"How about a Strat or Les Paul as folk instruments..."

Of course, why not? Just this second finished listening to Dick Gaughan's 'Both Sides of the Tweed' whuilst cooking a curry. Dick plays a mean Telecaster.

Last year I heard Gordon Tyrell doing a superb electric set with a Strat and some pre-recorded looped stuff. One of the songs was Reynardine which was so atmospheric it had my hair standing on end - pretty amazing as I don't have hair. I was talking to him afterwards and we agreed that there are many traditional songs ( acknowledging Mr Lloyds involvement in that one) that are just so strong they will work with many different interpretations. Must go - the curry's burning.