Cheers Bill & Les, Yes, I'll try those options, altho' buying individual strings does make it rather more expensive. Les, It's the way I play(call me Mr thrash/punk of the mandolin), plus I had some problems with the set up of the Crafter mandolin I'd just bought. (It's o.k. when plugged in tho'.) I wonder if Landstrom Sharkfin are still in business? Thanks...

Tony(mandomad)