Like the instrument equivalent of A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court, the Eastwood Airline Mandola brings two historical eras together with delightful results. The mandola is an instrument that traces its roots back to medieval Europe and more, while the Airline brand and signature "map" body shape are a solidly fifties-modernist affair. The combination of the two yields an instrument that sounds as unique as it looks.

In this video Owen gives the Airline Mandola a strum or two to see what its possible musical applications might be. You may not be surprised to learn that the answer is: whatever you want. What may be more surprising is the instrument's sound and build quality for it's extremely reasonable price ($299 US direct from Eastwood).