General

The uniquely shaped MAP guitar is back, as an Eastwood reissue. The Canadian guitar brand chose to reissue several quirky guitar models from the past and make them better than ever before. The Airline MAP DLX is one of the most popular guitar models, modelled after the 1962 National Airline. This model has roughly the shape of a map of the United States of America and was originally a fibreglass budget guitar. An original guitar is very rare and subsequently worth thousands of pounds. This red Eastwood, luckily, has a price that is much easier on the musician's wallet.

Eastwood Airline MAP DLX: chambered mahogany body

The original, rather weak, two-part fibreglass body construction (with a wooden beam in the middle) has been replaced by chambered mahogany. The mahogany is partially hollowed, maintaining this guitar's light feel, while making it much more rugged, resonant and better-sounding. The maple neck is bolted onto the body and equipped with a 22-fret rosewood fretboard that is beautifully finished with pearloid block inlays and white bindings. At 24.75 inches, the neck is relatively short, making it delightfully smooth to play.

Hardware and electronics

The Airline MAP DLX by Eastwood is equipped with two Alnico Hot-10 humbucker pickups that produce a full, rich, clear sound in all three positions, despite their high output. A 3-position pickup switch, a volume control per pickup and a master tone offer a wide range of sounds. This guitar's bridge is a Tune-O-Matic with roller saddles. Combined with the Bigsby tremolo, this bridge allows you to create wild vibrato effects without jeopardising the guitar's tuning. To fully complete the picture, this guitar has a National-style pickguard with the characteristic striping.