Possibly, but don't forget you also get incredibly proficient guitarists like Joe, who I believe struggles with some smaller stringed instruments! I suppose I meant it more from the angle that it was a forced learning process for Felder - I can't imagine he was a free-flowing on it as he was with his guitar, more that he just knew what to do.
Now that someone has mentioned it, I do recall Felder saying in his autobiography that he learnt mandolin on the quick to secure one of his pre-Eagles gigs.
Interesting points all! But however, I'll admit, I'm kinda bummed that it went SO off topic. Hopefully at least a few more will post their favorites before this thread becomes absolutely dead.
The chemistry... nuff said