You’re an absolute gem, Dale! I’ve recently picked up the mandolin and am loving it. Still give plenty of time to my whistles, but am glad to see a forum dedicated to the strings …
Sorry. Lost my grip for a moment, there. Great idea, this forum, and thanks. Being a backup player, myself, I think that discussion on the subject is a good thing, particularly since backup playing has worked its way into what’s called traditional music in Irish terms, and ain’t likely to go away. Some stuff works, and some doesn’t, and discussion in this regard might be very helpful, particularly to those getting their feet wet, I think.