Rigel Donates A+ Deluxe To Berklee String Dept.

**jmcgann** · Apr-17-2006, 6:26pm

I am delighted to announce that Rigel Mandolins have donated a spanking new A+ Deluxe Model to Berklee College of Music's Acoustic String Program. This is an instrument I will use while teaching and performing, and will pass around so students can play it as well. We will be using it 4/28/06 when my Django/Gypsy jazz Ensemble performs (1 pm at David Friend Recital Hall, 921 Boylston St. Boston MA, free to the public).

The instrument is great; I played it this weekend, and I really dig the radiused fingerboard, big frets, and big sound. It is finished in "metalflake black" which is much better looking than it sounds

Many thanks to Peter Mix and all at Rigel for making this happen. I hope to eventually acquire the full complement of mando family instruments ('dola, OM and 'cello) so students can try their hand at these cool doubling instruments (and so I can start a Creative Mandolin Ensemble to use them!)

**Alex Fields** · Apr-17-2006, 7:04pm

That's awesome...good for Rigel. Not that it isn't just a business move, but still.

How many mandolin students do you have at Berklee, and how many of those are violinists (or guitarists or whatever) for whom mandolin is a second instrument? Anyone there now with mandolin as primary instrument?

**JEStanek** · Apr-17-2006, 7:11pm

Congrats. #I'm glad to see the schools supported by the community. Hopefully this will catch on.

Jamie

**SternART** · Apr-17-2006, 7:21pm

The "Rigel Mandolin Ensemble" has a nice ring to it!

**Lane Pryce** · Apr-17-2006, 7:36pm

Nice going Peter and congrats Jim. That program is moving forward. Lp

**jmcgann** · Apr-17-2006, 7:54pm

Originally Posted by

How many mandolin students do you have at Berklee, and how many of those are violinists (or guitarists or whatever) for whom mandolin is a second instrument? Anyone there now with mandolin as primary instrument?

There are two fulltime mandolinists at the moment-both excellent players already- but the program was only "officially announced" this Spring.

I lead a "Mando for Non-Mando Principals" lab and we have 4 fiddlers and 4 guitarists. That's a real under-the-radar lab with a limited enrollment of 8- I am sure I could serve 50 students with that if they'd let me...there are LOTS of fiddlers and guitarists who double on mando and the instrument's profile is sure to rise exponentially over the next few years.

**Alex Fields** · Apr-17-2006, 8:16pm

That's good to hear, I wasn't sure if you had any fulltime players yet. I'm a high school senior...going to ETSU (East Tennessee) for next year (we have the only four year bluegrass program in the world...XD) but I fully intend to transfer after that--to Berklee, assuming I'm accepted and can afford it.

**Pete Braccio** · Apr-17-2006, 10:34pm

Peter Mix is a great guy to work with. He sent me a Rigel A+ to be used at the SIGGRAPH conference last year.

Since this is basically a computer graphics show with just a bit of music thrown into the mix, he took a risk with this loan. He could have easily said that this wasn't their market, but he didn't. In fact, he was one of the most enthusiastic supporters of SIGGRAPH that I talked with last year. I'm hoping that he'll support us again for this year's show.

All in all, a real nice guy making real nice instruments.

Pete

**jasona** · Apr-17-2006, 10:52pm

Rigel once again proves their high class in supporting the community. Thanks Peter and Peter! You make great mandos and better friends.

**Pedal Steel Mike** · Apr-18-2006, 2:13am

Originally Posted by (jasona @ April 17 2006, 20:52)

Rigel once again proves their high class in supporting the community. Thanks Peter and Peter! You make great mandos and better friends.

Absolutely. I love my 2 Rigels, and the guys are 2 of the coolest peopole I've ever met. Plus, Peter Mix is a KILLER player.

**kyblue** · Apr-18-2006, 6:30am

Great. Would love to see some get out to the lower school levels as well.

Paula

**JGWoods** · Apr-18-2006, 8:57am

And I've sent Rigel enough $$$ that you should all be able to get free mandolins!

**Keith Erickson** · Apr-18-2006, 9:16am

John,

I had the pleasure this weekend to play a custom Rigel A+ with a black satin finish.

I can asure you that anyone who plays a Rigel will have to have it surgically removed from their hands.

...heck I have the scars to prove it #

Seriously ...congradulations to you guys!!!!!

P.S. Glauber, Thanks for the heads up. #That's what I get for picking "The number of the beast" on that Rigel #