Frequently Asked Questions About Mandolin Video Samplers

Subject: mandolin in tremelo demonstration
Date: Sat, 02 Oct 2004 14:59:31 +0000

Hi Mick

Greetings Ray,

Just wondering if you could tell me what kind of mandolin you used in the tremelo demonstration video. It appears to be a flat top oval hole sunburst. I'd love to know the make of it.

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page4099.htm

This is a Weber Beartooth with an oval soundhole...it has a wonderful tone...very resonant and alive...it seems that the oval soundhole really brought it around for soloing.

I bought my "Phantom of the Opry" from you and you are using my endorsement. I love that you do that. The total upgrades I've made on the instrument are: Allen tailpiece One piece maple bridge {huge difference in sound} Tone-Gard Siren arm rest Ebony pickguard. This mandolin sustains forever.

Wow! That sounds like a helluva set-up...the Allen tailpiece probably added to the sustain capabilities...you might want to send us an mp3 for our website...

Because of my mandolin playing, I decided to get an octave mandolin, so I had Dave Freshwater of Scotland build me one. I love it. I really appreciate your on line lessons for the instrument. I bought your octave video and I love that as well.

Thanks so much! Be sure to get with Freshwater, next time you talk with him, about our dedication to the Octave...for we've always wanted to represent his fine instruments...and I believe we would be the best he could ask for in the states...

Looking forward to hearing from you about the make of the mando.

Please stay in touch if you can...I'd love to hear about your progress with both the octave and the mando...Mickey

Take care and God Bless

Ray Silva

Subject: Mandolins in the U.K
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 15:30:45 +0000

Hi,

Greetings Drew,

Do you get queries from guys over the pond?

Yes, all the time...and we're happy to accommodate.

More importantly can you tell me what the piece of music you play on the following video sampler is called? And what genre of music is it? Are there tabb books for this kind?

Gibson F-5V Master Model Mandolin Lloyd Loar Video Sampler #2
gibsonmm2.mov
page2306.htm

This is a medley of "House of the Rising Sun" and "Wayfaring Stranger"...this is my arrangement...however, these songs can be found in one mandolin tab book: "The Anthology of Mandolin"...the genre of music would be early American Folk...

This book is available through:
http://www.affordableonlinestores.com/stores/folkofthewood/merchant.ihtml?pid=382&lastcatid=51&step=4

And, in my opinion, it's one of the best mandolin songbooks available today.

It's a beautiful and mesmerising piece.

Thanks...some of it's improvisation...and, some of it is in the crosspicking mode...if you'd like to learn more about mandolin crosspicking, be sure to check out this title:
http://www.affordableonlinestores.com/stores/folkofthewood/merchant.ihtml?pid=446&lastcatid=51&step=4

We also offer crosspicking lessons on our website:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Kind regards and thanks,

Drew (UK)

Subject: tune
Date: Fri, 16 Jul 2004 15:55:08 +0200

I was wondering, what is the name of the tune that mickey's playing on the mandolin video samplers. The name of the video sample is. "Phoenix Bluegrass Model #5 Fingerstyle"
greetz danny,

from holland

Greetings Danny,

Thanks for your interest...this piece is titled "The Battle of Rivendell" and is an original piece that I wrote and finished only a few years back. Fingerstyle mandolin seems to be an unexplored realm...yet, such a beautiful natural medium for mandolin. I'm completing a video on fingerstyle mandolin this year...so please stay tuned on our website. I might teach this very same piece in the video...since the video will be oriented to advanced players.

Mickey

Date: Wed, 30 Jun 2004 21:03:59 -0600
Subject: Music

My name is Jon Carlock. I am just beginning to learn to play the mandolin and was looking at your video samples page. On the page with the Weber Fern F-style mandolin video sampler #4 the genleman was playing Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring. I am wondering if you have the music for that particular arrangement or if you can direct me to where I can purchase it. I recognize that it will be a while before I can play that arrangement, but I might as well start thinking about it. Thank you,

J. Carlock

Greetings Jonathan,

Thanks for your interest in this piece...we've had a few others request this very same tablature...and, yes, transcribing this piece is on the agenda...once it's completed, it will be posted in our Lessons Section at:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3.htm

We do have other tabs that may be of interest to you...so please check out the above link...and stay tuned with us for future postings including the overdue "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"....

Mickey

Date: Mon, 3 May 2004 10:16:45 -0500

Mickey,

Greetings Buddy,

I own a Michael Kelly Firefly, I was on your web site (great site) and in the mandolin video samplers. What is the name of the first song you are playing on the Michael Kelly mandolin and would it be possible for you to email me the tab to that song?

I haven't come up with a name on this one to date...it's one of my originals that just started out as a jam to demonstrate the F's at full drive...I believe I will attempt to write it out in tab...only, it may be awhile. Please stay tuned on our website for updates. This piece is fun to play...lots of the fills are improvisations...so, if you can figure out the skeletal frame you can plug in your own improvisations. There is a third part to this one...of which I've recently developed...only, it will be posted with future video samplers.

I find your web site very helpful and generous with all the free stuff. Thanks for such a fun web site. I live in Southwest Va. and in this area bluegrass is very dominate.

Thanks so much for staying tuned at our website...and thanks for the kind appreciation...keep on pickin', Mickey

Thanks again!

Buddy Blevins

Subject: Music/Tab for the Russian piece played on the quicktime clip for Mandolin Tremolo Technique
Date: Sun, 25 Apr 2004 14:23:00 -0400

Mickey,

Is it possible to post this on your website? If not, I would like to know where I could obtain a copy of the music as played on page: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page4099.htm

Thanks,

David R. Lang

Greetings David,

Yes, this melody can be found in "Anthology of Mandolin Music" by Bud Orr...a great book that offers up quite a few traditional international mandolin classics...

The piece's title is: "Two Guitars" and it is a traditional Russian piece...more than likely performed on balalaika originally...sounds great on mandolin too...my arrangement is mostly improvisation...

We carry this book ourselves...you can also find it through Mel Bay @ www.melbay.com
http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=93952
--
Please let me know if I can assist you further . . .

Subject: song name
Date: Sun, 04 Jan 2004 01:31:54 -0500

Dear FOTW,

On your video sample page for the mandolin there is a video of Mickey playing a Weber Hyalite. The sample is called "Weber Hyalite Video Sampler #5 Flatpicking". Can you please tell me the name of the song that he is playing? I thought it was a really cool song. Also, does Mickey have any CD's out? If so I'd like to get one.

Thank you very much for your help,
Jason Smith

Greetings Jason,

Thanks so much for your kind interest...

This song's title is "Opus 23" and is originally based on David Grisman's one and the same melody...my arrangement is completely different. Even so, you'd love Grisman's take...so be sure to buy up as many David Grisman CDs as you can find...additionally, we carry some of David's learning materials distributed by Mel Bay.

I have quite a few original mandolin pieces that will be released on CD this coming year...so, please stay tuned for updates on our website...

Mickey

Date: Thu, 18 Dec 2003 13:36:11 -0600
Subject: A question about one of your video samplers

Hello! I am a beginner learning the Mandolin. I have one that I bought
from a retired minister here in Kansas. He bought it from a Luthier, Peter
Psarianos in the Detroit area. He made only 2 Mandolins. He makes violins,
now.

It's a very beautiful one made from Spruce and Michigan Black Walnut. It
sounds real pretty. I'm not sure of the terms as regards to style, but it
is tear-drop shaped with an oval sound hole. The strings are a little far
apart for my narrower fingers to play the cords with one finger covering 2
sets of strings. I know, practice, practice, practice.

Anyway, I have been listening to all of the samplers for the Mandolins and
the other like instruments. They have helped motivate me and to set some
goals! I WILL learn to fingerpick my Mandolin!

One of my goals is to buy either an Octave Mandolin or a Mandola when I feel
like I am ready. I am also interested in the Violin. Or maybe the Dobro,
or how about the Harp or maybe the Hammered Dulcimer? Oh Lord, help me!

My question, (yes, there is one!) is one of my favorite pieces you play in
the samplers is for the "Phoenix Neobluegrass Video Sampler #6 Flatpicking".
What is it called and can I purchase sheet music for it for my Mandolin? By
the way, I think that Mandolin is absolutely SMASHING!! Someday...

Thanks so much for the mountain of information you've posted on your site.
I have directed my Mandolin teacher to it. I can't wait to see what he says
about the specific models that I seem to lean to.

I look forward to hearing from you,
thanks!
suze

Greetings Suze:

Thanks so much for your interest...and thanks so much for the kind words regarding my video samplers.

Yes, the Phoenix Neobluegrass Video Sampler #6 is an original piece titled: "The Woodfolk"...

I have no tablature to date...however, I'm hoping to complete a compilation in the future...please stay tuned.

If you'll notice, "The Woodfolk" is played in a crosspicking mode with down-up-up pick strokes...I wrote a book dedicated to this approach titled: "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" www.melbay.com

I agree with you, the Phoenix Noebluegrass is a powerful mandolin...very responsive and amazingly resonant...needless to say: very loud.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Subject: A question for Mickey about a song in the video samplers
Date: Sat, 8 Nov 2003 21:46:52 -0800

Hi

I was looking through your video samplers and found this song several different times:

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2196.htm

I really like this song and was wondering if you could tell me the name and whether I could get the music or tabs for it?

Oh by the way, I bought a MMS4 from you all awhile back. It is really opening up And sounding great. I go to a jam about once a month and I have had numerous compliments on it. My instructor really likes playing it too.

Thanks

Bob Tosi

Greetings Bob,

Glad to assist if I can:

This particular video sampler consists of an old Bill Monroe classic: "Gold Rush"...

Yes, there are a few mando books out there that cover this particular melody. I'm not sure what's currently available...

This song is titled Gold Rush...a Bill Monroe original...my arrangement is not far off from Merlin's Magical Mandolin Method by Joe Carr...this book is currently out of print as far as I know...you may be able to acquire this book through Joe himself...

Joe Carr now teaches at the Levelland College of Bluegrass in Texas...

Here's a link to his page:
http://www.musicvideo.com/spccarr.html

Wish you the best in your research efforts...

Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2003 10:06:08 -0700 (PDT)

Hey, its me Dave, we talked just a few minutes ago.
I'm the one ordering that Morgan Monroe...

This is the video sampler I wanted to find out about:
http://folkofthewood.com/page3531.htm

The name of this tune: "The Cuckoo's Nest"...A traditional melody...one of the finest arrangements I've heard was on "Old and New" by Norman Blake...in fact, my arrangement is heavily influenced by Blake. Norman plays this melody on a mandolin...then he does a soft fingerpicking guitar arrangement...and, ends this three-part piece with a slow violin/cello duet.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Thanks. You guys really go beyond the call of duty
when it comes to supporting your customers.

-Dave

Date: Wed, 02 Jul 2003 15:25:40 EDT
Subject: Music

Hello I was just wondering if there was any way to get the tablature for
Mickys song "Lincoln County regulator"? I saw it in his beginner mandolin video
and think it is a wonderful tune and I would like to use it as something to
aspire for.
Thank you, Brian Judge.

Greetings Brian,

Thanks for your enquiry...we've had this very same request a few times now. And, yes, hopefully it will soon be rendered in notation...we were hoping to include it as a free download on our site. However, we cannot estimate the time it will take. We've recently picked up a new tablature program called Sibelius; we're hoping it will be fast and easy to accomplish this task (along with many other transpositions).

Keep on pickin', FOTW

Subject: mandolin video samplers
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2003 12:55:06 -0700

Hi all you nice folks,

I have kind of an odd request. Does Mickey have music or tabs for the song he plays on the MMS-4 video sampler #3 (on the www.folkofthewood.com site)?. I really dig this one and would like to learn it.

Thanks

Bob Tosi

Greetings Bob,

Glad to assist you:

Morgan Monroe MMS-4 Phantom of the Opry F-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #3

This song is titled Durham's Reel...and an arrangement of this melody can be found in Ray Valla's Bluegrass Mandolin book published by Mel Bay at www.melbay.com My arrangement is somewhat different...however, the A part is based on Valla's book...so, if you like this piece, the book would be indispensable for your library.

We also carry most all of the Mel Bay titles and are currently finalizing our catalog. Therefore, you may order direct from Mel Bay, through us or even through Elderly Instruments who happens to have a great selection of books and videos.

Thanks again for the enquiry...

Mickey

Date: Wed, 25 Jun 2003 12:59:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: song on video sampler

Hi, I love your web site and I hope to be ordering a mandolin soon.....
Could you please tell me the name of the song that Mickey Cochran is playing on the ...Weber Fern F-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #3......I love th sound of this song and also the sound of that Weber......
Thanks
Rick Gaskin

Greetings Rick,

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website...

The Weber Fern Sampler #3 is the back-up part to the traditional fiddle song: "Blackberry Blossom"...there are other samplers on our site of the melody part...at the very end of the Fern #3 you'll hear the A Part of the melody...which offers a reference for finding another video with the entire melody part consisting of Parts A & B.

The chord progression, for "Blackberry Blossom" being played for Fern #3 follows:

Part A:

G - D - C - G - C - G - A - D
G - D - C - G - C - G - D - G

Part B:

Em - Em - Em - Em - B - B - B

Em - Em - Em - C - G - D - G

Hope this helps...Mickey

Date: Thu, 19 Jun 2003 09:54:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: song

Hi Mickey
I really like your song Lincoln County Air played on the absaroka (which i recently purchased) video sampler. Is this available in tab on anything you have?

Rome Harris

Greetings Rome,

Thanks so much for your kind words...and, yes, we do hope to have all of our originals tabbed out which will include Lincoln County Air...

Our "Introduction to Mandola" video has an arrangement of Lincoln County Air that would transcribe directly to mandolin. In fact, most of the techniques, and songs, taught in the mandola video can be directly applied to the mandolin.

Please stay tuned for tab arrangements to be listed on our website.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2003 07:33:46 -0700
Subject: Mid-MO M-11 received!!

Mickey!!

I just wanted to let you know I received my Mid-Missouri M-11 and it's wonderful!
It's exactly like you said, from the fit and finish to the excellent tone! Shipping
was prompt and packaging was great. Thanks again for all your did in helping me
pick it out, it's the perfect fit!

Cheers,
Joel

OH, one last thing. I wanna somehow get the music, tab, whatever for the Popeye
theme (is that the name of it??) that's played in your "Kentucky KM-1000 F-Style
Mandolin Video Sampler #4". Any clues where I could pick that up from, I love
watching and listening to that sampler!

Greetings Joel,

Thanks so much for letting us know your M-11 was received in good order...

The name of the "Popeye" theme is Sailor's hornpipe.

Here's the tab with a similar arrangement:
http://www.users.csbsju.edu/~eknuth/mandotab/sailorsh.html

I hope to write out in tab some of the video sampler arrangements soon...so, please stay tuned at our website.

Keep on pickin', Mickey

Date: Sun, 23 Mar 2003 23:11:57 -0500
Subject: Re: Gibson F-5G

Last question: What is that Celtic tune that Mickey is playing on the QuickTime video sample "Weber Fern F-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #1"? That is an amazing song and being remotely from Irish background it seems like I would like playing this. Thanks for any help and answers!

Well...I never thought of it as a Celtic tune...however, now that I've listened back, it certainly has Celtic overtones...this piece is one of my more recent originals titled: "Lincoln County Regulators"...Thanks so much for your taking an interest.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Subject: what song is that?!
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 13:05:04 -0500

Hey folks,

I am a beginner mandolin player and I hate to trouble you with such a
question as this, but so many of the 'what type of instrument should I buy"
type questions are answered already on this site!

I was looking at some of the video samplers of the various mandolins you
sell and I was struck by the melody that was being played for example in the
"Morgan Monroe MMS-3 F-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #10. The url for that
page is http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2510.htm

I'd love to know what it's called (and if its tabbed anywhere....) I
wouldn't be able to play it yet, but wouldn't mind trying.

Thanks so much, what a great site.

Alan Meijer

Greetings Alan,

Yes, I'm very familiar with which tune you're referencing...played it professionally for many years...it's a great old-time fiddle melody titled: Bill Cheatham...we even used it our our last month's "Name This Tune" contest.

My arrangement is very close to Ray Valla's arrangement which can be found in:
Mel Bay's Deluxe Bluegrass Mandolin Method
http://www.melbay.com/product.asp?productid=93340BCD

And, yes we also carry this book combination CD:
Product Number Format ISBN Price (US$)
93340BCD Book/CD Set 0786657782 $19.95

Let me know how I might assist further...Mickey

Date: Fri, 04 Oct 2002 13:34:57 -0400
Subject: Opus 100 tab

Dear Mickey,
Is there any chance of getting tablature for that wonderful song of
yours called Opus 100? It's fun to play along with on your new mandolin
video but I'd love to see some of the details that my eyes and fingers
are missing! Thank you. Michael

Greetings Michael,

Thanks for your interest in my Opus 100...I love these type of studies and hope to write many more...and, in the process, I also hope to write out a series of tabs covering these studies...they're great exercises and have that Dawg Music sound...I've been heavily inspired by David Grisman...I can listen to the earlier David Grisman Quintet repeatedly without tiring.

Please stay tuned for these tabs to be written out...and, many to be included on our website...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Date: Wed, 25 Sep 2002 23:10:28 -0400
Subject: Mandolin tablature

Do you have the tablature for the song that you play in the following clip? Whenever I hear this tune I can't help but smile, it sounds so sweet. Thanks.
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page2196.htm

Daniel Carter

Greetings Daniel,

This song is titled Gold Rush...a Bill Monroe original...my arrangement is not far off from Merlin's Magical Mandolin Method by Joe Carr...this book is currently out of print as far as I know...you may be able to acquire this book through Joe himself...

Joe Carr now teaches at the Levelland College of Bluegrass in Texas...

Here's a link to his page:
http://www.musicvideo.com/spccarr.html

Wish you the best in your research efforts...

Subject: Rigel A Natural A-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #3
Date: Fri, 6 Sep 2002 10:51:13 -0400

What is the song being played in the video sampler?
Fred

Greetings Fred,

This video sampler is an original rendition that started out as an improvisation. There's lots of crosspicking involved...if you like this approach, be sure to check out our book: "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique"...

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page16.htm

Let us know if you have further questions...FOTW

Subject: Tune on a video sampler
Date: Fri, 12 Jul 2002 12:22:35 -0600

Hi, I was just wondering what the tune that was on the Rigel A-natural video sampler #1. I think it's on the Phoenix bluegrass model as well. That's a great tune and I was hoping i could get the name so I could learn it. Thanks a lot.
Love your site.

Phil Jolly

Greetings Phil,

Thanks for listening in...

Notes by Mickey Cochran: This is an original piece I stumbled into...in fact, "Stumbling" would be a good name for it...for now, I'm calling it "Study in Em Pentatonic"...most all of the notes fall into the E Blues Pentatonic Scale...a great scale to play off of any song in the keys of G or Em...if anyone has other impressions of the tune, and would like to submit a suggestion, e-mail us at: info@folkofthewood.com

Since we've had many requests for tabs to be written out on some of our video samplers, especially the original pieces, we're considering compiling a video sampler songbook to be distributed through FOTW.

At your disposal, Mickey

Subject: Intro to Mando video
Date: Mon, 1 Jul 2002 18:45:01 -0500

Sorry to bother you with emails after emails... I'm looking forward to the
release of your Intro to the Mandolin video. I have ordered your Mandolin
Crosspicking book and can't wait for it to come off of back-order.

My question though... I really enjoy the way you play "Soldier's Joy" on the
Trinity College Octave Mandolin video sample, and on the Weber Big Sky
Mandola video sample - will either of those two instructional products I
mentioned above have this version of the tune on them?

I would classify myself as an intermediate-beginner... you put the tab in
front of me and I'll be playing the song in no time, but as for figuring it
out from the video sample... well, I'm completely at a loss. As you can
imagine, I can't wait for your instructional materials! :-)

Thanks again,
Rohn

Greetings Rohn,

Thanks for your continued interest in our works...

The Mandolin Crosspicking book is due to arrive this week (maybe Friday or Monday)...

In regards to the Soldier's Joy rendition, there is an arrangement of it taught on our new "Intro To Mando" video...it will be a more basic version but very similar just the same. An advanced version can be found in the "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" book...however, it's a completely different arrangement.

I'm hoping to have the "Intro to Mando" completed sometime this next week.

Thanks so much for your devotedness,

Keep on Pickin', Mickey