Inspired by Folk of the Wood

September 20, 2009 7:21:25 AM MDT

Hi Mickey,

Just keep on enjoying the journey of life and your work and playing. Let me know from time to time how and what you are doing. Again I can't say thank you enough for producing your DVD's that really helped me to build a good basis for getting into playing the Dobro. It has saved me many a time in playing with others who are good musicians but don't know anything about theory etc to help them play better.

Your friend and struggling student,
Jack
(AKA Travelin Jack)

September 19, 2009 7:17:26 PM MDT
Your Name: Scott L.
Subject: Mandolins

Message: Hi-

Somehow I stumbled upon some old web pages from when you used to sell instruments. Your advice seems to be the best and most detailed available.

Thank you for your time.

Best, Scott L.

Date: Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:36:34 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Crosspicking Book

Mickey,

I wrote you many years ago with a question about fiddle playing and you replied with a very kind and encouraging email. Your book, "Mandolin Crosspicking Technique" has the same encouraging tone as that email and is very much appreciated.

Ben K.

I look forward to using more of your material in the future. Thanks again, Ben

Date: Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:28:55 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: vibrato

Your Name: winona
Message: dear micky,

i started playing violin at age 6 and quit regular practice at age 19. imagine my astonishment that at age 68 i could start up again! my ear is still good, bowing is decent, but i never did master a good vibrato below 3rd position. i make a temporary vibrato on 1st by pressing the neck against my knuckle. you inspired me by saying that vibrato is for interpretation, screwups and long notes.

your new fan,

winona

Subject: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: mandolin questions
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:04:17 -0400

Your Name: Jared B.
Subject: mandolin questions
Message: Greetings,

Can't thank you enough for the wealth of info on your site.

Subject: Mystic West Products: Thank you
Date: Sat, 18 Jul 2009 11:17:46 -0400

Your Name: scott
Subject: Thank you
Message: Hey guys a massive thank you for the hard work you have put into the site so that others can benefit , ( including myself ) i play a tenor banjo ( irish tuned ) and from the scales you have put up i now practice as much as i can . So a big thanks once again from Belfast in ireland . Toicfadiah ar la ! x

Date: Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:31:16 -0400
Subject: Re: Mystic West Products: Mandolin Setup

Thanks!

I really appreciate you getting back to me.
Not being a customer (yet) you didn't owe me a thing.
That you got back to, and did so quickly, proves that you care for your customers; past & future!
I will being visiting your site and will soon become a loyal customer.
I enjoy doing business with people that care for their customers and enjoy sharing their knowledge and love of their craft.

All the best,
Roger I.

Date: Thu, 2 Jul 2009 03:39:38 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: Dobro questions

I've learned more from your website about this beautiful and fascinating instrument than I ever could on 9/10 of other websites. Your website is a godsend to beginners, and professionals as well, I'm sure.

Thanks for the kind words.

Thank you for your time and patience, as well as the prompt delivery of the first dobro instructional video, "Introduction to the Dobro Part 1" (damn, that was quick!). Best wishes,
Donnie

You're most welcome Donnie. Please stay in touch.

Mickey

Date: Fri, 26 Jun 2009 23:47:51 -0600
Subject: Convenient Violin/Viola Information

Message: Thank you so much for your website! I am a 48 years old Registered Nurse and work odd long shifts which make it difficult to take violin/viola lessons from someone. Your site provides solid information with easy instructions for teaching myself this new hobby. I am looking forward to watching the videos!

Hi Carrie,

Thanks so much for sharing this with me. It's quite inspiring to hear that I've been of some help to you. Feel free to write anytime if I can ever assist you with any questions during your learning journey.

All my best,

Mickey Cochran

Date: Tue, 9 Jun 2009 22:03:10 -0600
Subject: Re: Folk of the Wood Contact Form: THANK YOU!

Subject: THANK YOU!
Message: I recently got into Mandolins, I've never played one before, and I'm still waiting for it in the mail. So of course, I've been trying to find anything on Mandolin. I came across your site and your lessons are AMAZING. I've been a percussion player for 7 years, and knew how to read the rhythms and timing of music, but your lessons are so fantastic! I was able to refresh, and I feel confident enough that when my mando arrives i will be able to play quite a few scales. I just wanted to say thank you so much for putting this on your site. Your work is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much again,
-bh

Brittani,

Thanks so much for sharing this with me. And, I wish you the best with your new mandolin journey.

Mickey Cochran

Date: Wed, 1 Apr 2009 07:02:29 -0400
Subject: RE: Hello

Want to finish on a positive note……the technical advice and forums you have are outstanding; my perception is that you are starting to rival Harmony Central in that regard. It sounds like you are starting to crystallize your niche in the acoustic instrument industry – very prudent! Keep up the tech advice forums for acoustic instruments. Your advice is spot on, your style of feedback is very nice, and your dedication to acoustic instruments will all put you at the front of the pack of your business.

Joe Whelan

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: Comment on site lessons
Date: Sun, 1 Feb 2009 13:03:46 -0500

Great site...love it, use it, have made more than my share of purchases from it.

SUGGESTION...on the lessons pages, have a link to PRINT the lesson and especially the drills.
I have tried every way to print them without any luck.

Thanks for your product and keep up the good work!
DJ in Sarasota, FL

Date: Tue, 12 Jul 2005 19:03:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Thank you.

My name is Michael and I am in the process of waiting for a full size beginner violin to come in. In the meantime I am trying to learn all I can before. Rather than ask you many questions which are answered on your wonderful website, I want to say instead; Thank you. Your site is a wonderful thing. I will not only learn all I can from the site but will most likely order the video as well. Again, thank you.
Michael

Thanks for taking the time out to write us Michael...and be sure to get back with us if we can personally assist you with the learning process. Mickey

Date: Sun, 3 Jul 2005 08:41:37 -0700
Subject: THANK YOU!

Mickey,

Thank you very much for the lessons you make available! They are great. A
friend of mine just bought a banjo, and I printed off your lessons for
him. I appreciate learning the basics so that I can use them to learn
other songs. I was wondering if you have any other melodic banjo scales,
beside C and G, available, or know of a source to get more scales?
Thanks again,

Mike M.
Fossil, Oregon

Greetings Mike,

Thanks for tuning in with us...

I'm working on building out the melodic banjo section to include a more thorough overview...which should include more scales. It may be awhile though...thanks for staying tuned, Mickey

Subject: banjo
Date: Sat, 4 Jun 2005 18:25:07 -0400

Thanks Mickey, for your web site. I am 67 years old and trying to learn the guitar and banjo. Its people like you that makes this world, worth living in.

Berry F. Dean

Thanks for writing Berry, That's nice of you to say...Mickey

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: Mickey's words of wisdom
Date: Tue, 03 May 2005 04:44:33 +0000

Those little words (you suggested) are the best advice I've ever seen on any matter that involves learning:

"Enjoy the learning process, be patient, don't give up on yourself."

Your performance on the Doc Watson flatpicking is absolutely inspiring, and at the same time intimidating. Thanks again for being a good teacher.

Mike W.
Amherst NY

Greetings Mike,

Thanks so much for taking the time to write...it's those that show appreciation, such as yourself, that make me want to work harder.

And, if I can ever personally assist you, let me know. Mickey

Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 11:41:24 EDT
Subject: Thank You!

Dear Mr. Cochran,

I recently recieved my grand fathers fiddle/violin. My grandmother gave it away 15 years ago to her housekeeper. My mother and I were very upset when we asked about it. My grandfather had been dead a long time, why she gave it away we'll never know. Well it turns out that a friend of my mother is related to that housekeeper. So we asked about the violin through my Moms' friend and thank goodness she still had the violin. We asked to buy it from her, since for her it had no real sentimental value to her. Well she gave it back to my Mom last week, and I have just printed various lessons and saved your website.

When I took the violin out of its case a flood of emotions and wonderful memories came back. I can recall Pepere, (who was from Quebec) playing many french reels and other Canadian folk songs. I hope to be able to play one or two for my Mom some day. I'm 46 and have been a parapeligic for the last 5. But my arms are strong and healthy and I'm determined to learn and hopefully play a song or two. Maybe a French reel!

Thank You again for this wonderful site, with free online lessons, to enable those who might not be able to get out as much as others.

Sincerely, Susanne H.

Hi Susanne,

Thanks so much for writing...it's inspiring to hear that I've been able to assist you in your violin playing efforts via the internet. And, if I can ever assist you personally through your learning stages, be sure to e-mail.

I love French-Canadian fiddle...best to you, Mickey

Subject: Thanks
Date: Sun, 20 Mar 2005 12:44:40 -0600

In ref: http://www.folkofthewood.com/page319.htm

Thanks for your "video samplers". It really gave me a good sense of the different sounds of the mandolins. Whatever time and money you spent to do that, it was worth it!

Subject: Website
Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 13:58:23 -0500

Mickey,

I'm just loving your website!
After many years of neglect I'm getting back into the 5-string. I'm particularly enjoying the Video Samplers of the Melodic/chromatic songs. Along with the tablature of the songs (Red-Haired Boy) it's a huge learning experience.

Thanks for sharing so much with us. So many these days are plain stingy with their gifts. You're a blessing!

Jim Britton
Springfield, OH

Thanks Jim, appreciate your taking the time to write...and thanks for tuning in. Good to see there are some fans of melodic banjo. Mickey

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:03:28 -0800
Subject: Thank you for your website

Hi Mickey,

Just wanted to comment positively on your website and say you are
awesome for creating this for those who are interested in learning and
growing.

I learned the violin and loved it growing up, playing in the orchestra
through junior and high school, doing pretty well with it, Honor
Orchestra, etc. Then stupidly I let it go and my parents sold my
violin at a garage sale.

Now at age 44 I am fortunate to be blessed with a beautiful violin and
am enjoying every second I can steal to play my first love, my
stringed instrument!

Your website is helping me rebuild my confidence and teaching me more
than I imagined. The detail you provide is awesome.

Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Lori G.
Southern California

Subject: LOVE YOUR WEBSITE!
Date: Wed, 16 Feb 2005 18:58:02 -0500

Hello!

I'm a brand new mandolin player. While I didn't my KM140S from you, you're right on with Kentucky mados! They are the bomb diggity!

I used your photos (tiled) as my desktop wallpaper... great photos of my mandolin! You might consider making a wallpaper section with bluegrass music desktop wallpaper.

I enjoy and use your tater-bug lessons! I've learned lots and am practicing a lot!

Thanks!

Robyn
Bluegrass Music makes like finger pickin' good!

Greetings Robyn,

Thanks for tuning in with us...it's nice of you to take the time to commend us for our efforts.

And, be sure to let me know if you need assistance with the lessons...Mickey

Date: Wed, 02 Feb 2005 23:35:34 -0800
Subject: My Mandolin

I've been meaning to e-mail you for awhile to express my satisfaction
with your service and products.

Thanks Robert...I appreciate your taking the time out to send us your testimonial...

Mickey

Tradd helped me choose an absolutely lovely mandolin over the phone and
from a thousand miles away. I haven't had any cause to regret it.
Not only is the instrument great but it arrived in perfect condition.
Also, the setup was absolutely professional. The mandolin was a present
for my girlfriend and she loves it. Her mandolin teacher said he thought
it was one of the best instruments he'd seen and she recommended you.
Again, thanks for all your help, Tradd. It's nice to know that someone
who's selling you something has integrity and a genuine love for the
instrument. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from you again and fully intend to do so.

Robert J.

Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2005 01:58:09 -0800 (PST)
Subject: THANKS MICKEY

Your Q&A sections have been such an immense help to
me. I've played guitar for 20 yrs. I bought a fiddle
to mess around with- cuz I just love that country
fiddle sound- and man, it put me right back to square
one! Fiddling is a whole new ballgame indeed! But I
love the challenge and love to practice, but what
frustrated me was that in order to start, I needed to
know the basic essentials of how the instrument works
before I could get a decent sounding note out of it. I've learned so much, I feel like I owe you money or
something. Oh well, may the good deeds you've done for
so many be returned to you tenfold!

Thanks so much for your positive input...your show of appreciation makes me feel that my efforts are not wasted...Mickey

Date: Tue, 25 Jan 2005 02:14:49 -0500
Subject: Octave Mando?

Greetings Mickey and Company,

Your online lessons and video demos are very helpful and much appreciated. Good way to run a business! I know two guys named Ben and Jerry who ran an ice cream company in a socially responsible way for years until they got taken over and you seem to have a comparable approach, going way beyond just giving products and taking money. I want to do business with FOTW. Dave

Greetings Dave,

Thanks for tuning in with us...

It sounds like you have a clear perspective...and are quick to perceive a good thing. Yes, we are very much like Ben and Jerry....

Date: Mon, 13 Dec 2004 00:41:30 -0500

Hi, just wanted to say that I think your website is great. From what I
gather you are into helping people discover the music rather than just making
money, and I surely commend you for that.

S. Chang

Subject: website

I just wanted to drop a line saying how much I like your website. The videos are excellent for both seeing the instruments, and more importantly, hearing the tone of the instruments. Excellent, excellent website!!

As soon as my wife says "yes", I'm going to place an order.

Thanks.

Lance

Greetings Lance,

Thanks so much for the kind words...and stay in touch...

Be sure to check out the other features of website below. Mickey

Subject: Thanks:)

Folk of the Woods (to whom it may concern):

This e-mail is not one of inquisition, not one of frustration, and not one
of ...well, perhaps I'll say what it's about. My name is Andrew DeMarco,
and I'm 20. I'm an suburbanite from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I grew up
gifted with an interested in linguistics and quantum physics, but always
turned away from music because it was something trendy and robbed students
of academic time. Well, I discovered the mandolin. I heard Chris Thile's
"In the House of Tom Bombadil" and declared at that very moment that I
will learn to play the mandolin. I did intensive research for a couple
weeks, using your site as a primary resource. A year later, after buying a
Fender FM-63S mandolin, a beginner 5-string banjo, and a novice uke (about
to buy an A style mando too) I find myself returning to your site for more
advanced information on mandolin playing. I just want to tell you that you
have performed a key role in a young man's life (that man being me) ...
playing music has transformed my life. I don't mean that in a cliche,
Christian miracle way, but in a reality "how I feel day-to-day" way... my
mandolin is my best friend. I feel obligated and honored to thank you
admins, information colectors, seasoned musicians, et cetera for the time
you've put into the website -- not because you've sent me some instrument
I've ordered on time, but because the hundreds of page of text on your
site have influenced me and gotten me through those hard times (I remember
the day after I bought my mando I was SO UPSET because the D chord was so
difficult to play (how the hell could my fingers hit the top and bottom
string on the /same/ fret?!) ... little did I know that it was to get much
more difficult and interesting;) .....ANYWAY!!! I'm just thanking you..
here with my mando strapped around my shoulder across my forearm.... she
thanks you, too. Real quickly, I'm an undergraduate student at Temple
University in Philadelphia.. my major is Greek and Roman Classics with a
focus on Linguistics... I love to get the word out about bluegrass music
and the mandolin! hundreds of college students have asked me "what is that
little guitar?" or say "play us a song on the ukelele" and i respond "it's
a mandolin, listen to this little tune and check it out." The delight I
get from playing it... the delight its sound brings others... it's
unexplainable... as musicians I'm sure you know what I'm talking about.
Thank you for helping me discover this huge part of life I would have
otherwise not known. Maybe this e-mail is silly or dramatic, but without
your website's information I surely would not have come this far on my
instrument.

Genuine thanks-- and keep up the good work and expansive website,
Andrew DeMarco

Greetings Andrew,

Thanks so much for your personal take on our website...sounds like you're well tuned to the acoustic philosophy too.

It's admirable that you're carrying forward the acoustic flag and be sure to get back with me if I can ever personally assist you on your acoustic journeys.

Hope to hear of your progress...so write again soon!

We'll be posting your sterling testimony on our website...Your submission is greatly appreciated.

Mickey

Subject: Long Live Acoustic Music!

Dear Mickey, James, Nathan, Tracy & Co.

I must say...this is the BEST acoustic music site/store I have ever encountered!
Being an avid web surfer, I was always on the lookout for great new sites that
featured bluegrass/vintage country/acoustic music and their instruments.

As cliched as it sounds, I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist who has played rock for
15+ years. I've always loved playing my acoustic guitar, but always preferred the amplified sounds. However, since the "O Brother" phenomenon/resurgence came about,
I have fallen completely back in love with acoustic sounds, and am totally going back to basics!

I discovered your site as I was looking for mandolins. I was researching Kentucky's KM-675 and your location came up in a Yahoo search. I must say, I was impressed from the get-go! Being a poor music therapy student, I ended up buying the mandolin from
another online company that offered "easy" credit.

I wished I had the funds or another credit card to purchase from FOTW, because I was sold on the "9 point inspection" and other guarantees. Knowing I could only afford an import, I was happy to hear that you guys set up each instrument as part of your service.
Although I bought from another, it was your detailed information (excellent pictures, movie clips, and FAQ's) that led me to make my purchase.

That was 2002.
Fast forward 2 years later...to the present day.
I graduated with my music therapy degree (East Carolina University), and am now
pursuing my Master's at the same school. I rely on acoustic instruments to do my
clinical practicums, and was again in the market for instruments.

One music degree and several jobs later, I am now finally able to make a cash purchase.
First stop...FOTW. I wanted to teach myself to play fiddle after watching the brilliant
film, "Songcatcher". That movie made me want to learn banjo as well!
Just two days ago I ordered a Cremona fiddle and a Deering Goodtime Special.
Tracy, Nathan, and James were super helpful in assisting me with any questions I had about my order. Tracy helped me with my fiddle and its shipping, James e-mailed me back immediately after I had asked a banjo upgrade question, and Nathan gave me great advice about Deering banjos!

I can't wait for my instruments to arrive. I agree with Mickey, acoustic music is healing for the soul. This is pure music therapy!
It was Mickey's great performances on the videos that helped me make my final decision.

Mickey, if you're reading this personally...you are great! You truly care about helping people, you're a great talent, and you have the greatest acoustic music store EVER.

I live in North Carolina, and I visit our Great Smokies every now and then, but
if I ever make it to the American Southwest, best believe I'm making a pit stop in New Mexico!

Mickey, just want you to know, you have inspired me more than you could ever realize. As amazing as this may sound, your perspective on pure acoustic instruments and music; along with your story on how you created FOTW from the ground up and how committed you are, has pretty much guaranteed that I will successfully finish my Master's program and next September, I'll be a licensed music therapist!
I have written a bunch of original acoustic tunes (bluegrass/alternative country) and
I can't wait to get out there and perform for people...to share the magic...the magic I felt when I first visited folkofthewood.com!

Long live FOTW and God Bless you all,

Possibly your greatest fan ever,
Christian Enojado

Greetings Christian,

Thanks so much for such a heartwarming testimonial! I'd have to say, we've had many send us very spirited testimonials over the years...but yours takes the trophy! And, it's obvious that you're truly in tune with our efforts and what we hope to project with our acoustic site. Please stay in touch with us and be sure to get with us on any future needs you may have...I'm at your disposal, if I can be, throughout your learning journey...keep on pickin' and bowin', Mickey

by the way, I also have arrived at the acoustic front via a rock background...it makes us more eclectic (so to speak)...Mickey