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On Oct 3, 2009:

Hi Mickey,
Just wanted to let you know I decided to get the Wildwood Troubador banjo. Mark at Wildwood made me one from bubinga wood. It is a beautiful instrument and sounds fantastic. Now it's up to me to practice! Thanks again for your advice!

Sincerely,
Che P.

Hi Mickey,

Thanks for the speedy reply and the advice! I am heading to the
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival today to see Steve Martin
make a rare appearance playing banjo with his band. It
should be interesting! After your advice, I am leaning
towards a Wildwood banjo, however I came across a beautiful
banjo at Amazing Grace music. It is an Orpheum #4 with a
carved neck and is listed at $3500 (with some room to
negotiate). Any words of wisdom you have about orpheum
banjos would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for your
time!
-Che

Greetings Che,
You're most welcome. I love Steve Martin and everything's he's
accomplished. What a phenomenal artist. His Pink Panther
series he's come out with recently is truly classic and
will be legendary. You know, Steve goes back a long ways in
the banjo playing world. He played with John McEuen and
Jerry Garcia (who also played a mean banjo) ... Let me know
how the concert went; I'd give anything to see his new
banjo band ... I caught him on David Letterman and it was
cool. Interestingly, back in 1999, Steve purchased a Deering Sierra through Folk
of the Wood. What an honor! Deering was really proud of it
and said they even received the warranty card that came
directly from him ...
As far as Orpheum banjos go, yes, they're nicely crafted ... I
take it this one dates back quite a ways. They make great
collectibles and most all vintage open-backs we used to get
in, all required lots of set-up work. With the right set-up,
I'm sure it will work well. I'd recommend that you
also consider playing a newer Wildwood just to compare. With
the Tubaphone tone ring, you'll find all the power,
punch and resonance you can expect from the best of
open-back banjos.
All my best,
Mickey

On Oct 2, 2009:

YourName:
CheYourEmail
Subject: buying a banjoMessage:

Hi,Thanks for the great site! I am a guitar player who was
recently inspired to start playing banjo by seeing Pete Seeger in action
at 90 years old. I live in Marin county California and
have taken a look at open-back 5 string banjos at
the 5th String in Berkeley and Amazing Grace Music. My
price range in buying a banjo is in the 1000-2000 range. The person
I talked to at Amazing Grace suggested I start with
a student model such as a Rover or Saga (which they are getting
in next week). I also talked to Mark at Wildwood
and it sounds like he has some great banjos there (I was
looking into the Troubador). I plan to stick with the banjo and
was wondering what your thoughts were. It is good to have alower
end banjo first and then upgrade, or, is it better
to get a higher end banjo from the beginning. Let me know
when you have a chance. Thanks!-Che

Mickey Cochran

Greetings Che,That's great about Pete Seeger! I read his autobiography many years ago. He
truly lived a life of Woody Guthrie. If you like Seeger's
style, you might want a long neck banjo ... or, at
the very least an open-back banjo. For
folk styles, as opposed to bluegrass, the open-back will serve you well. If
you can afford it, then I'd steer away from the entry level banjos
... although, with the right set-up, an entry level will
suffice, nevertheless, a higher end professional
banjo will inspire you to work even harder at learning to play. Mark
at Wildwood is a true artisan. I happen to have one of his banjos
myself...an Heirloom ... of which is truly beautiful to both
play and look at. Nothing better. If you purchased one of
his, you won't need another banjo for the rest of your life! So
in answer to your question, yes, a higher end banjo is always
preferable whether just beginning or not (as long as your budget allows).
Lower end imports are fine if they're set up properly.
However, they all need set up ... a higher end banjo,
made be a reputable maker, will not need the
serious set-up work that lower end imports need. Higher ends on average,
only need the heads tightened after they arrive from
the factory, as all banjos do since they're still settling
in ... whereas a lower end may need nut adjustments,
truss rod adjustments, tailpiece adjustments and
almost always bridge adjustments for proper
intonation. Some adjustments are personal preference ... but most
are essential for playability. Hope this helps, Mickey

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Date: Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:46:02 -0600
Subject: Re: Banjo question

Hi,

I read a lot of good archived Q+A on you site. Thanks. Question: Do you still sell intruments? The answers seem to be from the perspective of a dealer, but I don't see inruments for sale anywhere.

Main reason for email: I am a guitarist who wants to learn clawhammer banjo. I am looking at 3 intruments and would like a recommandation.

1. Gold Tone Bob Carlin 350
2. Enoch Tradesman
3. Wildwood Minstrel

I can afford a little nicer than a beginner instrument, but the Mintrel is probably my max. I only have access to a Gold Tone 350 to test, but the others look cooler. Also, does "scooped fingerboard" mean all the frets are scooped or just the higher part of the fingerboard near the body?

Thanks,
Dave

Greetings Dave,

Thanks for writing ...

Unfortunately, we're no longer carrying instruments and are in the process of reorganizing the current site and focusing on publishing with the new site's orientation. This is a massive undertaking since the FOTW site is 7000+ pages in length.

For your question: You might check with Elderly or First Quality Instruments ... I believe they both carry the banjos you're looking into:

www.elderly.com

www.fqms.com

Personally, I own a Wildwood ... of which I feel covers everything I need in an openback ... a dynamic range and superb quality on every level. I haven't tried the GT Carlin nor the Enoch ... but, rest assured, I feel I have a lifetime instrument in my Wildwood. Of course, for the cost, there's a lot of value offered by Gold Tone.

Wish you the best in your research ...

Mickey Cochran
Mystic West Products
Acoustic Music Instruction
PO Box 2810
Alto, New Mexico 88312

http://www.mysticwestproducts.com

Thanks for the quick reply. I'm sure they're all good. If you don't mind, one more question. What do you think about the "scooped" neck? I notice Wildwood does not seem to offer it as a standard option, but the others do.

Thanks,

Dave

The scooped neck allows you to play closer to the fingerboard for a softer sound ... it's a matter of style and taste ... certainly not a necessity. Mickey

Date: Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:22:36 -0400
Subject: Re: Banjo question

Thanks for both responses. You are kind - and patient. I spent a little more time on folkoffthewood, and man, you have done a lot of typing!

Good luck transitioning the website.

Dave

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Date: Fri, 07 Jan 2005 21:08:48 -0500
Subject: Att: Mickey

Hello Mickey,
I just received my Wildwood Heirloom from FOTW. I was wondering if you made any modifications to yours. Mine doesn't sound anything like your's does on the banjo samples. Tradd did the set-up job on it and we both agreed that the action was high. What height bridge do you have, and what gauge strings?
Any infomation you could give would be greatly appreciated. I think your Heirloom on the samples has "the sound" that I'm looking for, and would like to try to get it.
Thank You,
Joe C.

Greetings Joe,

Well, did we determine if your Wildwood has the Remo Fiberskyn Head? It seemed like it did when I saw...just not sure.

Additionally, I keep the head at a medium tautness...tuned to about a G. On frosted heads for bluegrass banjos, it's tightened to about an A for a more bright pop.

My action is a medium height...not high and not low.

My tailpiece is tightened down very close to the head for more string tension on the bridge.

Gauge of strings are .011 on the high D to .022 on the low D...

I like a fatter tone on my open-back...I did see the Heirloom sent to you...and thought it looked a lot like mine...it had some beautiful figured maple on it. I must say, I will never need another open-back banjo again...this one banjo will fill all my needs for a lifetime. What superb craftsmanship!!!

Yours has the very same stock bridge as came with mine.

Hope this helps,

Mickey

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Subject: Upgrade question for Mickey
Date: Fri, 30 Aug 2002 09:27:54 -0400

Mickey, thanks for you help with getting my Wildwood Troubadour set up properly. It is a wonderful instrument and I know it sounds quick, but I am thinking about upgrading to a resonator model. The two possibilities I was thinking about were the used Troubadour you have with a resonator or the Deering Calico. I have heard the Calico here in town, but not the resonator model Troubadour. Can you describe your impressions of the two? Also, I was wondering what it would cost to do either trade. Thanks for your help....DC

Forgot to mention this, the picture on the web of Troubadour w/ resonator is of a Tennessee Blues Guitar....any pictures of the Wildwood resonator available?........DC

Greetings Dana,

Not a problem Dana...we can assist you with your upgrade:

The Troubador pictures haven't been taken yet...however, keep in mind, the Troubador reso model would be non-traditional since it would have the tubaphone tone ring. This type of tone ring is normally used in open-backs...therefore, if you're looking for a completely different sound, for a resonator banjo, this one might work for you. If you like the traditional resonator model, for bluegrass stylings, I'd have to recommend the Calico.

If you purchased your Troubadour through us, you have a 100% upgrade towards any other new banjo including the Calico.

Let me know how I might assist further, Mickey

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Subject: Re: Fwd: ********** Banjo Dilemma ********
Date: Thu, 27 Jun 2002 22:1:12 -0400

Hello Mickey.

I was looking through your site again tonight and wanted to ask you about
your opinion of Wildwood. You obviously carry other brands besides Deering.
Is Deering the "best" you carry or are there other brands you would
recommend? I apologize for all of the questions. I guess that's one of
the true signs of a beginner.

Thanks,
Brad

Greetings Brad,

Wildwoods are phenomenal...I happen to own a Wildwood Heirloom of which I'm completely thrilled and plan on keeping a lifetime. It's my only open-back banjo...and, the only one I'll ever need.

Their bluegrass line is also sterling. Great aesthetics, playability and tonal quality. I fully endorse all Wildwood banjos.

As compared to Deering...they are completely different. Both the Deering and Wildwood lines offer everything any pro banjo could ever request.

The choice between the two would be purely subjective to the artist's taste.

At your disposal, Mickey

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Subject: Troubadour vs. Minstrel Series
Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2002 13:19:07 -0400

Hi there. I called today and got the pricing information on the Wildwood Troubadour and Minstrel Series. I currently play Scruggs Style Bluegrass and I'm very familiar with resonator banjos but I have taken up clawhammer and I'm looking for an intermediate level open-back. I need an education in open back banjos so that I don't go through the same process that I did with resonator banjos. I bought a pawn shop starter model, then a Epiphone that was a little better, then a Deering Deluxe which I still like and finally a Scruggs Model which I love. My wife will not tolerate me buying another room full of banjos so I want to make the right purchase the first time on an open-back.

The Wildwood banjos are in the exact price range that I've been looking for and are really nice looking instruments. What I need from you is a more detailed description of the difference between these two banjos and what I can expect as far as tonal quality.

I'm really ready to buy an open back and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks much

Joey Neal

Greetings Joey,

First, you might want to know that I personally own a Wildwood Heriloom as my only open-back banjo (I've had it now for 2 years). I love everything about the Wildwood series...on their open-backs, they use a tubaphone tone ring, which, in my opinion, is a fat sounding tone ring...offering a full and resonant tonal range. I play a variety of styles on my Wildwood including 3-finger styles such as ragtime and classical...and, am also delving for the first time into clawhammer styles.

The Troubador vs. Minstrel models:

These are really the exact same banjos other than appointment differences...your choice would be based on whether you like the upgraded appointments of the the Troubador as follows:
1. more elaborate bird inlays as opposed to dot inlays on the fingerboard...
2. purfling on the resonator and on the neck...
3. ivoroid binding on the neck...

They both will have the same playability and tonal quality...

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Thu, 9 May 2002 08:02:01 -0700

Hi,
Also -- What is the benefit of installing a compensated bridge ?
What guage of strings are coming on the wildwood banjo ?

Please respond, Thanks,


Andy

Greetings Andy,

Gauge of Strings Installed at the Wildwood Factory: GHS Custom Gauge light-mediums .10 .12 .14 .22w .10

A compensated bridge will contribute to accurate intonation in the higher register of a banjo...however, on a higher quality banjo, such as the Troubador, it wouldn't be necessary; on a lower quality banjo, correcting intonation is more critical since necks are not made to exacting specs. Be aware, most compensated bridges are heavier and fatter to accommodate the spacing necessary to compensate each individual string. This alters the tone and gives a less responsive tone than a standard bridge.

Hope the above helps...at your disposal, Mickey

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Date: Wed, 10 Apr 2002 06:28:56 -0700
Subject: Wildwood soloist

Hi, I was looking at your wildwood soloist models, and am a little confused as to the differences. The standard I assume is nickel plated. Now what is the difference between the Gold, and the tree of life models? Both list Gold plating as extra?? And all three have the tree of life inlay. One other question is the inside of the reonator and rim finished ? Thanks for the help, Please include a quote with gold and engraving and lea time. Harold Wardrop

Greetings Harold,

Gold Plating would be applied over the Nickel Plating...
Gold Plating is an option with an up-charge available on any Wildwood model including the soloist.

The Soloist Gold Plated will take approximately 6 weeks...Mark, Master Luthier with Wildwood, told me this today.

The Tree of Life is an optional inlay pattern that classifies the banjo as the Soloist model.

The resonator and rim are finished on the inside...the resonator is matte finished and the rim is gloss finished...Mickey

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Date: Fri, 22 Mar 2002 09:17:06 -0500

One more question:

How do you rate the Wildwood resonator banjos? Do they have a sound/tone/volume on
par with other primo bluegrass instruments?

I am intrigued by your video samplers and found the Wildwood Artist and Paragon
clips to be most excellent. Is the sound as good in person as it appears from the
clips?

Thanks again for your patient assistance!

Alan

Greetings Alan,

The Wildwood resonator is a superb bluegrass banjo...with just the right amount of decay to make it have less reverberation than a banjo with too much sustain.

Both sound and volume, on the Wildwood resonator models, are in line with most any other top-notch bluegrass banjo that I've played. I believe the tone portrayed on our video samplers do not give justice...I believe our video samplers work well for comparing from instrument to instrument...for a direct reference, too much would be dependent on the quality of your computer's speaker system (using headphones give you the best reference source)...and even then, it's no longer an analog representation of pure acoustic tone.

Hope the above helps...Mickey

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Subject: Re: Longneck Shopping
Date: Thu, 10 Jan 2002 13:44:29 -0500

I have been intrigued by the Wildwood and am seriously considering either the Troubador or Heirloom Longneck, the main difference I see being the shoeband on the Hierloom and more detailed mother of pearl inlay. Besides cosmetic, how significantly does the shoe-band effect the sound and is there any other difference?

Also, how wide are the necks on Wildwood as compared to a Deering or Goldtone. Even amongst the Wildwood, it seems by picture alone that the neck is narrower with each successive step-up in model but I am not certain.

I've always used RR spikes for by clawhammer banjo, but is the Shubb a more common feature on openbacks. Right now the spikes I have in do not hold the strings very well for heavy frailing. Recommendation.

Finally, how does Wildwood's tubaphone tone ring compare to that of Deering's virgin bell-bronze tone ring or even their tubaphone (On Vega which tends to be out of my price range).


Thanks
Steve

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Date: Thu, 9 Aug 2001 01:45:28 -0600
Subject: Wildwood Resonators

One final request I have: Could anyone there give me some honest insight on Wildwood banjos? I hear that the resonator wood on those is laminated. Is this true? Is this true of all high end banjos with the flammed maple resonator? I'm asking in specific regard to the soloist you have advertised in your used section.

I really appreciate your time and consideration here. I think you all have a very well designed and straight forward website with lots of great information throughout.

RichViso


Greetings Rich,

Wildwood banjos are great...I love them and even own one: the Wildwood Heirloom...one of the finest open-backs being made.
Resonators on most all banjos are laminate...this is the preferred choice of all manufacturers for a better resonator. Believe me, the first time I heard this, I was surprised too.

Thanks for the kind words regarding our website. Mickey

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Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2001 00:31:37 -0600

Dear Folks of the Wood,

I am interested in the wildwood banjos. I am interested in the
Troubadour and the Heirloom models. Is there a major difference in the
sound between the two. I notice by the pictures, the Heirloom has a
bracket band instead of the holes drilled through the rim as in the
Troubadour. How does that affect the sound? Since no music store in
my area sells the wildwood banjos, I have not had the opportunity to
hear the banjos in person. I would appreciate your opinion on whether
the additional cost for the Heirloom model is worth it for the sound or
is it just for the cosmetics? I play three finger bluegrass style, but
I enjoy sound of an open back banjo over the resonator type. So I'm
looking to for a banjo that has a mellow, even, not to bright or bass
sound. You know, like the three bears story, one that is "just
right!" Ha! Ha! like me and every other banjo player in the world,
right?

Anyway, I have a Goldtone Whiteladye open back banjo with hardshell
archtop case that I would like to trade in on a wildwood Heirloom or
Troubadour model. The banjo is a year old and in near mint condition.
No scratches or dents only light finger wear on the head. Could you
please send me quote on my trade in value for one of the wildwood
banjos. I would like to trade-in if possible but if a trade is not
feasible, please let me know what your purchase price of the Troubadour
and Heirloom with case and shipping would be. Thank you! Phil Helton

Greetings Phil,

I personally love the Wildwood; in fact, I own an Heirloom that was custom made for me. There's only a subtle difference in tone between the Heirloom and the Troubadour...they both have the ultimate Tubaphone tone rings...I also am a three-finger player that enjoys the fuller tone of an open-back. I use my Heirloom for many different styles including classical, ragtime, jazz and even some bluegrass.

The picture you're viewing of the Heirloom is my personal one...yes, it does have a bracket band...which doesn't appear to affect its tone...but does look cool. Be aware, a bracket brand will cover up the grain of the rim...

If you get a chance, be sure to check out our video samplers on our website for an idea of what these sound like. Mickey

 

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Date: Sun, 22 Oct 2000 11:41:36 -0600


Mickey, just a couple more questions please. The Gibson RB800 decision must
be made by me by today. Its listed on the web page "Superhart". Apparently
this guy sell banjos as a business. Its the cherry sunburst one. He has a
couple listed.

I'd check it out for you, but I couldn't find the superhart webpage. Still sounds like a fair deal...my only concern would be if there are any structural flaws that could limit its playability.

Another question. The pictures of the Wildwood Soloist shows it with both a
gold plated finish and a chrome type finish. Is the gold plating an option
or is it standard?

The gold plating is an option...although, we only charge dealer cost on all options. Gold plating on any Wildwood is an additional 450.00.

Also, I think the term "railroad spikes" means that you can install them on
various positions to act as a capo on the 5th string. Do you recommend them?
Especially for a banjo beginner? I have played guitar for 30 yrs so I will
be persistant until learn the banjo. I know its a lot different but I enjoy
hearing them so much I know I will be able to do it.

Yes, the HO spikes are installed directly on the neck at the 5th string positions...usually at the 7th and 9th frets. My recommendation, and what I personally use, is a Shubb 5th string capo. This is a sliding rail that allows you to quickly change keys from Ab all the way up to C...it also will allow you to change keys without re-tuning due to the tension screw...whereas, the HO spikes make the 5th string go sharp and require re-tuning every time you change keys. We charge 50.00 (installed) for a Shubb 5th string capo.

Hope the above helps...

 

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Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 00:13:58 -0600

mickey,
a few more questions about the artist.
is it maple?if so,is it stained?VERY highly figured?
is the neck as "fast"as a calico or is it more like your rb-800?
have you been this impressed with all the wildwood bg banjos you have
received or does this one stand out?
thank you.

Hey Jon,

Hope all is well with you!

The Artist we currently have in stock has the fancy curly maple veneered with a solid core maple resonator. Yes, it's stained...most definitely a high definition curly maple. I love the neck on this Artist...it's more of a standard neck (not too thick or too thin). It's more like my RB-800 than it is the Calico (the Calico has an exceptionally wide neck with lots of taper..a very well manufactured neck). I have been impressed by all of the Wildwoods...but, no doubt, this one is exceptional in every respect. It was on hold for a few weeks until the customer notified me from Flagstaff that he would not be able to afford it...so it's again free to go to the first interested buyer.

ALL Wildwood Bluegrass MODELS INCLUDE:

The classic "flat head" style tone ring cast with "pre-war" alloys and precision machined. 1 piece cast resonator flange, and a 3 ply solid maple core resonator, veneered with
either fancy curly maple, or curly figured American black walnut. Maple necks and resonators are offered in a natural (blond) finish, or hand rubbed stain to enhance the
intensity of the curly figure. All necks feature ebony peg head, fingerboards, and heel caps. All hardware is the best available in nickel plated brass. Frankly, it would be hard
to improve upon these fine bluegrass banjos.

Watch for photos to be uploaded soon on our website...it will be the exact same one we currently have in stock.

Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran

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