Good points. I pick the mandolin cause everyone seems to play the guitar (following the crowd is fine once in a while, but I know too many guitar players), I heard someone playing it in a group and I could listen to that sound for a long time. Finially, I want something to sign along with, which might not be a strong point.

As for what I want to play, I love bluegrass, celtic, and other tarditional. I don't want to play jazz or blues or rock.

I have very small fingers for a guy. (smaller then many girls.) I'm hoping I can learn the agility.

Once I'm compitent on one insterment I'll consider learning something else. I consider the mando a jumping off point, and they aren't that expensive new, on the cheeper models.

And thanks for the luck, I'll need some. This is a leap, but I've realised that I can't stand around knowing where the edge is, and what is at the bottom without going there.