Specimen Products, in Chicago, has released a 20th anniversary edition Electric Mandola.

"The original tenor was made in 1988, not as commission. It was only the second aluminum body instrument I made. Perhaps its creation came as a reaction to my first aluminum commission -- a Tele (I love the Tele, but it is not my creation). I still own the tenor even though it has changed hands a few times." says Ian Schneller, the man behind Specimen.

Schneller days the design reappeared via a viola player who was intrigued by his aluminum instruments. The body shape and design of the tenor worked well with the shape and dimensions of a viola.

"So voila, a viola! " says Schneller.

The mandola hardware is sculpted from billet aluminum. Schneller describes it as an "extra labor of love." This labor of love is not only a matter of ergonomics but also provide tonal and mechanical advantages.

"The saddle-height adjusting thumbwheels and the top-loading trapeze lend functionality, while the silhouette of the bridge provokes the feel, vibration, and caress of the music." says Schneller.

This Mandola features: 16” scale length, 24 frets, Special four-pole, single coil pickup, Carved hardware and sculpted body, Birds-eye maple neck, Rosewood fretboard, a jack is located on the edge of the left lower bout so the instrument can be played comfortably in the lap and standing up.

The cost for this mandola is $4400.