This instrument has the most beautiful sound. I found it fairly easy to pick up, it’s certainly different and more comfortable for me to play with early-arthritic hands than the guitar. I was always better on the piano, but wanted to take up a string instrument that I could carry with me more easily to accompany my singing anywhere I go, and this is the perfect solution. The sound is much brighter than a guitar, while providing a deeper, more complex sound than a ukulele, which is what I was hoping for as well! It arrived in flawless condition, very well protected! Well worth the money! I love her and have named her Rhoda.:-)