Hi Deryk, thanks for your quick reply. Thanks, too, to jcland.

I started a new song and was unable to duplicate my previous issue. I am prepared to let this be a curiousity, since with a little trial and error I was able to get the solos I wanted. But still...weird.

To answer jcland's question, the difference between the two elements in the E-F, G-H, and I-J pairs is the behavior of the fiddle. I'm sorry to say I've lost the spot where BIAB told me this, but in one member of the pair the fiddle makes a "chunk" (if that's the word) and in the other, longer smooth passages. Your point on the banjo is well-taken: the mandolin does chunk in backup, but, just as you say, the banjo doesn't.

Thanks again to all,
Sam Buttrey