It's probably me being daft (as ever)....

I'm just getting to grips with my Ozark mandolin, which has been hanging on my wall for over a year now.. Following a bit of a session at home with several guitarists and an accordian / fiddle player, I decided it was time to pick the thing up and have a bash. But it's very quiet unless I'm playing chords.

Is it the way I'm playing it? The mandolin? Or is it the the way of things with this particular instrument? I've tried with a heavier pick, but that really hampers my already really hampered playing. I was thinking about getting a small battery amp, but that goes against my grain a bit so should be a last option (although suggestions welcomed).

I'm hoping to be able to play with my friend, who is a guitarist, as well as in ad-hoc groups of acoustic types.

So, any ideas welcomed.

Thanks

Paul Mitchell