The New Rigel Q-95

[sandcastlefaith]

Am I the only one who is extremely excited about the new Gypsy/Django style mandolin that Rigel is coming out with, dubbed the Q-95? I'm really curious as to features and such that it will be equipped with. Any speculations or wishes? I'm sure the fellas at Rigel would love to hear some wish lists for features and design styles . . .

[Boombloom]

Haven't heard anything about this. Tell us more!

[sandcastlefaith]

Haven't heard anything about this. #Tell us more!
I don't know too much, since Rigel is being "purposefully mysterious" about giving out information. What I do know is in October, Rigel is going to release a gypsy/Django style mandolin, and it's going to be affordable, not as expensive as most of their upper end mandolins. I'm trying to picture as Selmer-MacAferri style mandolin with the Rigel logo on its headstock. It's hard to imagine, since everything they've put out to date has been extremely colorful and flamboyant. Any ideas on what they could do as far as inlays, soundhole design (necessery on a MacAferri), finish options, etc.? I'm hoping we can get together the best of the best in every area, and get Rigel to produce a "Rigel Cafe" model, with all of our favorite specs on it! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[Ted Eschliman]

Let me give you all a little hint, since I'm kind of the brainchild behind this project...
The Selmer (Djangolin) style is a bit off target, as far as body shape, although we certainly want capture the incredible "charm" of this terrifc "lap" instrument.
Think in terms of a Gibson 'teens A body; imagine that sweet, sweet sound, but the difference--a straight, comfortable neck, tuners young enough to actually keep the strings in tune, and the ability to hear it over the clanking of cappuchino cups...
You'll be closer to guessing our little October "secret."

If you guys are referring to the Iclops thing Peter is playing on "This week at Rigel"........

I've edited this post as part of my statement was rather mean....The Iclops makes me think of an AMC Pacer. While most folks consider it butt ugly, it does have a sort of "cult" following. Will history be kind to the "Iclops"...only time will tell.

[Brian Aldridge]

Rather queer looking. It only has four string??? Does that transfer to only half the volume?

[Mandobar]

actually i thought the Iclops was kind of neat.

[mad dawg]

Re the Iclops, I do remember seeing a close-up pic of its headstock before, and it actually has 8 strings; you just can't see 4 of the 8 tuners because they are at right angles to the 4 you can see.

[softshell]

I think it's cool that the folks at Rigel are into experimentation. The world would be awfully boring if everything was the same and nobody ever tried anything new.

[Ted Eschliman]

Back on track, the Iclops (I-110) is an entirely different concept and seperate project. While "niche" and cool, it's not even in the same universe as the Gypsy Q.
Totally different market target...

[mad dawg]

Back off track Ted, http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif what does the Iclops sound like? Does its sound resemble anything else in their line-up?