RIGEL A+ VS BOULDER A VS BREEDLOVE

**greenvtusa** · May-07-2004, 9:03am

So I am gearing up for a purchase of a new mando. I have my grandfather's 1918 Gibson A oval hole which is great. A work horse. Been playing it at the local Pub for open mike. But I don't want to modify it for electronics. The K and K transducer I have on there with a carpenter jack in inadequate and stresses out the body I think.

I have narrowed down my choices given price range and options to a Breedlove Quartz with pickup, a Rigel A+ Deluxe and perhaps a Boulder A with pickup. I am most unfamiliar with Boulder. All of these can be had for $1100 used or new up to $1800 new for the Rigel. A used rigel A+ just sold on eBay for under $1000! I am partial to Rigel because a) I have played them and the sound is absolutely stunning. Like a bell and sustain to die for. I know little about Breedlove and even less about Boulder.... and b) they are made in Vermont!! (homestate!)

Any opinions would be deeply appreciated as this will be a significant pruchase for me. I refuse to buy asian imports for socio-political reasons as well as he fact they all sound like a swarm of sickly honeybees. Thank you!

**GBG** · May-07-2004, 9:17am

I own a Breedlove Quartz KO and don't know anything about a Boulder, but I would favor the Rigel because of the built-in pickup and the versatile sound.

**mandofiddle** · May-07-2004, 9:22am

I'd go for the Rigel too, since it already has a built-in pickup. You wouldn't have to modify it at all...

**greenvtusa** · May-07-2004, 9:29am

sorry I realized I posted this in the general portion...anyway thanks for the input. My heart says rigel ( and my ears and hands!)

**John Flynn** · May-07-2004, 10:13am

I am not familiar with Boulder. I have played a number of Breedloves across thier model line. They have a loud, clear, cutting tone. They are very well made. For some reason, though, I can't warm up to them. I don't why. I love my Rigel A+ Deluxe. Most playable neck on the market. Great, even tone across the fretboard. Loud and projective. Perfect fit and finish. Best factory pickup going. I would not trade mine for anything anywhere near its price.

A few minor possible negatives: while the A+ can hold its own in a bluegrass setting, it is not a classic bluegrass axe. There are better examples of chop, cut-through volume and that classic dry bluegrass tone. That's OK for me, but it might not be for someone else. Also, I do not care for the rectangular tweed case that came with mine. It is not fitted as well to the instrument as I would have expected and the case's fit and finish were not perfect.

May-07-2004, 12:25pm

" Also, I do not care for the rectangular tweed case that came with mine. It is not fitted as well to the instrument as I would have expected and the case's fit and finish were not perfect."

Just stick that Rigel in a gigbag........

**doanepoole** · May-07-2004, 12:27pm

I thought those tweed cases looked real cool.

I've always kinda had it my head when someone shows up with a tweed case, it's like "Whoa...this guy came to play".

Not always the case...I musta seen some crazy player with a tweed case in my formative years or something.

**John Flynn** · May-07-2004, 1:10pm

Originally Posted by

Just stick that Rigel in a gigbag........

Very helpful, Dale! Actually, while I keep my Rigel in the hard case almost all the time I am not playing it, I do have a gig bag I carry it in occasionally, when I don't want to lug the hard case around and I know I can keep track of it so it won't get dinged. Now I can say, "Dale Cater recommends it!"

doanepoole:
The tweed case does look great. I just wish it were made better.

**RobP** · May-07-2004, 1:35pm

Love my Rigel A+ Deluxe, but also hated the tweed case. Much to heavy to lug around, and took up too much space. I called Rigel and they sent me a shaped black case, fitted to the A+ model, for I think it was $70. Much better than the tweed! Now if I could just figure out what to do with this leftover tweed case?

Rob in Oregon

**craigtoo** · May-07-2004, 6:20pm

Two thumbs up on my Rigel A+ deluxe! #GREAT playability...

Haven't played the others...

Had it at the Irish Session in Annapolis here this week!

craig

**greenvt** · May-10-2004, 10:06pm

It's Rigel for sure. The sustain! Ahh the feel!
Thank you all...I recall seeing a fitted shaped tweed case...now THAT would be cooL!

**Mark Normand** · May-11-2004, 8:26am

I love my A+ too, but after playing for a year, I now have scroll envy, so will probably be selling it soon (shameless plug

) I use and like the tweed case when jamming indoors, when running campgrounds I use a gig bag.

I'm after a bit woodier sound, now that I've heard a bunch. Its been a great travel down the road of mandos, with many more twists and turns to discover. Looking hard at used Webers, from yellowstones to maybe ferns..yikes!

**John Flynn** · May-11-2004, 8:31am

mnormand:

Sounds like it's time for you to get a G5!

**Tim Saxton** · May-11-2004, 9:25am

I owned a Boulder for a short spell. It was one of Mark's first mandolins. Very good sound... actually awsome sound. I have played several Rigel's and have never got what the deal is. None of them sounded that good to me. I'd vote for being different and buying the Boulder and giving us your thoughts.

My $.02

Tim

**Lee** · May-11-2004, 6:55pm

I spent over an hour long-distance just talking mandolins with "Mr. Boulder" (I forget his name.) Nicest guy in the world. He has the love of the luthiers art in his soul. I wouldn't hesitate to be a little experimental and ask him to build me a custom one, over a generic A+.