((Rigel A+ Deluxe)) vs. ((Collings MT))

[gdae85]

((Rigel A+ Deluxe)) vs. ((Collings MT))

So, the two mandolins are produced with high craftmanship and details; both have great playability, sound,etc.
So now its just a matter of picking your favorite.

Please support your opinion with facts; as it will be critical when making my choice for either one of em as my next mando. Ive been rambling for months, and cannot make my mind; help me out!!! #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif #http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wow.gif

RIGEL # # ## # ##1
COLLINGS # # 5

Flip a coin....

Fact, a coin has two completely different sides.......heads or tails.

[mingusb1]

I've got an MT, and really like it. #It's definitely the loudest A I have ever played. #When it gets warmed up it really cuts through, and the tones are quite full up and down the neck. #

But, I have never played a Rigel. #

However, I don't think I'd ever own a Rigel. #I really don't like the asthetics of those. #Particulary the headstocks. #

That may be superficial, but ya gotta like what you are playing.

Z

[Rick Schmidlin]

Fact there are a lot to choose from that range but the MT would be my forst choice.

Rick http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[John Flynn]

Please support your opinion with facts
There ain't no facts in this game, dude! It's all unsupportable opinions. That's the fun of it! And what kind of facts would you want? The frequency response stats from an acoustic lab?

Having made that caveat, I am a long time Rigel A+ player, but I have been playing an MT a lot at a store lately and I have investigated trading the A+ on the MT, but the guy wouldn't give me the deal I wanted. I did a side-by side comparison, first with me playing with a friend of mine who is a professional guitarist listening and then with one of my former mando instructors playing and me and my friend listening. Here is what we came up with:

Tone: The Rigel has a very focused, clear tone. I think it would be prefereable to the MT for blues, jazz and classical. The MT has a more raw, woody kind of tone, better suited to bluegrass and old time. Both are loud, with the MT having a slight edge in volume. However, if you have to plug in the Rigel has that great internal pizeo.

Playbility: Both are great, but the Rigel has a definite edge for me. I like the fatter, wider neck on the Rigel.

Physical Characteristics: Fit and finish on both are flawless. The A+ is "fancy," shiny and "space age" looking. The MT is much more traditional and old-timey looking, in its own way. The A+ is significantly heavier than the MT. FWIW, the A+ has two nice extras, a forward strap button and a pickguard.

I would love to have them both! Either is a great choice.

[doanepoole]

FACT: Our opinions shouldn't mean squat to you.

Take a road trip with a pickin buddy and hunt down an MT and an A+ Deluxe, play each for 2 hours, and decide which you like better.

[gdae85]

It does mean for:
1) I am interested in the subjectivity of your answers. That is why I started the post.
2) I cant play them. There are no mando stores here.

[doanepoole]

Well, I would really encourage you to take a road trip if there are any stores within "road-trippable" proximity to your area...time and money well spent in the long run.

If you MUST mail order, both are quality instruments. In my experience, it depends on what type of music you play as to which you would prefer.

I think Mando Johnnys post above hits the nail on the head.

[seanh]

I currently have a MT and a Weber bridger. I owned a Rigel A+ delux before the Bridger. I liked the Rigel a lot! But when I heard the Bridger I had to have it. When I bought the MT I thought I would sell the Bridger, but no I love them both and they are very different. Rigel my opinions, others may vary: best most playable neck I ever played, comes with a pickup very handy, Glossy finish done very well, volume not so good. Overall an excellent instrument. Collins MT: neck very good better than the bridger, no pickup, matt finish very well done. volume wow! lots. overall another excellent instrument. I will not compare tone because it has been too long since the Rigel was in hands, and I am still working through string and pick combinations on the MT. I would strongly advise taking a trip to play both side by side, or even having both shipped to you at the same time. Considering what you are going to spend it is a small price to pay to get the one that is right for you. For myself I prefer the MT. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[jasona]

I like both of your options. I personally would buy the Collings, because they have the sound I prefer. That said, I think Rigels have gotten an undeserved reputation for being quiet. Every one I have played, especially the A Naturals, for whatever reason, have bark to spare. Their chop cuts just fine.

[John Flynn]

I think Rigels have gotten an undeserved reputation for being quiet.
I agree. My A+ and others I have played are quite loud and even have a decent chop, even though I don't consider them bluegrass instruments. They are better in those respects than the vast majority of under-$2,000 production mandos I've played.

[Walter]

If you like to play bluegrass, the MT is the clear choice. #It has more volume and a better chop. #The Rigel has the slight edge when it comes to playability. #-Both are great instruments.

[mandodon]

For what it's worth, my old Rigel A+ was the loudest, most projective mandolin I've ever had. No woody chop, though.

[PatrickH]

I have the Rigel A+ Deluxe and the Collings MF. I don't know how different the MT sounds than the MF but I absolutely think (and anyone I play them for thinks as well) that my Collings sounds better. It has a beautiful bell-like ring when playing lines and a solid chop when playing chords. It is really a beautiful sounding instrument. Not that the Rigel sound bad, it doesn't. It just that, when compared side by side, the sound of my MF is more attractive.

I will say that playing my Rigel is effortless. I am faster and more precise with both the left and right hand on it. I don't know if it is the fatter neck or the more radical radius but whatever it is the folks at Rigel have made a mandolin that plays like no other (IMOHO). I would also say that the Rigel sounds amazing through my California Blonde amplifier. I can't imagine an amplified mando sounding better.

With all that said, I guess it comes down to the style of music you play.

Pat

[gdae85]

Thanks, I think I am going for the MT after all.

[gus]

I know everyone is crazy about Collings MTs, but my experience is that they're way overrated... my old 1918 Gibson A outperformed a MT in volume and cut-through, and that A does not have either of those qualities in abundance. My playing buddies all agreed. Maybe it's just the one I played, but I was underwhelmed. It's a good lesson - believe your own ear and not the hype.

[tnpathfinder]

Let me start by saying, I have not played a A+. I realize that is what you guys are compairing.
I have played a MT, along side a Bush, F9, A9.
On pure sound quality... and money not withstanding (and the fact I could buy three MT's for one Bush) I would choose the MT.
All the way around...I wonderful piece of work.

That's my very humble opinon.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[Jack Roberts]

Thanks, I think I am going for the MT after all.
good choice. Let us know when you get it.

Jack

[VictorLouis]

There's another year of knowledge on this board, and no need to re-post the same subject matter.

Searching here seems to give the edge to the Collings in VOLUME. Possibly an edge in tone, but only for grass?

However, several have indicated that the A+ is easier to play. Somehow, I can envision this as stating that a Lexus drives easier than a Cadillac, LOL. Just as subjective as tone, perhaps?

Three pluses for the PLUS are:

1)Pick-up
(I can see making some use of this.)

Pick-guard
Needed, or merely for style?

Heel strap button. #
Is the balance 'right' for its use, or will I end up with a stap around the head-stock either way?

I'm a novice, and just looking for one nice choice here. As to looks, I lean toward the Collings, due to the simpler dressing and matte finish. However, it seems they are holding stronger used prices. But, this may be offset by being easier to resell in the event I don't care for it.

Can I confuse you even more by tossing a Breedlove OF, perhaps the Spirit, into the mix! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[250sc]

I'm fortunate to live a short drive from Elderly and make frequent trips to see what's what. The one thing I've noticed is that the instruments that I've heard rave reviews about haven't alway impressed me when I play one. Another observation is that no two mandos of the same model and brand sound alike. I hear people say that the MTs are consistant but I own one that I love and another player in the area has one that is amazing. It's strung with the same stings and he uses the same pick as I do. We wondered if the difference was in our hand and technique so switched for a couple of songs and found his just sounded better to both of us.

This leads me to wonder about choosing an accoustic instrument based on strangers opinions.

Good luck.

[steve V. johnson]

You don't need more consultations, more info, more opinions. #You don't even need to make a decision.

Clearly, all you need is more money.

Then you can buy them both. <GGGG>

Issue solved.

stv

[VictorLouis]

That's true, so true. However, most of us are lucky to have a dealer than carries one or two ENRTY-level mandos. It's much more difficult when you get to the nicer, American produced brands. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Both of these seem to get good press with regard to consistency. Now, I've found that Rigel used to make an A-Natural, which looks like it was a stellar bargain for the time it was around. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif

[PatrickH]

I own both and am currently selling the Rigel. Make no mistake, they are both excellent instruments. My MT has more of a bluegrass sound, has more volume and is a very conventional A style. The Rigel has a real sturdyness about it but is unconventional.

A major decision factor here is how you play as the neck styles are as different as they can be on these two instruments. The Collings is a thin, sharp V and the Rigel a wide, fat U. I own other Collings mandolins and have decided that I really like the Collings neck.

IMOHO, The Collings will retain a bit more value and will be a bit easier to sell if that is a factor.

[red7flag]

Collings is the maker that seems to strive for consistency. They shave tops when the wood is denser to try to maintain that consistency. But, we are talking about wood. We are talking about instruments that get played and cared for differently. There was also a dealer that noticed that instruments that were stored near their heater seemed to sound better than those stored other places in the store. The concept was that the vibration from the heater was the effect. Certainly, we have all seen instruments, especially mandolins "open up". To summerize. Some brands, like Collings, seem to have more consistency with their product, that being said, we all do ourselves a favor by playing an instrument before buying. We may find a gem in any brand.
Tony

[John Flynn]

I like both instruments. I own a Rigel A+, but I have played several MTs and considered buying one. I will not get rid of the Rigel, though. I really, really like the playability. I own other mandos, but it really gets to the point for me that if I am going to play something difficult for an audience, I will always play the Rigel. I feel my most confident on that neck. Also, that pizeo system works really well and I do plug in from time to time. I also like the neck heel button and the way the instrument balances with a "Monroe-style" right shoulder strap arrangement.

Some things to consider that I didn't see mentioned. While Collings does not seem to deal well with special orders and charges a lot for them, Rigel is very flexible. If you want an A+ voiced for bluegrass, they know how to do it. They can do a "Loar-style" neck if you want it. They can do a satin finish like the MT if you want it. They seem to work pretty fast also. You could get all the features you like from the MT and all the features you like from the A+ in one package.

BTW, I think the argument that the MT is "more traditional" than the Rigel is pretty marginal. First, that is only an argument that hardcore bluegrassers should care about, and for them, the MT is not an F, it is not a Gibson and it doesn't sound like a Gibson, so it wouldn't make them happy anyway.

[morgan]

I went through this same decision process two years ago and bought a Rigel. I prefer round-hole sound but I needed a mando with "cut," volume and versatility (bluegrass, swing, old-time, Celtic, country...) to play (sometimes amplified) in the 6-person string band I play in. I made the trek went to Mandolin Brothers and played every f-hole mando under $2,500. The two finalists were the Rigel and Collings; very close call but I chose the Rigel for playability and tone (was also cheaper and had the pickup, but those were not the deciding factors). There were three Rigels in the store and at least one of them would not have surpassed the Collings (of which there was one), so play before you buy if you can! I haven't regretted the decision, but if i did I would be disappointed by the precipitous decline in Rigel value as used instruments, as evidenced by the prices in the cafe classifieds. The Collings do seem to hold their value better

[steve V. johnson]

I've read all this good stuff.

I still want one of each.

*sigh*

stv

[jesseb]

I've been thinking of an MT as well. I own a Rigel A+ Deluxe that I love, but I've been craving a more woody, "punchy" box for bluegrass, etc.. I was getting set to sell it last nightbut then I started playing it...well, you know the rest. -Can't part with with a good axe. I have decided to save the $$ and get an MT in time. I will say that my reasoning, along with the Rigel's sound, is that it's a really versatile instrument to play. If you're ever in a accoustic amplified band/jam the Rigel is a fun tool to have. Sounds great plugged in and add's a real depth the overall sound. Great choices for the thread- kind of like flipping a coin and having it land on it's side...

[cgwilsonjr]

I've never played Rigel but I'm my well-played 2002 Collings MT-2 is a constant source of inspiration. Great tone, feel, fit/finish.

[Crowder]

The Coliings, in a landslide.

[Douglas McMullin]

I have only owned my Collings MT for a little over a month, but I spent some time picking that model. To be honest I never gave the Rigel a serious thought. I did play 2 different A+ Deluxe models and as you said they are very well constructed mandolins. They just don’t have the style or sound that I prefer. Sorry no facts to offer just my opinion. Since I could have only one I certainly preferred the MT, but if I could have two I would be happy to have a Rigel as well.

[Garrett]

I've played a few Collings mandolins and did not think that they were particularly woody, bluegrassy mandolins. They were o.k., but if you're looking for a bluegrassy sound there are a lot more options at that price in an A style. Rigel is a really neat company, they make their own distinctive products with their own sound, and that's what you're looking for they can't be beat.

[The Mandolin Store]

Night and day difference................the Collings will be much louder and woodier. If you are playing plugged in then the Rigel is the way to go but acoustically the MT should keep up with any banjo.

[jesseb]

Thought I'd share...Had a brief afternoon of mandotasting today at Gryphon music in Palo Alto. Lot's of great mondolins- Collings,Weber, Breedlove, etc. I knew I'd be over that way this am so I brought my mando (Rigel A+DL) along with me and took some time to try out side by side. Suffice to say that any MAS I thought I had has been cooled. I was very interested in the Collings so here are my thoughts. -Great mandolin, well balanced, light, attractive, great tone (dry..woody.., very playable). I thought I'd be "blown away" wanting to walk out with one. I was very pleased. I then played the Rigel up against it and I was very surprised. Slightly different sound/tone, but slightly better projection and deeper chop. Based on what I'd read in this thread, I was surprised. Still can't say if any one among all the A styles I played was "better" though. They were all like candy to me.....

[RobP]

Thanks for the info jesseb. Now you can spend all that money you saved on CDs, instructional material or recording equipment http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

I must say that I am totally satisfied with my Rigel A+ deluxe. I play both acoustic and plugged in. I have not played a Collings but I am sure they are fine mandolins too.

Rob

[GBG]

It's hard to compare a the sound of a mandolin that you've played for months or years to a brand new instrument. I know they should sound "great right out of the box", but many good mandolins are tight and will not develop a bottom end for months. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that some of today's best sounding mandolins took months or years for their tone to evolve.

[johnsmusic]

Just listed a sweet MT on Ebay at a killer price. John http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[little jimmy]

I have a little tidbit or two to add to this post even though I think the decision has been made. I bought a Rigel A+ Deluxe about 3 years ago after learning some basic mandolin 6 months prior. I have been playing guitar for 30 years. I really liked the fingerboard on the Rigel as it is very comfortable because of it's radius. The looks appealed to me and the electronics were helpful when I would play in a group (Bluegrass and folk/rock type music). Over time the Rigel really opened up. The following year in 2003 I purchased a Collings MT-2. From the start this mando had power and clarity. This mando has done nothing but continue to open up. I will never part with the Collings. It is amazing in it's power and sweet voice. The year after that I had to have an "F" style so I bought a Summit "Jesse McReynolds" model. This is a stunning mando with a sweet voice and all the looks at twice the price of the Collings! I have played all three for a while now and the Collings is the best player to my ears. Keep in mind the tremendous effect that strings and pick choice will have as well. There is no right choice here but I will agree that the collings will retain the best resale value of the mando's I own.

[Nolan]

One other thing I might add.
I talked with the Collings folks this week cause I had a question about my MT-2. #Anyway, they said Bill Collings spends almost all his time in the mando department voicing the mandolins and trying to always make them better. #
I thought that was cool because in my opinion Bill Collings is a world class builder and he has his hands on every mandolin that goes out the door.