Not long winded at all, Whistle! I agree with all of it! Some people may think our long nails on one hand is dorky, but there are tons of uses for them besides playing! Especially getting the plastic off a brand new CD. BTW I use Martin Silk & Steel strings, they have the sound of a steel, but are supple, easy on the fingers, and similar to the feel of classical guitar strings. Much easier to fingerpick than those nasty bronze devils!