I have an Ashbury resonator mandolin. It doesn't exactly sound like a mandolin unless you're playing quietly. it has a sort of zithery, banjo-like quality. I bought it because I had a budget of around £200, and all of the proper mandolins I tried at that price just sounded characterless. They sounded plastic.

I also picked up a knackered 2ndhand mandolin from a charity shop recently. It's from a Czech factory called "Cremona" but that's all I know about it. Action's a bit high – it's quite painful and in fact near-impossible trying to fret barre chords high up the neck – but it's playable and has a satisfying tone. Has a very nice art deco looking flower painted on it.

I tend to fingerpick the mandolin because that's what I'm used to doing on guitar and banjo. Though I have found it difficult to properly sound the middle strings when fingerpicking barre chords; using a pick means the notes will still sound even if the soft fat parts of your left fingers aren't quite properly down. Generally I find playing barre chords cleanly, with all the strings ringing, on the mandolin a real struggle. Which has surprised me as I have no problem doing so on guitar or banjo. Any tips on this greatly appreciated.