TESTIMONIALS Page 8
July/August 2001 Testimonials
From Our Wood-Wise Following

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Date: Thu, 30 Aug 2001 08:56:04 -0500

Hi Mickey,
I just wanted you to know that I received my Kentucky KM-630 mandolin yesterday
'all safe and sound'. And speaking of sound - this F-style KM-630 really does
'cut through' in its beautiful tones. Its acoustical sound is awesome! I had
learned to play the mandolin over the years but had never owned one. But after
reading your numerous, insightful emails from others about which type of entry
level mandolin to purchase, I decided, based upon my playing experience, that I
wanted the KM-630 - for starters. I really love the sound and action of this
mandolin. Thanks again for the buying guidance and the extraordinary sounding
KM-630. I'll be sure and tell my musical friends about your website! A really
good website must be shared with your buddies!

John
Huntsville, AL

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Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 13:20:42 -0400
Subject: Dobro comments and nitpicky cosmetic question

Hi folks,
My Regal RD-45 roundneck arrived the other day. So I've been discovering
the joys of dobro playing. My friends are now having lots of fun thinking
up "blues names" to call me!
It's really amazing how good this instrument sounds. Based on my
experience with guitars, I figured $325 would get me just a basic starter
instrument that I could play at home to get my dobro chops in shape. Then
when it came time to play out, I'd have to get rid of it and get a "real"
dobro. Not so! I wouldn't be afraid at all to take this guy out on a gig,
it sounds that good and appears to be built to last. It's loud, too! The
GHS strings are a good choice.

...As far as sound and playability, this instrument is a real find. I hope you sell a lot of 'em
-- the world needs more dobro players.

Compliments on your Web site, too. The amount of information there shows a
real commitment to helping your customers make an informed choice, and to
have a successful experience with the instrument. It really reinforced my
decision to buy from you. I'm sure I'll be doing more business with you in
the future.

Thanks and regards, Dennis Morris

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Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2001 12:06:41 -0500
Subject: Yeeeehaaaaaww!!!

Hey Guys, Gals and Bryan in p'ticlar,

I was home today fightin off my allergies an losin my side of the fight
when a ray of sunshine broke into my day. The FedEx guy showed up on the
doorstep with my nuevo Johnson MA-550. Wow! It is way more bang than I
really expected for the buck. It only took some minor tuning up an away
I went with Mickey's new octave mando video. I just about have Ol Joe
Clark pegged and am lovin every minute of it. If I can quit running away
with a musical improv of the Snoopy dance that is. LOL I love the sound
and it is immensely playable. Hee hee Gotta go an drag the little darlin
outta the case again.

Bashoi spasibo, muchas gracias, thankee berry much!

Bret Smith

P.S. I have a KM-140 that I bought about eight months ago, unfortunately
before I found you guys. Do you think we could mebbe work out some kinda
deal on a trade for a fiddle? I been messin with a buddy of mine's and
kinda like em

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Date: Thu, 23 Aug 2001 12:22:22 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: dulcimer

thank you for the dulcimer lessons

HALLIE G LOVE YE ALL

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Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 07:49:54 -0700
Subject: Re: Mando Question for Mickey

Once again, thank you for the reply! You make your customers feel like they're
more than just dollar signs waiting to happen. : )

Sincerely,

Joel Peavy

PS I was reading thru some of the FAQs and ran across how you guys set up all
your mandos (and presumably all your other instruments) before shipping. And it
REALLY sounds like you guys know your instruments too (I've found few shops around
here do). I think that's great! It just makes me all the more sure that you're
the shop I'm going to buy from. That, and all your guarantees. Wow! Thanks
again!

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Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 22:21:55 GMT
Subject: Re: A/E Bass Strings

Thank you very much Mickey! You are the first to have taken the time to
actually compare and report back. I put a lot of feelers out on this one. I
will remember your interest and concern....Randal

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Date: Tue, 14 Aug 2001 15:41:09 -0700
Subject: Testimonial of Dobro Bass

Hi Suzie, I just got the dobro bass today and it arrived all intact!!
You and your people are very nice to work with, we had some shipping delays
and some confusion on the delivery time but it worked out.
I never would have thought of purchasing a Korean made instrument, especially
for my kind of music (bluegrass, country) but after hearing the bass on the net (through the video samplers)
and checking out the Washburn, and the Dean, and several fretless acoustic
basses (not standups) made here in the USA the dobro bass blows them away.
Our application is simple in the fact that we need a beginner's bass and
this fits real well for us. The last thing you want is a person learning to
play bass dragging a standup around and booming wrong notes all over the
festival grounds, there's enough of that already. I have miked it
acoustically and also thru the mixer board running to a subwoofer ,really
booms out and fits pretty well with my acoustic electric guitar and
drums, digital horn, etc. It will however not compare to a standup and the
traditional sound that a standup gives, but for sitting around and jamming
and learning the basic bluegrass bass parts it serves well.

Thanks
Gary Thompson

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Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2001 21:37:26 +0100

Dear Banjo People, I just thought I'd drop you a line since your website has proved so much help to me in these recent weeks. I am 59 years of age and have been playing guitar for a little over 15 years, mostly in connection with the young people of our church, and by way of a purely chance remark about music, I was offered the use of an ancient looking banjo. I have always liked the cheerful, unique sound that these instruments make and I wonder if you will understand me when I say that some types of banjo music almost makes me laugh - with delight that is. Anyway when this particular instrument eventually arrived in my hands it was in really poor shape. No strings, no bridge, neck out of line, and had been left in a cupboard neglected for something like 50 years by all accounts. Well I am no instrument restorer but I have managed to get to a place where for the most part there is a passable sound now ringing from its strings. It looks like this instrument was originally made by Arthur J Wilmshurst, from somewhere in London, but not all the maker's stamp is clearly visible. Is that a name you are familiar with? The vellum(if that's the correct spelling) is in good order but I have had to improvise with the bridge in order to get an action that is someway close to comfortable. Ordinary standard bridges are too high it seems and creates that cheese-cutter effect which does nothing but pain the fingers. Of course I am looking at these things through the eyes of a guitarist and I may be way off target with my assumptions. Around the nut end of the fretboard the strings ring out nicely both singly and with chords but some of the ring is lost in the middle area around the seventh frets especially the lower D string. But enough of that, it hasn't stopped me having a pot at your exercises and I look forward to being able to make a start on Wildwood Flower when the time is right. 

Thank you for making yourselves available to people like me. I am curious as to where you call home and to know a little something of the background of Folk of the Wood? Are you strictly Folk music players, or does your name imply you stick only to traditionally made wooden instruments? 

Ah well! Back to forward and reverse rolls. Bye for now and thanks again.
Yours sincerely
Tom Atrill.

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Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 19:29:56 EDT
Subject: From Linda Nolan of NY

Hello "Wood Folk People" I am very pleased with the Folkcraft Dulcimer that arrived this week.
Being the first instrument that I have purchased without first playing and
holding. I feel that this would have been the one that I would have chosen!
The Finnish is as beautiful as it sounds. And I am truly thrilled.
I must say that your web site is set up in such a manner that one can
still feel personal, and confident. The FAQs are a tremendous help, and in
fact helped guide me to my particular purchase.
I am glad that I was able to find your site, because there are not
really any stores around that could help me in my town.
Thanks for great service, Linda Nolan  

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Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 11:51:45 EDT
Subject: banjo lessons

I am a fiddle player with years of old time and bluegrass past. It's been ten
years since I have picked up a banjo. Thanks to your web site, you made it EZ
to re-fresh the banjo and get pickin' again. P.S. Still playing the fiddle,
just like to know what my back up is doing. Thanks again. Carolyn

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Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 15:47:36 EDT
Subject: Attn- Mickey and Brian and FOTW Staff

Just a note to thank the whole staff at Folk of the Wood for making my buying
experience so enjoyable and rewarding. I love the '67 Custom Telecaster.  It
is a pleasure to deal with people of such honesty and integrity- a refreshing
change from what has sadly become a business of dealing with sometimes very
unsavory individuals.
Again, thank you very much.
Richard Rybinski

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Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 19:14:53 -0700
Subject: Thanks

Thanks for this great site for beginners. It's giving be inspiration.
Much appreciated.
Claire

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Date: Mon, 16 Jul 2001 01:10:05 -0000

Thank you very much for such a quick reply. I have been very satisfied with all of the dealings I have had with your company. You should be proud. I have recommended you to many friends here in MA. Thanks and I eagerly await the new bridge. JANE

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Date: Wed, 11 Jul 2001 18:50:29 EDT
Subject: Re: Your order - GOOD NEWS!!

Awesome!! Thanks much, Bryan. I was pretty much sold on Folk of the Wood
already, but you guys rock. If I need anything from you guys and I can get
it, I will. I'll be needing a cool FOTW strap soon, and a hardshell case, and
more books, and strings, and say wouldn't one of those Deering Black Diamonds
be cool this time next year...

lol. Thanks again for all your help.

-erik

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Date: Mon, 20 Aug 2001 01:12:38 -0500
Subject: Great Site!

Mickey,

First of all, I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much I
appreciate your site - it's wonderful!

I live in Nashville, and I found my way to your site in mid-July. I had just
been telling my wife about it between sets at the OpryFest bluegrass
festival, and I saw a guy that I could have sworn was you. I remarked on it
to my wife, but we both sort of thought it was strange (you being in NM and
all) and I forgot about it. Now I see on your site that you were, in fact,
here. What a hoot! Needless to say, I hope you enjoyed your stay.

For what it's worth, I work directly with both the Ryman and the Opry in the
marketing of their shows, so if you ever need any info on what's going on at
either one, feel free to drop me a line.

Thanks again for the site!
Michael Robertson
Nashville, TN

Greetings Michael,

Thanks so much for the kind words regarding our website...

Yes, I was at the OpryFest bluegrass festival...wow, the world grows smaller. I loved Nashville! I guess you must have seen my "Pictorial Journey" on the FOTW site...it's unbelievable how many legends you can see within one weekend! Nashville is most definitely my kind of town.

As you can see in my "Journey" images, I caught Ryman's Peter Rowan show...I was mesmerized to say the least. Wow! You're so fortunate to get to work within this type of environment. I take it you're also a picker?

We're now getting upwards of 700 hits daily (mostly acoustic musicians). I'd love to make announcements for both the Opry and the Ryman...if you want to email me the itinerary, I'll post every bit of it on the FOTW site...The Opry and Ryman are providing such a great service that I'd love to assist on the promotional side.

Mickey

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Date: Thu, 16 Aug 2001 07:14:54 -0400
Subject: Great site

I just had to write. Your site is wonderful, and you are so talented. I
was showing my husband the video demos last night, and all the lessons
you have on line. He was also impressed.

Keep up the good work and may God bless you many times over.

Karen

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Subject: Great service!
Date: Mon, 13 Aug 2001 13:23:46 -0600

Mickey,

Just wanted to let you know how satisfied I am with your service and people.
I especially wanted to thank Suzie for her politeness and patience when
trying to trade in a defective 140S mando. When my son is ready to move up
I will definitely be calling back. Thanks!!

Allan Magee, ID.

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Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 13:14:10 -0400

Dear Bryan,
I just received the Good Time--thanks so much for your help. It is a
beautiful banjo! I don't know anything about banjos, except that my mom has
always wanted to play...I needed the rush delivery for it to arrive in time
for her 64th birthday.
You guys run a great operation
thanks again!
Meredith Greene

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Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 08:02:00 -0700

That's too generous of you, I am glad I purchased my banjo from you and look forward to learning
how to play it. You will get more of my business thats for sure.
Matt Foley

I recieved the Deering Deluxe Banjo Package on Friday Aug 4th
The package stated I was to recieve a pitch pipe and finger pick set
all I recieved with the banjo was the gig bag a pocket music book,Capo, And a strap.

Thanks?
Matt Foley


Greetings Matt,

We're including an Electronic tuner in place of the pitch pipe (this is now standard as an optional accessory item to go with the Deering Goodtime Packages...we were always back-ordered on the pitch pipes...we'll include the fingerpicks and thumbpick with the electronic tuner. Hope this works for you.

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Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 23:11:11 +1000
Subject: The Eagle has landed..

Hi Bryan
What do you know,just when you give up hope...
The Regal arrived today looking absolutely gorgeous and the capos are
excellent.Well packed and even more fun out of the box.
Now ,you guys have some other instruments I am interested in but perhaps you
can explore an alternative method of shipping because life's too short for
USPS!
Anyway, thanks for the squareneck ,it's a beauty and I'll talk to you soon
about some more stuff...
:Andy

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Date: Fri, 10 Aug 2001 09:08:29 +0200
Subject: thanks a lot

Hello, Mickey,

I would like to thank you for Your mail. It's really nice of You!
The only songs of you I've found in Internet was from the album
"Historic Songs of El Paso". So I'd like to have "On the Butterfield
Trail", "The Golden Trail", "Hardin's Lament", "Texas Ranger's Only
Defeat", "Stoudenmire's Eulogy", "Seirra de Cristo Rey", but especially
and most of all "Paso Del Norte". Now my husband is going to kill me,
because I'm still murmuring the melody of this song. Maybe if I know the
words, I will stay alive.
If it's really possible for You to send me texts of these songs, I would
be very, very grateful. And please, let me know if I can find somewhere
more of your songs.
I'm waiting for some words from You, thanks once more

Berenika

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Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 00:36:13 EDT
Subject: The amazing Bitteroot

Hey all, sorry I have not sent my e-mail regarding the Bitteroot until now,
for I have been on the road. It is the most amazing thing I have ever played.
I love it! Thanks so much for the trade up deal from my Kentucky! thanks
again, Don Anderson

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Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2001 14:45:01 EDT

It's me, contacting you again. I would like to thank you for the all the personalized service I've received so far, which means a lot coming from a prospective customer. I've come to a decision so I need a little information about the "what to do next". If you don't recall, I previously asked about the trade in value of a 1952 Gibson ES125. I was quoted $600 due to the refinish (if you want to offer more I'm perfectly happy with that *haha*). I was considering trading it in and have decided to. I was hoping to trade it in for a Gold Tone OB-250 (not the BG-250F I was considering before). I was hoping to get the hard shell case for that as well as having the Shubb 5th string capo installed and strap pegs (which I believe is an available option?). Any information I need would be helpful since I'd like to get this transaction started right away. Thinking about buying a banjo has made anxious like a kid on Christmas Eve. Thanks.

Shawn

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Date: Fri, 20 Jul 2001 15:47:36 EDT
Subject: Attn- Mickey and Brian and FOTW Staff

Just a note to thank the whole staff at Folk of the Wood for making my buying
experience so enjoyable and rewarding. I love the '67 Custom Telecaster.  It
is a pleasure to deal with people of such honesty and integrity- a refreshing
change from what has sadly become a business of dealing with sometimes very
unsavory individuals.
Again, thank you very much.
Richard Rybinski

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Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2001 16:57:17 -0500
Subject: Weber Yellowstone

Mickey, I have to tell you that this Weber Yellowstone is absolutely
beautiful. The tone is fabulous and to have this quality of tone at this
volume is incredible. This is it. I believe that this is all the mandolin I
will ever need.

My best to you, Suzy and all at the shop for the help.

Take care

Bruce Burton

P.S.
Thanks for the 100% trade up. Somebody once told me that "a good deal is a
good deal for everyone". Nice to see someone practicing that policy.

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Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2001 13:30:49 -0400

Hello Mickey,

Sorry that I have not responded since I received my mando. Needless to say
it is incredible. I have had my hands on it ever since I got it two weeks
ago. In fact I'm putting it in the show next week on a song that I have
been performing all year except now it will have the sweet sounds of my
mando. I'm going to split some fills with Robert. He has been helping a
bunch and is very encouraging. Alan Bibey is going to start with lessons in
a couple of weeks. It sound awesome! Can't wait for you to hear it. I'll
send you a CD and a video as soon as we get it incorporated. I hope all is
well there. Please send a special thank you to Brian, Suzi, and Shelly for
all their help with getting the funds back to us. Everyone was a great help
and very polite. I can not express my gratitude for all you have done to
help me out. I just hope that I can repay the favor.

Greg Rowles of the Alabama Theater (Carolina Opry)

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