The question of the day is...

[Wowbagger]

Should I learn the 'cello?

I am a half-decent pianist but have never played a stringed instrument other than to a class of children to prove that I couldn't, but this is vaguely what people do who can play them.

[Cudzoziemiec]

I think you should learn the harp. It's just like a plucked piano. 

[Kim]

The usual argument is not to learn an instrument you can't easily carry, unless it unambiguously requires a van.  But since you're not trying to lug it home on the bully-infested bus along with your school bag, PE kit and CDT folder, that reasoning probably doesn't apply.

[Wowbagger]

I think you should learn the harp. It's just like a plucked piano. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QaZZRfx89W0

[The French Tandem]

... and the answer of the day is: If you don't try, you will ALWAYS regret. For the rest of your life.

[mrcharly-YHT]

Don't, don't pick the harp.

There is one sitting in my front room, unplayed.

Harps are right up there with pianos in the inconvenience stakes - except that you can carry them (apart from concert harps).

Every time, before playing, you need to tune them. 32-36 strings, at least. Then, to change key, you have to flick keys up down (for an experienced musician this isn't terribly difficult to work out but still bloody hard mid tune).

You need to practise constantly to ensure your fingers are toughened.

Then there is the cost. My daughter's harp was about £600 second hand, bought from a friend at a big discount- but the keys are worn out. It needs replacement keys and new strings - that's about 400-500 to refurb it.

[Quisling]

Should I learn the 'cello?

If you can busk with it to earn some bread after the Jong'unocalypse then it sounds like a good instrument to learn.
Piano is not so good in those circumstances.
You'd get by as a chess hustler anyway

[PaulF]

Yes!

I'm learning the mandola at moment and loving it.

Go for it

[T42]

If you can try it before you have to pay for an instrument, why not?

Then come to Paris and play in the Metro - at Opéra, of course.

[Ben T]

Learn the double bass and play drum n bass on it while wearing dark sunglasses, with just another fella on a drum kit.

[Jurek]

FWIW Road-runner's last sentence sums up my thoughts succinctly.

[Wowbagger]

I didn't. I suppose I still can, but I was taking singing lessons but found that I wasn't practising my singing as I much preferred playing the piano. I suspect I would find exactly the same problem with the 'cello.