Save yourself the hastle of carrying that big clumbsy case and messin up yur purdy finger tips and nails on a geetar. Start by gittin' yurself a nice Key of C harmonica and the book 'How To Play The Harmonica and Other Life Lessons'by Sam Barry (Daves brother). Nothing travels like a harmonica, it never intimidates, it fastinates young and old alike (and there's no strings attached). The book alone is worth the read - Not so much that the harmonica lessons are superior - The life lessons and the Barryesque humor (humour)are true to life as well as entertaining. My recommendation is Honher harmonicas - inexpensive and quality for the price. Start with a Marine Band in the Key of C. Before you know it you'll be collecting a nice variety of blues harps - all for far less than one of those Spanish banjos and no formal lessons unless you want to go that way. The internet is filled with tabular music, too. I blow and suck away hours just accompanying recorded music on radio and cds - even lying in bed and on long trips in the car. Sure, there are limitations, but, mobility alone out-weighs them.
