Hi Jeri, I got to thinking about your delicate finger situation, and I've got a suggestion. Since you already know violin fingering, a mandolin "type" instrument should be right up your alley. I'm not sure whether you do your own instrument "set ups" or not, but I have found that virtually every student I've had over the last ten years was playing an instrument that needed to be set up properly or replaced. It's a matter of comfort. It can make all the difference between someone having a lot of fun while learning, or it being difficult and painful. The action of the instrument needs to be as low as possible (and while someone's working on basics) it doesn't even matter if there is some fret buzz. I have a number of mandolin type instruments and the one that should be ideal for you (wish you lived in Toronto, so I could show it to you) is a slighty longer than mandola scale instrument. It is strung with nylon strings and low action. It's like running your fingers over glass it plays so easily. The sound is more delicate, but very pretty.

Rick