How about this?

[doublestop]

Hey, here's a suggestion for a thread. How about we try to analyze, in theory, what famous players do to give it their own style. Let's start with Adam Steffey (IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year, Again). Feel free to get really technical in your answers.....and feel free to add to the list if you have figured out somebody else's recipe for musical success.

[John Flynn]

I think Steffy just plays really great breaks and happens to use a mandolin to do it. It's beyond technique, it's just pure musical creativity. On the technique level, though, I think what stands out is his tone. I don't know how does it, but he makes every note sound incredibly sweet.