Ordinary Day

So last night at our band rehearsal, we decided one of us (i.e. the bodhran player or myself) should take up bouzouki. I'm a good rhythm guitarist, and have played for awhile. Likewise, the bodhran player can strum a guitar as well.

How hard is it to learn? I know that everything has a learning curve, but it might be awesome just to get that zouk flavor.

Any recommended sites for aspiring zouk-ists? Do you play GDAD tuning? What's a good (i.e. nice quality but won't break the bank) maker for a beginning instrument?