English Jon...it is worse. I BUILT a hurdy gurdy. Couldnt afford to buy one. One of these days, will get together with Arrigo D'Albert, and get real lessons, rather than the self teach bit. Wesley, that would be great. Since mando's don't really like A chords (not with MY fingers, anyway) might be easier. My octave mando was a gift, it is the Lark in the Morning cheapie, at 100.00. They vary widely in quality, and of course, tweaked it for action. It really is a nice sounding instrument. It's not a Flatiron, or Vega, but it wasn't that price, either. If you get one, they have soft cases for 20.00. Not bad cases. You'll also want to add a tailpiece, so all told, hmmmm, about 150.00 by the time you are done