Pip wants to play more than one note at a time, but without committing to piano.

Not quite - I want to play more than one note at a time with percussive attack and decay, and without buying anything that (a) costs too much; (b) is bigger than a suitcase; or (c) needs a plug.

I could certainly do with working on my zither, which ticks all the boxes. That said, halfway down the thread I realised that I also want a bit of bass, which may render the whole enterprise moot. Or I may just take up the guitar, or the banjo, or the acoustic bass guitar, or...

GfS: So, you don't like pianos, or synths?....They have some really nice sounds!....

I think what it comes down to with acoustic instruments is that I like chiff and squeak and twang and buzz and skronk. Or rather, I like my pure notes with a bit of chiff and squeak and twang and buzz and skronk.