Mandolin Cafe is reporting that Rigel Mandolins has ceased production and is going out of business. Rigel was noted for unorthodox design and construction techniques, and their instruments were championed by a number of mando-enthusiasts who embraced the sometimes radical Rigel way.

Rigel’s President Pete Langdell didn’t offer much in the way of detail in his announcement of their closure (reported by Mandolin Cafe), and we will pass along any other information we are able to obtain.