Jerry - sorry for the pregnant pause; I've been away. The banjo reference - in cerrtain (particularly bluegrass) circles, much debate takes place as to whether a mandolin can compete with a banjo. Most would agree that the loudest available is the National RM-1 resonator mandolin (I actually got one as a retirement present!) They're loud, or so I thought until I got hold of another "real" one which, can be embarrassingly loud if I let rip. It did cost me more than half of what I paid for my first house and I only mention it because someone seemed to imply that all mandolins are the same. You pays your money and takes your choice!