Don't be afraid to experiment with tippers. After trying out various different wood tippers, you will find yourself automatically picking up your favourite. The best tipper for the occasion isn't necesarily wood. Besides the use of the back of the fingers for some soft-touch playing, I use a tipper formed by bundling meat-skewer sticks, which can be made for either double-end or single-end playing, and is admirably suited to bluegrass accompaniment, or in some 3-4 beats with a vocal. I have also "invented" a use for scotch broom; a "brush" type tipper is easily made by binding a bundle of broom twigs. Surprising how long it lasts, and is perfect for an accompaniment which requires soft background rhythm.