Is this thing on?

Ok, never mind if it is on or not, let's begin with.... mando!!!

Please give a warm welcome to the latest member of the family of instruments that abide in my home! Right now she is currently making squealing, crying noises, because I can't actually play the mandolin just yet. Have always wanted to. No time like the present. Her name is Kate. All instruments have a name - well, all stringed ones - well, except for my bass, I've never named it. I wonder if it feels left out?