How many of your play instruments?

I am a trombonist, but my son mow has my horns after an accident caused a Bell's Palsy which of course affected my embrouchure. Nevertheless, I am also a choral singer (low bass) and I sing regularly. I would hate to choose between listening and performing. If I had to, I would prefer singing to listening. Being part of the "corporate body," as Robert Shaw described it, doesn't have a counterpart in listening, however moving a performance might be to listen to.

Singlendedsingle: what is your budget--and do you want to start with acoustic or electric? Some info about your musical preferences might help as well.

Singleend,

I say start on a short scale electric (Les Paul, etc). They're the easiest to play in my book and you can migrate to the instrument of your choice when your skills allow.

I play guitar. A little blues, jazz and some rock. I use an American Standard Ash Tele and a EC Strat. Numerous amps and pedals....including a Mesa Tremoverb 2 12" combo. For acoustic I use a Taylor 810...has major PUNCH.

As a hobby and jamming with friends at times, I play two different 5 string electric bass guitars mostly classic rock, blues, gospel and soul. I also finally got up enough nerve to perform at an open mic jam session at a blues club in North Carolina last year. I did surprisingly well without any rehearsals at all. Blues is the easiest with the 3 basic chords as long as you know when to make the change. Had to watch the lead guitar player closely. Someone got me on video too and I have it. Not bad if I say so myself. It was a lot of fun : )