yes, basically im choosing between an 8 string traditional mandolin and a 5 string electric mandolin (might get both).

SCI's mandolin player (cant remember his name) plays a 5 or 6 string mandolin, looks like a guitar (shorter scale, of course), makes some amazing sounds...

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=021004162937209103239003254065/search/g=guitar/s=orig_acoustic/detail/base_id/42848

is similar to that one right there.
otherwise i'd get a traditional one...