May I add my voice? Please think very carefully before you do it.

It is not just it's sentimental value, I've found it takes years to adjust to a new instrument. When my concertina and mandolin were stolen I couldn't find another concertina I could play to my satisfaction and no longer play one, the mandolin has taken 2 years and I still ain't happy.

If you CAN find an instrument that plays right and are happy with then I suppose fair enough BUT FIND THAT INSTRUMENT FIRST!

All the best and hoping it works out

Steve (oggie)