Tx much, guys. The amp I'm using is a $175 Kustom. Think that may have something to do with it. The volume I'm playing at is so low that you could easily have a conversation while playing. No commpression from the amp or in the mix, as far as I know. I'm pretty sure that the pick and frett noise who go away with practice. Practice, however, is a four letter word in this house....;)