Thanks, Mike -- I am a less is more kind of a gal by necessity and I've gotten used to it and fond of that aesthetic.

And Jack, I might try a good portion of that, save the electrics. I'm a good singer and have done some a capella work, have used fiddles (used to play one a bit), one concertina part on my last recording. I am grieving my losses and rehabbing my hand as best I can and looking at alternatives all at the same time: I want to know what my options are.

I love this forum: pose a question and get varied answers from various people. Anybody else want to weigh in? Anyone know anyone I should contact?

Sharyn