Ebb...Izzy

Here's my story.
I am going to teach myself to play an instrument. I am extremely good at teaching myself things. I was "unschooled" so I got to do it a lot, but mostly it's just a gift, I think.
Not trying to brag here, far from it, I just want you to know that I can take this on. I am prepared to devote every ounce of my energy towards teaching myself to play an instrument. It is my calling and I'm not letting anything get in my way.
I have to teach myself because a) there are no good teachers around here for anything but guitar, b) I can't afford a teacher anyway and c) driving time/gas consumption to get to a teacher is impractical even if I could find cheap lessons.

Now that all that self-teaching, blah blah blah intro is out of the way, let's get on to choosing an instrument.

I love the sound of:
Violin
Viola
Piano
Saxophone
Double Bass
Trombone
Accordion
Most woodwinds (clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, english horn, flute, piccolo and oboe)

That's just a quick list, not all of the instruments I like, so please suggest whatever else you think would be god for me!

I would love to be able to play in an orchestra, jazz ensemble, or on my own. An instrument suited for all three would be ideal, but I will be learning a second instrument some day. An instrument that sounds good alone is my top concern right now.
I like a lively tune and also more solemn stuff. Again, an instrument that can achieve both is ideal.
I also like Irish music a lot.
I really really want to experience busking someday. So an instrument that sounds good alone, isn't to hard to learn and memorize songs and isn't hard to transport would be perfect.

I do not want to play guitar or drums. I played piano when I was 2 (yes, two). Now I am nearly 18 and remember nothing but "Happy Birthday" and "Row Row Row Your Boat" lol.

Guitar is out because it bores me, I like something less usual. Drums because it's just not me, piano because it's too big (*sob*). Double bass and cello are probably too big too, but I would still consider learning one because I love them.
I don't want an instrument that can get boring easily. I want to be able to play a great many diverse songs, not feel stuck with songs that all sound the same (is accordion like this, or is it just my limited exposure?).

Singing... I would love to sing, but I am far from it. Way too inhibited, stuck on ****ty comments from friends who never even heard me sing...
I sung in a choir for about 6 months and loved it, but I don't know if I could do it on my own. Well, I know I could, I believe in myself, but I'm not rushing it and I don't need to choose my instrument around whether or not I can sing with it. Just thought I'd throw that in.

My mom has a violin she'd give me and my grandpa has tons of sheet music for fiddle (and maybe violin too). My mom took lessons for a little while maybe 6-8 years ago, so I'd have some support and maybe a little basic teaching if I chose violin.
My Uhropa has/had an accordion that I might be able to rescue from permanent storage if my Opa isn't too stingy.

But I don't want to just go with what's on hand for the sake of ease. I want to choose the absolute best instrument for me. Money is not too much of an issue. I'm far from rich (very far indeed), but I'll spend what I need to do what I love.

I'll have at least an hour every single day to practice, probably up to 2 hours. Don't know if that makes a difference.

So, what do you recommend? BTW, the instruments I love the sound of list is not all I would consider. Please throw in your best suggestions regardless of what I have said. Maybe I've overlooked something.
I also could be swayed on the guitar matter if you gave a convincing argument.

Thanks a bunch!

Ebb...Izzy

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mr dave

Sounds like you need one of these bad boys



Mind you that Hammond Bass Melodica will also run you about $400 but it's got a built in microphone and everything. Super portable, unique sound, or if you want to go bananas you can get a full 44 key version.

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ElephantSack

If you can manage to teach yourself violin, you win in my book.

I have a friend who did that (although, his style would be more classified as "fiddle") basically just by buying books and a little instruction here and there. That, and going down to his local town square and busking.

Also, the fact that your mom might be able to give a helpful hint if need be does help, but its not absolutely necessary. Some of the best players are self-taught.

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xMusicMan

Let us know how it works! Good luck :-)

Janszoon

Yes, rythem is truly the backbone of the bank.

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Time & Place

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musacco

I suggest trombone, trombone is awesome man

Expensive to buy a good trombone though, but very good instrument in the long-run imo

And plus you get to be like 'I'm one of the 'bones yo' which is also pretty coo'

bandclash

I definitely suggest either a piano or drums.

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Key

Just play a little of all of them and see which one you like the most and continue learning that.

nico

Piano or Drums will give you the necessary skills to pretty much learn any other instrument. You understand piano, you understand music. You understand drums, you pretty much understand grooves :P

Urban Hat€monger ?

I don't think this person is coming back.

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