Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2000 Dear Mickey, I got my mando (Kentucky KM-630) and I like it a lot! It sounds great! I am learning to play Amazing Grace. Thanks for your help. Casey Kruse

Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 As a very new beginner to "fiddling", your web page has been very helpful...!!
Thanks for sharing !! jan

Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 I played a Johnson Single Cutaway acoustic last week and was quite impressed with sound and feel.
Thanks Sam Bailey

Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 Your fiddle lessons are wonderful!

Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 I really like your site. I've just started trying to learn to play the mandolin, and your free lessons have been a big help. Thanks! John Lesley

Date: Tue, 1 Aug 2000 Thanks alot guys, mando arrived in my hands Monday morning ready to play which I did from8:00 in the morning til2:00 at night most days it has a real sweet tone and is easy to play , Gibson told me that the serial number dates it to 1915 thanks again !your the best! Steve D.

Date: Thu, 3 Aug 2000 Thanks for the info. I'll get back to you when the budget allows! I look forward to learning and playing! p.s.: I appreciate the prompt response. It feels nice to deal with a company that seems to really enjoy the product that they are selling. Sean Robson

Date: Fri, 04 Aug 2000 Dear Mickey and all, arrived today!!, beautifully packed, beautifully priced, beautifully made and with some presents included!!. Thanks for all your assistance, it's very satisfying to know that nice folks can also be efficient, attentive and customer focused. Please use this message as a testimonial, my only regret is you don't sell saxophones!!. kind regards John Wood

Date: Mon, 7 Aug 2000 Dear Mickey, Today, I received the Kentucky KM 140S that I ordered from your terrific site. Needless to say, I'm totally impressed! The instrument and case seem to be top-notch, especially for the price. The KM 140S seemed to be the perfect instrument for me since I'm just starting to learn the art of mandolin playing. I'm interested in a wide variety of mandolin players, such as Bill Monroe, the Stanley Brothers, Sam Bush, and Johnny Staats. Your site has been a tremendous resource and inspiration. As a matter of fact, I'm on my way to the woods to practice with my mando right now. Thanks, John Tatterson

Date: Wed, 09 Aug 2000 I recieved the new tailpiece for my Trinity College bouzouki today. Just wanted to thank you guys again for being so very cool and working with me in terms of picking out an instrument "on line". Really, the experience was just as good, if not better, than others I've had in music shops close enough to visit. Your prices are tremendous and your customer service is great! I'll definitely be recommending you to anyone looking for quality folk instruments. Thanks again! Elijah Van Houten

Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2000 Mickey Cochran, Received the fsh-ch model dulcimer today in excellent condition. The Celtic-cross soundholes are absolutely perfect and the construction is outstanding....Only one glich--the notor and owners card were not shipped with the dulcimer & case. Are these to arrive separately? C. James Hartley

Date: Thu, 10 Aug 2000 Subject: I received my Whyte Ladye Goldtone from ebay auction in US Mail today!! Hello again from Cincinnati, Ohio USA - My banjo came in great condition today via Federal Express Service (even the mailman was impressed - he's a Ralph Stanley fan!!!), and it was just like Christmas Day opening my present (even though we're 5 months early). I gave it just a tweek on the tuning (I have a chromatic tuner pitchpipe) because I can't always trust my two pianos to be right in tune (the humidity is terrible this time of the year in Cincinnati). Thanks again for the case - I was much impressed with how well it was made - it's not a flimsey vinyl thing but quite sturdy. Thanks also for the picks - I've adjusted the two metal ones to fit my fingers, and the plastic one (for the thumb) seems to be okay at the moment. Now if only my "hot flash" currently going through my system will just calm down so that I can get "pickin." Thanks for being so helpful, and I'll keep your site up on my "favorites" section of my AOL so that I can get back with you for future reference. As Clint Eastwood would say, "you've made my day." (PS - in case you haven't seen it yet, Clint's latest film, "Space Cowboys," with James Garner, Donald Sutherland, Tommy Lee Jones, and Marcia Gay Harden, is well worth the trip to the cinema. My husband and I - along with the entire cinema filled to capacity at last Friday night's 7:20 PM showing, really enjoyed this film.....just in case you enjoy Clint et. al). Thanks, Melinda Callahan, (and yes, you may post my feedback on your website), in Cincinnati, OH.

Date: Fri, 12 Aug 2000 Mickey, I received my Rigel A+ Deluxe Custom on Tuesday and I just now put it down long enough to write and let you know I am absolutely thrilled with this incredible mandolin and Folk of the Wood (a.k.a. Mickey Cochran).  First, the Rigel- I looked for a long, long time for what I wanted and let go of a 1925 Gibson mando to get this fulfillment of my dreams! The tone is killer and sounds better than any mando I have ever played. It had that "aged" or "mature" tone, from the first time I took it out of the case. The custom ordered solid cream color is drop-dead gorgeous. I have already played it publicly once and it is truly a jaw-dropper. Visually and sonically-this is a stunner. It is really a thrill to watch other mando players turn green; stutter as they ask if they can play MY Rigel, and then watch their eyes pop as they feel the magic. It is almost funny to watch those died-in-the-wool Gibson mando freaks as they make not-so-discreet inquiries about the price and where I got this tone monster. To put it mildly-I couldn't be happier. I may own other mandolins; but I can't imagine ever, ever, ever getting rid of this jewel!!!

Now to Folk of the Wood- I AM A CUSTOMER FOR LIFE!!!!!! You took a lot of time with me (as in answering a bunch of e-mails and talking for a total of an hour or two on the telephone with me.) Your kindness, patience and limitless professional knowledge were incredible. What really blew me away was your eagerness to help me in any way possible. Your passion for music, Rigel and helping other musicians, is unmatched in my 25+ years of playing music and buying musical instruments. I only wish I lived close enough to drop by and jam for a while, I really feel I have made a friend. I have become a walking-talking billboard for Folk of the Wood. If the kind of customer service you gave me is par for the course (and I know it is) I would bet you have never had a customer who walked away from a deal dissatisfied. Finally, you have the greatest, most customer friendly website I have seen anywhere. Your artistic talent obviously doesn't end with your musical abilities. Saying "Thank You" seems woefully inadequate, but that is truly what I sincerely mean. Your customer (and friend) for life, Wendell Gaskin      

Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 Mickey, The (Weber) Y2K we received a few days ago was perfect. My son Adam (age 12) and I had been looking for some time for an upgrade from a previous mando he started on at age 9, and this instrument fit the bill perfectly. This new instrument has a nice, sweet tone, and its appearance and workmanship are better than we expected for an instrument in this price range. The expression we've heard from most people coming to our home the last few days is "What a cool-looking mandolin." We play mostly Celtic music, and the Y2K is so well suited to what we are doing. Adam has been playing the new mando ever since it arrived. Thanks again for your excellent advice over the phone. It made our decision to buy that much easier. Your operation is one-in-a-million. Marshall Henrie

Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 Hi, Mickey, WOW!!! What a beautiful guitar I received this morning. I couldn't believe it got here so quickly. Thanks so much for all the help you gave me in acquiring this beauty. I called you this morning and talked to a lady and asked her if I could still leave a positive remark thru E-Bay. She said there was but I couldn't see how it was done. If you could email me on the procedure I would like to comment on how nice this experience was in dealing with you and your company. And maybe you could do the same for me if possible. Thanks again, Mike

Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 The KM-630 got here on Saturday in good shape. Thanks for the prompt service. I had it out to a jam Saturday night and I love it already. It is going to bring me many hours of joy, though I sometimes wonder about those within earshot. Thanks again. Fred

Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2000 comments = I LOVE YOUR SITE!!! I am learning banjo and mandolin after having played guitar for 16 years when I was younger. Your easy to understand descriptions, recommendations and the acoustic lessons are a huge help to a beginner, and show where your hearts truly are - helping people learn to play and enjoy music. I'm glad I found you and thanks! I'll be buying a 'new' mando and guitar soon - I have a banjo and am using a borrowed mando. I've been checking out your listings and know where to come.

Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2000 Re: Contest Entry Well, let's see: with $50 I could start a layaway on that octave mando, or a resonator guitar, or ...Well, you get the idea. Thanks again for all your work on the Rigel, F.O.W. rules! Wendell Gaskin

Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 Mickey, We got back in town last night and picked up the package at the Post Office today. Everything is in great shape and Paige is happy as a clam with the new violin. Thanks so much. Quick question, is the clear tube in the case for an extra horsehair for the bow? Hope all is well at your end. Summer is winding down here, school starts next week. Soccer games start this weekend, Saturday mornings for the boy and Sunday afternoons for the girl until November. Well, thanks again for the great service. Tim

Date: Sat, 19 Aug 2000 Thank you for such a wonderful website that was a pleasure to find! I found THE best selection and information for violins on your site. I was able to read my way through answers to my questions, loved the photos of the instruments, and really liked the prices! Mickey, I spoke to you on the phone on Friday, August 18, at about 5:00 PM and was so overjoyed with the information about the three violins that I want to purchase. The prices that you quoted me were by far the best I've heard or seen on that brand and in those models. I will figure up my order and see if there are any accessories I want to add to it. I should be calling within the next few days. Thanks again for your help in this decision that I've had to make. I'm grateful to you and those who prepared Folk of the Wood website. Cindy Luttrell

Date: Tue, 22 Aug 2000 I recently received a dulcimer and it is so cool. Thanks to you guys for sending it so quickly!

Date: Thu, 24 Aug 2000 Mickey, the dobro arrived today. It looks just as you represented it. I'm expecting some fun playing it. Thanks, Gene

Date: Fri, 25 Aug 2000 I have a folkcraft dulcimer and love it very much....i just wish there was someone in the area to teach me instead of trying to learn myself! matt mccain

Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2000 Hey folks, I am very grateful for your websight as I am an older person and didn't want to go to a music shop for lessons. I am very self-conscious and would have felt embarrassed with my speed of learning compared with some of the children. I am getting close to 60 years old and last week when I was on vacation in Northern Ontario my brother gave me an old banjo that he had kicking around the house. I thought it might be nice to learn to play it but was unable to find any friends who might help me out. Now YOU are those friends. Thanks.............Erick.

Date: Tue, 29 Aug 2000 I really enjoyed talking with you yesterday afternoon about banjos. I've recommended you to a couple of friends already. One is looking for a mandolin and the other a guitar. Hopefully, I'll be able to purchase that Deering Maple Blossom you recommended in a few months. Take care, Leo Moretz (The Geologist from North Carolina)

Date: Mon, 28 Aug 2000 Mickey, got the KM-250S in the mail Saturday Aug. 26 and I have had a difficult time putting it down. Thankfully, we have had our first decent rain this weekend after several weeks of bitter drought so I really didn't have to feel too guilty. Thanks for all your help and I'll sure this will be only the first of many "trips" to the "e-store". Jim Byrd

Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2000 You are the most helpful site to a beginner that I have found. Thanks, Peg Kinsey

Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2000 I got the Johnson Octave mando on Monday. Mando seems fine. Plays nice with a deep tone as you said.. Using it in a Folk music festival this weekend. Thanks. Jim Honeyman

Date: Fri, 1 Sep 2000 Hi Mickey, I've been looking around your web site and while I haven't made it to every page I've made it to an awfully lot of them. Truly an awesome undertaking! Thanks for putting so much effort into a site we can all access and enjoy. And, I've finally decided that I will go with the Deering Goodtime (versus the Goodtime II or Gold Tone). I'm ready to send the order now but my wife asked me to wait until we get back from our vacation, the first week of October. Guess she wants extra funds available for ????? Anyway, it will give me time to figure what accessories I need and to keep learning what I can without the actual instrument in my hands. Thanks again for all your help and be watchin' for my order in October. My birthday is October 18th so I gonna flat demand it happens before then!! Best wishes, Les Lampman

Date: Sun, 3 Sep 2000 Dear Mickey: I just got the instrument, and it is a beauty!!! My major interest in having it is as a collector's item. I have about a dozen prewar Gibson banjos. This is my only mandolin banjo. Additionally, however, as I indicated in our conversation, I decided to try to relearn mandolin on the instrument also. I received your book, and it looks great. I am sure that it will be a big help. Thank you very much. Regards, Joe

Date: Sat, 2 Sep 2000 Mickey, The bass dobro arrived yesterday. There were no problems and I am quite pleased with it. It's much lighter to pack around than my stand up and will work well in small jams. Did Al Williams of Calton Cases contact you? I also gave your E Mail address to Chuck Shifflett the luthier I know.Thanks, it has been a pleasure doing business with you.
Bert.

Date: Tue, 05 Sep 2000 I got the Deering Sierra today! It is beautiful -- and weighs a TON! :) Thanks for the sale, Noah Musser

Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2000 Thinking about trying the mandolin. I've never even held one. I play guitar. Yours is the best music site I've ever seen. I've seen that you are quite good at helping folks select their instrument and answer questions, but your site answers alot of questions on it's own. Harry Brown

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 Your website is very easy to navagate. I find it very pleasureable to go from page to page and not get frustrated. It is very informative. Definately a pleasure. Thanks, Kim

Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2000 Mickey, Regal RD-45 arrived today!I must tell you ,it was WORTH WAITING FOR!I am not new to Resonator Guitars,as this is my 4th.This beauty has the looks and sound to match any out there(INCLUDING THOSE FOR 1500.00+).Happened to have owned one,this Regal plays easier and sounds better! I bought the Mahogany,the wood grain is unbelievable!I am one satisfied customer.Thank You and the folks there for your help! Jack Williams P.S.For anyone just learning, THIS IS IT!

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 Mickey I don't understand why anyone would purchase an instrument elsewhere if it can be bought at Folk of the Wood. I studied your site for some time before asking for prices on certain mandolins. I assumed that due to the Trade-Up and Trade-In policies, the prices would not be competitive, or at least on the high side. I was surprised and pleased that FOTW prices were very competitive and in most cases lower then the large discount mail order operations!I bought a Ky. 350 at a very good price, and you've offered me a very reasonable trade-in price on my present mandolin. I still have the opportunity to move up to a Rigel A-Plus with no risk of loss of value if I later trade the Ky. for the Rigel. Additionally, FOTW provides a "life time" warranty and professionally sets-up the mandolin. And you agreed that we could complete the trade after I received the Ky. and decided that I prefer it to my present mandolin. Lots of "upside" to this relationship. Michael McManus

Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 Hi, Mickey. I finally got the mandolin. I like it alot. The color is great and it sounds good. Its a very nice mandolin. Thank you, Brad
Hello Brad, Thanks for the positive update on your new Kentucky KM-150S...be sure to let me know if you ever need assistance through the learning process.
Let me know if you have any further questions or if I can assist you with anything else...
Mickey Cochran

Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 Hey Mikey, I really like your site ...alot. And Iike what what you stand for. I happen to love accoustic music and play in in a Irish/folk band. I'm going to be buying your Rover mandolin very soon. I think the mandolin is the next instrument that I want to learn. I also really love your trade up policy. It's really a great safty blanket. I'll get back to you when I buy the mano. Oh yeah (almost forgot) really like the lessons, faqs, and the prices are really good. It's nice to see someone on the web not trying to put the screws to ya. Thanx again Mike Irish Mountain Band

Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 Thanks for the help (the banjo lessons on folkofthewood,com) I learned to play some about 35 years ago from a music teacher who knew nothing about the banjo and, although I can pick some tunes by ear, I never learned the techniques really used with the five string banjo. If I can pick these up now (I'm sure I'll have to re-earn some things) I'll want to replace my old Alvarez. Thanks again, Greg Smith

Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 Thanks Mickey for your speedy return and also the referal to your friend who has also e-mailed me. I will book your ad. for future references as I too enjoy old instruments, mainly guitars although I don't collect them as avidly as I once did.Alan McCrary at <mailto:osk@hartcome.net>osk@hartcome.net I wil certainly let you know as I run accross these as I enjoy the challenge of a flea market deal. Alan & Myrna McCrary

Date: Mon, 11 Sep 2000 Hello Mickey - Got the lefty Gold Tone today and all was in great shape, as usual. Thanks again for your help - got it all tuned up to practice and be ready for that Red Fox!!Take Care - and Thanks!! dave

Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 Mickey, I am much impressed with the quality of the Regal. The tone is much better than I was expecting. It was very much worth the wait! Although I have been playing guitar for 30+ years, it is apparent to me that I will need some guidance. I reviewed the free Dobro lessons on your website - which I have no problem in playing. Perhaps you could give some recommendations as to which videos/methods/etc... would be better than others. Probably something that would be equivalent to Homespun's Level-2 or Level-3 categories as I already have some left/right hand technique. Thanks - David

Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 Dear Mickey, I've been very happy with the Absaroka mandolin I pourchased from you last June, and am now thinking a purchasing an O-hole Rigel A+ or A + Deluxe. Could you send me a quote? Also I may have a new Rigel A+ w/ f-holes. A friend owes me some money offered his mint Rigel to me-but it has f-holes. What would trade-in be for this one. I really has been played for all a 12 hours. Jack

Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 Hi Mickey, I'm sorry it has taken me so long to write back. I received the hammered dulcimer I got from you through Ebay a week before my birthday in August. I've been having a great time playing it. Thus far, I have figured out the playing patterns and have about 9 or so songs down. I'm going through all my recorder music as most of it is written in G or F, thus it is pretty easy to play on the dulcimer. I have a suggestion for those who have difficulty hitting the right string with the hammers - I drew a line on the top of the hammer where it should hit the string. I have no depth perception, and was having problems until I did that. Now playing is very easy. My only concerns have been is that the tuning wrench sent with it is an elbow-wrench type, whereas now you are advertising it with a t-wrench. From what I've read the t-type is superior and won't cause undo stress on the tuning pins. What could I do to replace the elbow-wrench? Also, it would wonderful if you offered different types of hammers on your site. I'm looking for double sided ones and would rather buy from where I bought my dulcimer than from some strangers! You could also offer stands as well? My biggest problem with the dulcimer is that my poor harp is feeling neglected and my guitar has been sitting idle even longer! Best Regards, Mary E. Burns

Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 Hello again You were right about the sound of the 630 . Got it yesterday and picked it some, very full sound for a new instrument .The action was perfect for Casey, my son. Can't wait till it opens up more . My son was overjoyed and went to sleep last night holding the mandolin . Thanks for the rushed service I am very pleased .Hope to get up there and see the store sometime . Thanks Randy Kruse

Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 I'm really liking everything I've seen on your web site, testimonials, e-mail responses to my questions, etc. Very soon I'm going to have to get that (Weber) hyalite I'm dreaming of. thanks, Carig Holdren

Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 Subject: KM-630 Mickey, I just recieved my Mandolin and wow what a difference! It has that sweet bluegrass sound I was looking for and it plays much nicer than the Applause I had. Thanks for everything, you guys are great to deal with, I would recomend you to anyone and I will. I have a couple of questions if you don't mind, do you carry an EQ. that clips on a belt for my mandolin? And have you ever seen a Mandolin hanger that clamps on your mic stand? If you have these items please let me know the details. Once again I am very happy with my instrument. Thanks, Mike

Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 I'm having great fun with my FOTW KM150S! Thanks for your help and support! Terry Nau

Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 Thanks alot. I was referred to you by someone at the Mandolin Cafe (www.mandolincafe.com). You seem to have a good thing going here. I look forward to recieving my catalog. Adam R. Harlow

Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 Hello Mickey and folks, By now you should have received the message that my Gold Tone did in fact arrive safe and sound, (and in tune, no less!) yesterday morning. For your information, and for the benefit of other customers wondering what happened to their shipments, the Federal Express tracking of Insurance numbers only works when the item has been delivered--which of course renders their tracking system useless for tracking lost items. If it hasn't been delivered their system won't even know the number exists. Nevertheless, once the delivery was made I was able to bring the number up on their website. So the system kind of works, but not the way you would expect. Needless to say, I am not only greatly relieved but I am so far quite happy with
the Cripple Creek and can't wait to get home from work tonight and play until my fingers fall off! Thanks for you patience in dealing with my anxious inquiries. Anthony R. Glass

Date: Tue, 26 Sep 2000 In ref to Cremona SV-220 Violin: She's really a peach! I love the tone. I used to own an old Stainer copy and I hate to say that this puts it to shame. I always thought that old Stainer was a bit flat sounding and this Cremona proves it! It has so much bite on the low end, holy cow! It's very clear and crisp on all stirngs. I still haven't even plugged it in yet. I was so enthralled with the acoustic tone i just played for a while. Tomorrow nite i'll plug 'er in. Can't wait to get into the book, either. Too many new toys to play with! Scott

Date = 25 Sep 2000 Enjoyed your site. I liked the free mando lessons allot. Thanks, Paul Stuffel

Date: Thu, 28 Sep 2000 I'm very happy to find a great music shop in this area - thanks, Susan Angolani

Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 Mickey, The Dulcimer arrived on Friday. Great. It is really a something else instrument all right. I work at a girls convent school so I took it in at lunch time to show the music teacher and he was gobsmacked. He said it gave him a great idea but did not say what it was. I spent a bit of the afternoon playing with it and worked out a few tunes. Anyroad, thanks very much. You knocked a fair bit off the price stated on your web pages. Could I exepect the same if I was to order a dobro? It might not be for a while, maybe around xmas. Let me know what you think and again many thanks for putting a smile on my kipper. Glenn Lanphier

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