I can't remember the last time we discussed this, so... what musical instruments to Textkittens play when their noses aren't buried in Homer or Vergil?
For years and years I've played Irish flute and tin whistle, and then picked up mandolin. But a few months ago I had a complete breakdown, partially inspired by Banjo Meets World, and got myself a 5-string banjo. In truth, the temptation had been waiting to overtake me for a while.
I don't play bluegrass, but an old-time style/technique called "clawhammer." After the mandolin I was expecting this to be easy, but the clawhammer technique has taken me quite a while to get down reliably. I'm not going to be playing in public any time soon. That said, I can't wait until the weather is warm enough for me to sit on my front porch and alarm the neighbors while I practice by playing Pretty Little Dog over and over and over...