I play an acoustic "A" body and like the sound of the D'Addario/Ricky Skaggs strings. A lot of volume is lost if you don't hold down your note, and pluck the strings firmly. You can be louder than you think if you work on your technique. When you play the chops, don't be afraid to dig in to be heard.The strings and the instrument can take it. I think the mandolin is so effective as a complementary instrument as much as it changes the color of the music being played. I play it from bluegrass to southern rock and once folks see it and hear it they realize that it's got unique capabilities. I take rock solo leads from the lead guitarist, and toss the lead back to him kind of like going around in a bluegrass jam. People love to hear the different sound in the mix but they hear it better when the technique is clean. You can mike the acoustic, or get an acoustic electric and play through an acoustic amp. My acoustic "A" is quite loud with the Ricky Skaggs strings.Stand in a semicircle facing the loudest instruments and play to that musician. Your sound will get a bounce off of what's coming off of his guitar or whatever. The acoustic electric is passable as an acoustic, but is nice amplified.With the rock band I use a 60 Watt acoustic amp and I can hear myself and the people know I'm there. Don't get to small an amp if you need to project into a medium size room and you're up against electric guitars, and drums. I like the D'Addario strings, as well as Fender strings for the electric. They both last a long time and stay in tune. Don't forget a good setup periodically by a good luthier can stabilize your instrument and help your volume. Practice your technique. You'll discover a lot about your playing if you practice.