A couple of possibilities...
Cittern -- basically a 10-string octave mandolin. Problem is, they tend to be custom-made so might not fit your budget. Octave mandolin is another possibility (sometimes called an Irish bouzouki) -- like a mando one octave lower, so it's more mellow. Or a mandocello, which can sound great.
As far as bagpipes go, don't think they're all Scottish style -- Irish bagpipes (Uillean pipes) employ a bellows under the elbow to provide air to the bag, so breath isn't an issue, and they're sweeter sounding than Scottish pipes (but are still limited scale and chord-wise). In the area of non-string instruments, there's concertina (very portable) or accordian (less so, but perfect if you're into playing "Lady of Spain" while roller-skating backwards). |
