Agile AL-3100MCC is being discontinued. The end of an era

[Gergo]

I just got an email from Rondo stating that the Agile AL-3100MCC is being discontinued. Thoughts?

They said that the AL-3200MCC will stay in production through 2024 though

[BatUtilityBelt]

I can't pretend I know the levers Kurt has to pull for each model to reach quality, feature, and price points that make them attractive. But I'm convinced so much has changed in the last few years that it's a daunting confluence for some models. So yeah, I can see needing to phase some out. At the same time, it would be cool to see some older models reissued if they could hit those magic combos.

[tobijohn]

I can't pretend I know the levers Kurt has to pull for each model to reach quality, feature, and price points that make them attractive. But I'm convinced so much has changed in the last few years that it's a daunting confluence for some models. So yeah, I can see needing to phase some out. At the same time, it would be cool to see some older models reissued if they could hit those magic combos.

I spoke with Kurt a couple of years ago about reintroducing some models, configurations and finishes. Even then, getting Korean built guitars at reasonable price was daunting. I don't remember the costs exactly, but it was eyebrow raising...

[sabasgr68]

They said that the AL-3200MCC will stay in production through 2024 though

So, I have less than a year to become rich and be able to get an AL-3200... Difficult scenario.

[andrewsrea]

IMHO, one of their best models for value and usefulness was the AL2000. Especially when they were blowing them out for $170 ish that one Christmas. The basic model had a great neck somewhere between a 50's and 60's LP.

Swap the ceramic magnets for a $6 Alnico 5 magnet in the pickups (neck only if you are a metal player) and play on!

[sabasgr68]

Another thing worth noting, IMHO, is that the only AGILE brand guitars are the "monstruosities" (Septor, Intrepid, etc.) and the very few AL and AD models. It is indeed dissapearing and saddening.

[BatUtilityBelt]

So, I have less than a year to become rich and be able to get an AL-3200... Difficult scenario.

I bought about half my Agiles used, not new. The good news there is I think there will always be people who lack the frame of reference to understand how good Agiles are, and sell them used as cheap as any Chibson.

[uwmcscott]

IMHO, one of their best models for value and usefulness was the AL2000. Especially when they were blowing them out for $170 ish that one Christmas. The basic model had a great neck somewhere between a 50's and 60's LP.

Swap the ceramic magnets for a $6 Alnico 5 magnet in the pickups (neck only if you are a metal player) and play on!

I would agree - the AL2xxx ( 2000, 2500, 2800 ) was not only the first big hit for Rondo in the LP copy category, but also essentially one of the first businesses to succeed in that marketplace on a pretty wide level. It's the closest spec of all the AL's to it's Gibson "inspiration" ( rosewood board, unbound headstock, etc ) too. The 3xxx series is a much more nicely appointed model, but the 2k was the original.

But just like every business, you can't just keep doing what you always did and expect to thrive. To Rondo's credit, the SX line still appears to have good stock, and it's arguable that the SX strats/teles/liquids were just as important, or even more so, to the history of Rondo than even Agile. And compared to what you'd get from firerfly/monoprice/grote/amazon, I'd buy an SX over any of them any day.

[tobijohn]

... And compared to what you'd get from firerfly/Monoprice/grote/amazon, I'd buy an SX over any of them any day.

I would agree, although the Harley Bentons I've bought over the last few years have had remarkable build quality, despite their price point...

[sabasgr68]

So, I have less than a year to become rich and be able to get an AL-3200... Difficult scenario.

I bought about half my Agiles used, not new. The good news there is I think there will always be people who lack the frame of reference to understand how good Agiles are, and sell them used as cheap as any Chibson.

That´s cool. Yes; well, I hope that the time coincides when the right Agile appears and I have the required green bills at disposal, so that I can have my AL3200 or AD3200.

Good things come to those who wait...

[Partscaster]

My only Agiles left in the herd. AS-2000S. They have the AL3xxx neck, and great sturdy feel.
Both now have back access panels.

[Lacking Talent]

Like Goldilocks, I went through a few examples of the AL-3100MCC, till I found this one, which -- after a few minor mods -- was "jussssst right" (for me, at any rate -- YMMV). Can't imagine ever letting it go.