I'm looking for (odd/exotic) stringed instrument insight and advice, help?
Hey all.
I’m brand new to music. I mean brand new, never touched an instrument because most of my life I’ve never had the financial means to obtain one until now… I travel quite a lot so I don’t know if I’ll have time for official lessons with an actual person. I’ll likely pick up books, or watch youtube videos, etc.
Aside from the one time mentioned above I’ve spend about 3 hours at a guitar center playing around with many different instruments, pick, no pick, fingerpicks… these are the ones I like the sound of, and the ones I would like to narrow down to a single definite choice.
I’ve narrowed down the things I’m interested in to a few options. I know I want to play strings. I would prefer plucked (a lot easier without actual lessons I’ve been told)
But I don’t really wanna play a regular ‘ol six stringed guitar. Looking for tips for each of those I’m interested in, and suggestions. There is a special place in my heart for the Lute, as it was the first thing I ever actually played with when a lutinist showed up in my hometown with a Troupe of renaissance reenactors. That being said, I’m open to other things as well. I would love to be able to play at least some of the following; classical songs, renaissance, rock, Irish, and something like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZtCs2LWOV1c (pretty much anything from LoTR or the FFXI game not sure what that kind of music would be called)
Banjo
Lute
Baroque Guitar
Sitar
Shamisen
8 String Guitar
10 String Guitar
Mandolin
Resonator Guitar
My budget is ~0usd. I have about an hour to two hours worth of patience a day. Would love something that doesn’t have a gigantic learning curve. Less than a year for basic proficiency definitely a huge plus… Another huge plus is being able to self teach.
Oh, another note is that I’m not a fan of picks.. I can’t stand them and much prefer to pluck strings with my fingers. The banjo’s thumb picks aren’t bad though, I can use those.
Would love your insight, and knowledge to assist me in choosing what will be taking up at least 1 hour of my life per day, for the next several years.
I should also add that I’m looking for something I can carry around, and transport with me without too much hassle. The sitar is about the biggest thing I could carry around.
Things I’m wanting to know:
Price Range for a decent quality instrument.
Difficulty to Master
Difficulty to obtain Proficiency
Approximate/Average time to obtain Proficiency
The range of music that can be played on the instrument
Ease of Maintenance (including location of replacement parts/strings)
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Which guitar? Electric/Acoustic/Bass?
At the moment I learn the Cello and Double Bass, and teach myself Violin and Piano (I had learnt it for a while but didn’t like the teacher but enjoyed the instrument), so I have a fair understanding of music, and am fairly able to pick up new instruments. I know these instruments won’t help at all in terms of guitar playing but I am wondering which guitar I should start on.
I know Acoustic is recommended usually for beginners, but that is because it strengthens fingers and w/e else. But I have fairly strong fingers from playing Double Bass and so would that change it? And I also know that the strings are the same on the Double Bass as the Bass Guitar, so would that be better to pick up first?
I am confused as I like all guitars and the styles played on them.
I think in the end I would take up all three…but basically…Which would be best to start on? Cos i’m paying for them so I want to make sure I start on the right one.
Thanks for any answers, sorry for babbling 
One more thing 
haha sorry about this…I really don’t have a clue…
I was looking at some Electro-Acoustics – how do they sound? Do they switch easily from Acoustic-sounding to Electric-sounding 
I quite liked the idea of one because it meant I wouldn’t have to buy each instrument but that is only if they are worthwhile and sound like the original instruments.
Hard to please :s hehe
Thankyou…this is really it now 
Thanks for your answers, they have been really helpful
So if I got a Acoustic to start off with, shoulg I get normal Acoustic or Electro-Acoustic?
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What strings to use on my new Ozark resonator?
Ok well I bought a resonator guitar from a local music shop, put a deposit on it, and I’m picking it up tommorow, as I’ve never owned a resonator guitar before I don’t know what strings to ask for?!
I’ve been playing guitar on a regular acoustic/electric for about 4 years and play almost nothing but Chicago style blues with a bit of jazz in there, so I need strings that’ll allow me to slide (with fingers, not slider) very easily, like normal steel strings (I’m used to gauge 12). But I also want to learn delta style slide guitar (my reason for buying a resonator) so I want strings that are friendly to regular EADGBE blues, give a nice full loud tone, are good for both finger picking and using a pick, and that can also be used well with a slide. However my blues aren’t too bendy so that’s not an issue.
So if you know of some magical strings that match all my criteria please leave a response!
Thanks alot, Sam.
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How to adjust the intonation on a resonator guitar, or Dobro?
I’ve got this problem: if I play with fingers on my reso guitar over the 5th fret, the pitch is not in tune! For example, if I play G on a D string, the pitch it produces is a half way between G and G#…How do I solve this problem? I can’t play in this conditions! Please help me
Thanks
MojoWorking
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