read this thread wiwth interest. Being a mandolin player myself, depending on if I am playing lead on tunes, or accompanying songs,sometimes I use a thickpick and sometimes a softpick. What I would be interested in knowing is what you other m.players favour for strings! Taking that you play Irish tunes and folk songs too. I have found a really nice bronze finished string, my mandoin is an old italian. Sometimes i would like to try other warmer strings, any suggestions.? Brioc