very limited experince with mandos this is a really great sounding mandolin.It plays like silk,very responsive and clear sounding and lots of sustain.I also have an A#Deluxe which sounds great but the R-100 is alot better mando,imho. # # http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif