See, Jerry, that's the problem with stringed instruments. They got parts that break easily. Now, if you played trumpet all you'd be out would be a bottle of valve oil every five years or so and an occassional piece of cork for the spit valve. See -- trumpet is more cost-effective than banjoes or guitars.

Of course, you can't sing and play at the same time. Whether or not this is a drawback depends upon the person on the mouthpiece.