Frequently Asked Questions About Mandolin Video Samplers

Sep 3, 2009, at 12:27 PM
Your Name: Loryn
Subject: Please tell me where to find this song

Message: Hi,
I LOVE the song that is being played in one of your sample videos called "Weber Sweet Pea Mandolin Video Sampler #1
Fingerpicking". Please tell me where I can get the sheet music for this. Do you have it in one of the books you sell? I HAVE to learn how to play this song. If you don't have the sheet music, do you at least know what it's called? Thank you for your help.

~Loryn

Greetings Loryn,

That's nice of you to say ... this is an original fingerpicking mandolin piece that was pretty much written on the spot (if I recall). Nevertheless, it certainly deserves a name and it would be great to write out some tablature to coincide. I've been working on a fingerpicking mandolin DVD, and I will consider this piece as part of that project ...

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

Mickey~
Aww, that really sucks that it isn't written down. But, wow... that was improvised!? If you ever write it out, please let me know. I don't know tablature, just traditional note music. But I'm sure I could figure out how to translate it if I had to because it's that good. That song was a major inspiration for me to get a Sweet Pea over a year ago. (I did try to buy it with you guys first, but you were out of them at the time.) Now that I've been getting better, I'm ready to start tackling this song. Not a lot of people do fingerpicking here in Charlottesville Va, so I'm trying to expand my technique.
Thanks for the inspiration, and again, please let me know if you decide to do anything with this song.

~Loryn

On Aug 13, 2009, at 5:01 PM, EmailMeForm wrote:
Subject: name of song

Message: On the video sample fo Johnson ma-120 sample 2 could you tell me the name of the song and where I couuld purchase it?

Greetings Frank,

This is a medley of:

Sailor's Hornpipe and Liberty ...

Both can be found in tab format ... as far as these arrangements go, I don't believe there are any recordings with these particular songs as a medley; however, these songs can be found as recordings by other artists using their own arrangements.

Let me know how else I can assist,

Mickey Cochran

Date: Thu, 23 Jul 2009 01:44:24 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Song title

Your Name: Rod D.
Message: Hi-
Thank you for your informative website! I am purchasing my first Mandolin, and I learned alot about mandolins from your site so I can make an informed purchase!

The Video Samplers page was great. I was listening to one of the tracks - for the "Johnson MA-120 A-Style Mandolin Video Sampler #4". I really liked the piece and would like to play that piece someday. Do you know what the title of it is, and if there is sheet music available for it?

Thanks again.
Rod D.
Palmer, Alaska

Greetings Rod,

Thanks for your interest in this particular video sampler. This is one of my originals titled: "Lincoln County Regulator" and demonstrates some crosspicking technique along with solo mandolin technique. The tablature is available for this tune at: http://www.folkofthewood.com/Introduction_to_the_Octave_Mandolin_Tabs.html

Although, this one was written on Octave Mandolin, the fretboard positioning is exactly the same.

I do have a crosspicking book titled: "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" ... which covers the crosspicking methodology as is used in "Lincoln County Regulator".

Interestingly, there's another full music video contained in the DVD: "Introduction to the Mandolin" demonstrating "Lincoln County Regulator" along with very cool images of Lincoln, New Mexico. Keep in mind, this is the hotspot of the entire Southwest where many a cowboy legend was originated including the life and times of Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett, Chisholm Trail ... along with many other historical significances. "Lincoln County Regulator" was written as a tribute to Lincoln County (where I currently reside) and its wondrous never-ending history.

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:11:46 -0700
Subject: Re: That beautiful melody

Hi, Mickey,

I want to say, first of all, what a huge inspiration you have been and
continue to be to my music. When I first discovered your site I was
blown away -- I had never before seen anyone with that kind of
wide-ranging facility with string instruments -- and for the first
time began to realize it might be possible for me to do the same
thing. Two years later, I've gone from playing 20 chords on the guitar
(where I'd been for ten years) to playing banjo, mandolin, dulcimer,
ukulele and constantly expanding and learning. I really don't think it
would be an exaggeration to say that it was your site and your videos
that set it off. Thank you!

I had one other question: in the 2nd video sampler for the Mystic West
mandolin with diamond tailpiece
(http://www.folkofthewood.com/page5610.htm), that melody is the most
beautiful thing I've ever heard played on a mandolin. Is there any way
I could find out what it is, and whether there are tabs available for
it? I've worked out bits on my own, but my ear isn't quite developed
enough yet to get all the nuances, especially in the crosspicking
parts.

Thanks so much for your help, and for all the inspiration,
Josh

Greetings Josh,

Thanks so much for writing ... and thanks for your kind words regarding my site and my video sampler efforts.

It's so nice to hear that I've been such a great influence on your playing.

In reference to the melody: this is an original melody that I pretty much wrote on the spot. I know the pattern well since I use it for improvising. What I did was take one of my favorite mandolin patterns and wrote a song based on it. It does stand on its own very well. I may have to write this one out for our online lessons section.

All my best,
--

Mickey Cochran

Folk of the Wood
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.folkofthewood.com

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

Subject: Hello Again
Date: Fri, 27 May 2005 09:02:40 -0400

Hi Mickey,

I am just writing to say hello. Your tunes are still inspiring me. I am sitting here listening before I go to work.

Listening and learning from your site has really changed my approach to the guitar and mandolin. I finally feel that I am playing a style that I desire and it is largely due to me finding this website. When I want to hear music outside of my own recreational playing, I always take a trip to your neck of the woods and give a listen.

Well, enough said. Keep on writing those inspiring tunes. I know that I pestered you in the past about products, but the truth is, I like your site because of what it offer aspiring artists like me. Music and Passion!

Take care,

Jeremy E.

Greetings Jeremy,

Thanks so much for writing...it's inspiring to hear that my video samplers have inspired you to change your approach...and arrive at a style you like...I wish I could perform video samplers all day...too many details and obligations I guess...keep on pickin',

Mickey

Subject: info request
Date: Tue, 24 May 2005 16:24:23 +0000

Mickey,

I know you hear it all the time, but your website is the best out there!

Wow...that's nice of you to say...we may hear it, but it always has a nice ring just the same...so thank you for tuning in!

Thanks for everything! Whenever you get a chance, will go over to your video samplers and let me know what you are playing on Weber Beartooth Oval Soundhole #5.

http://www.folkofthewood.com/page3546.htm

I recognize it... but just can't place it. I would like to be able to find the music when I'm able to name the piece.

Hi Dan,

Yes, this is also one of my favorite Bach pieces: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"...I've arranged this for solo mandolin and have had hopes of writing out the tablature on it and posting it in our mandolin lessons section (linked from below). Only, time is of the essence...please stay tuned in our tab section for updates on this...

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Thanks in advance,

Dan
Knoxville, TN

Subject: I would love some more info on one of the beautiful tunes you play on your samplers.
Date: Mon, 2 May 2005 02:08:45 -0400

I am a guitar player that recently decided to take up mandolin. There is one particular tune that almost brought tears to my eyes because of its beauty, and that is the tune played by you in the pheonix neoclassical #2 video sampler. If you could tell me the name of the song, a place where I could find the tab, or any relevant information, I would greatly appreciate it. It has been a long time since I have heard a solo instrument sound so sweet, and that very tune greatly influenced my decision to purchase a mandolin in the first place. I never got into bluegrass music, traditional, or folk, but now it is catching up to me. I just had to ask....

Thanks for the wonderful website and wonderful music,

Brandon

Greetings Brandon,

Thanks for tuning in...And, be sure to let me know how I can further assist with your newfound mandolin excursions...

The tune you're referring to is called "Lincoln Country Regulators" and is one of my originals. The first half of this particular video is all improvisation. I'm hoping to include the tablature of this piece on our web site...linked from our online lessons below.

We also have a Mandolin (Elements of Style) book coming up that will be covering this song and techniques similar...so please stay tuned on both our web site and the wisdomofthewood.com sites.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

Subject: intrigued
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 18:55:45 +0000

Hello folkwood!

I was looking through your online lessons for the mandolin when I came across the most intrigueing tune. You have a qucktime video in the "tremolo technique" chapter portraying how one is to correctly use the tremolo. The tune in the video is said to be that of a traditional russian melody...but which?? Please, if you have the time, e-mail me back with the name of this peice. It's beautiful.
Thankyou for your time.

Respectfully,

A. C. F. Stollfus

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 . . .Mickey

Date: Sat, 8 Jan 2005 23:03:55 -0500
Subject: johnson sampler

Hello,

On the one of the samplers for the Johnson Mandolin there is an excellent recording
of Scarborough Fair. Is the music (tablature) for that arrangement available anywhere. It's incredible.

Thanks

Ledman W.
Worthington, Ohio

Greetings Ledman,

Sorry, I haven't written out any tabs to date on this particular piece...I do appreciate your appreciation. I do have some great studies on mandolin crosspicking available free online:

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

Some of these techniques are used within this very same piece.

Thanks so much for tuning in...and, I'll see what I can do about writing out some of our mando video samplers in tablature.

Keep on Pickin', Mickey

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 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 T.

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 J.

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 T.

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 G.

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 H.

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 M.

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 C.

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 J.

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:

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 s after s... 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