Thanks to you all for your help, I'm beginning to see that there is a lot more to Mariachi bands and their music than I had originally envisioned. The link that Joe pointed me to looks particularly interesting but it will take some time to explore.

But could someone tell me what are chico guitars, guitarones, dublo sixtos and Ranchero and Tejano styles.

WyoWoman and Gayle, your offers to get hold of some recordings for me is much appreciated but at this stage I think I'll decline and see what more the web will yield (I may also have difficulty sending money to you, I have never mastered the intricacies of currency exchange and I don't have a credit card).

Gayle, I've listened to a little bit of Cajun music and quite enjoyed it. In Melbourne the terms Cajun and Zydaco appear to be interchangeable and I've often wondered if there is any fundamental difference. I have a few recordings of zydaco music that I find quite and exciting - and I get the feeling I may enjoy Mariachi music in the same way.

Thanks, Phil