TESTIMONIALS Page 12
March/April 2002 Testimonials
From Our Wood-Wise Following

Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 15:51:15 -0700
Subject: Re: Fwd: [paulb@beardguitars.com: Re: Your Instruments vs OMI's]

On Fri, Apr 26, 2002 at 02:18:23PM -0700, Folk of the Wood wrote:
->
-> Thanks so much for forwarding Vanessa's letter from Beard Guitars. It
-> was enlightening to say the least...I had no idea so many notable
-> players own or have owned a Beard. Just so you know, it's my Dobro of
-> choice and I'm having Paul build me a custom one even now...Mickey

Wow, I bet that'll be great! I'll pay mine off two weeks from today, and
will most likely want you to ship it via FedEx or UPS overnight, Saturday
delivery (I know it's expensive, I'll pay for it if you can do it).

Have a good weekend!

Michael

PS: I wanted to mention that the magnificent photography on your site is one
of the main reasons I decided to buy from you. You should see my computer's
desktop... it's a vintage sunburst background with the large front and back
photos of the Beard Vintage Birch alternating once a minute. ;-)

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Subject: Hondo mandolin
Date: Fri, 26 Apr 2002 21:18:51 -0500

Dear Friends,
The Hondo Mondo is beautiful. I love it. Thank you so much for all of you're help. I will enjoy this instrument for a long time to come. Again thank you. Sincerely,
I. Cary Hirsch

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Subject: Banjos and Weddings
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 13:23:52 -0400

I am a sixty year old "Lady". I have always wanted to play the banjo, on my "18" birthday, my dear Mother presented me with one.

I used to take it to the Jersey Shore in the summer, it was a good come on for meeting guys. It worked, I married one. Other than that I still had my vision of one day playing it. 

It has sat in a corner of my den for years, and years.

I came across your web-site, and by God, I'm gonna try your lessons.  

Thanks for being there, I'll keep in touch.

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Subject: Flatiron Mandolin
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 13:47:52 -0600

Mickey--I received the used Flatiron F-5 Mandolin
yesterday already. Thanks for such quick service! It is a
beautiful little instrument, and I know I will get many
hours of enjoyment from it.

Thanks again for your advice and information. And for
giving me such a generous trade-in allowance. It has
been a pleasure doing business with you!

Rick Jorgensen
MN

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Delivered-To: FolkWood@klaatu.zianet.com
Delivered-To: alias-filterme-FolkWood@zianet.com
Date: Wed, 17 Apr 2002 19:36:07 -0700
Subject: Re: Fwd: Thanks, Mickey

Mickey,
I am so excited about the Sunflower. Your site with all the samples is incredible.
What a beautiful sound the Stellings have. I am a bluegrass fan, but I have to tell
you both my wife and I went nuts over your version of Greensleeves on the
Sunflower. Do you sell this as sheet music or tab or know of a source where I might
find it? You are the first person I have heard that can take a straight bluegrass
banjar and make it sound like a harp! Thanks a million,
Charlie

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Subject: Thanks for the great job!
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 10:11:41 -0700

Dear Mickey,
We got this e-mail from a very happy customer. I thought you might like to read it as you are mentioned. Thanks for the great job you do for us!
Sincerely,
Carolina/Deering banjos

From: "Robert Colclasure"Subject: new Maple blossom banjo
Date: Friday, April l2, 2002

To all the folks at Deering Banjo;

Hyperbole and superlatives are not adequate to describe the joy I've had the
last few days playing the Deering Maple Blossom I recently purchased. I
mentioned on the warranty card that I
call it a Little Bit of Heaven with five strings.
The tone is superb and the notes just seem to ripple out of that tone ring
like drops of golden rain dancing in the sun.

I can't thank Carolina and your crew for your thoughtfulness, as well as an
uncanny awareness of a banjo player's needs. Within a week of contacting
Folk of the Wood, I had my banjo ready to play.

In this age of so much
artificiality in the business world, it's overwhelming to deal with people
who treat a customer with such sincerity and understanding and help easily
confused people like me get in touch with honesty and thoughtfulness.


Thanks so much for re-affirming the fact folk music is alive and well and
keeping us sane.
Pete Seeger has an inscription on his banjo which reads, "This machine
surrounds hate and forces it to surrender". I don't know if I can reach
that goal with my Maple Blossom, but I can sure send the blues up Cripple
Creek without a paddle, and help my fellow human beings prevent Foggy
Nervous Breakdowns.

Sincerely yours,
One elated customer who is only picky about his banjos.

Bob Colclasure
Merrill, Wisconsin

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Subject: Thanks
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 06:31:12 -0400

Dear Mickey Cochran,

I have been viewing your Video sampler.You are good!!!!!
I have found no other site on the internet like yours. I will keep you in mind when I make my next guitar supple purchase.
Thanks again for sharing your talent on the Guitar and other instruments. It makes me want to play better.

Thanks

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Subject: Re: Rover Mandolin
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2002 08:29:32 -0400

Thanks for your information. I ordered the Kentucky model you mentioned on Tuesday...it was here on Friday! I love
it. My husband's friend always comes over on Friday and he plays several instruments including the mandolin and we
were able to spend an hour prating. It is a beautiful instrument with a great sound. Looking forward to many hours of
enjoyment. Thanks for the superb service.
Debra Trull

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Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 04:57:42 EDT
Subject: TS-250...Thanks!

Just wanted to let you know that the GoldTone TS-250 I bought dad for his
birthday is the best 4 string tenor he's ever played! It has a perfect tone,
long sustain and just the right "banjo" sound we all love! Special thanks to
your expertise of these fine instruments and I look forward to working with
you again!

Aaron
Lubbock, TX
(The only 5 string banjo player in the family!)

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Subject: Stelling Bellflower
Date: Tue, 9 Apr 2002 10:19:52 -0500

Mickey, awesome Banjo, came in a few minutes ago and I was very pleased with everything about it.( especially the finish, very high quality ) . I appreciate your speedy shippng and your working with me on the Banjos I sent you.

Thanks

Frank Davenport

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Subject: Dan Says Thanks
Date: Mon, 01 Apr 2002 10:21:54 -0500


Brother Jeff,

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

My new Granada arrived on Friday and is absolutly beautiful! Engraved gold hardware aside, the sound and playability are spectacular!!! It's everything I had hoped for in a banjo. It's a living example of why Gibson is the standard to which all others are judged...the sound leaps out with just the perfect mix of 'bite' and 'crack'.

It would be hard to overstate my appreciation to you for your attention and wonderful resolution to my problem. Working with you, I always felt I was going to get a banjo that was just exactly perfect...and that's what I got and then some. Jeff, in addition to being a great guy, you are the perfect representive for Gibson. You were always there to answer my questions and provide me with updates...I can't thank you enough!

Tell Nick how much I admire his work and give him my best...you're doing God's work in the 'Banjaquarium'.

Thanks once again.

All my best,
Brother Dan

P.S. I LOVE the signed Earl head..I'm going to display it proudly in my shrine to Earl...thanks

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Subject: KM-150s received
Date: Tue, 2 Apr 2002 20:38:38 -0500

Thank you so much Folk of the Wood. I have received my KM-150s and am so glad I upgraded to this instrument. I am in the process of finding someone to teach me how to play it. At least bluegrass style. We will give your website out and your fantastic 500 % guarentee info to all my friends. Have a great day.

Lt. Brett J Overmyer

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Subject: a new fiddle
Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002 13:45:18 -0600

Hello! Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful and informative site. I won a new Steuben fiddle off of EBay last week, and at the time I had never even held a fiddle. I've been getting books and doing a lot of surfing on the web looking for information, but your site actually helped me learn how to place the bridge, how to adjust the tuning pegs and keep them from slipping, which was a problem. Thanks again! Jessica

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Date: Sun, 31 Mar 2002 20:58:10 EST
Subject: Wow!

Good Day!

We received the banjo on Friday, and we delivered the banjo today to my
father. He was honestly speechless! It is a beautiful instrument, and he is
very happy with the choice. No exchanges in the near future!! :)

Thank you for your help and direction. You helped in giving my father his
only desired gift for much of his life.

Sincerely,
Nancy Sonntag

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Subject: Fiddle
Date: Sat, 30 Mar 2002 08:15:42 -0800

Just a note to say a great big thankyou for your wonderful site. I just
copied out the fiddle related pages and they are an absolute life-saver.

It might amuse you to know I bought my husband a fiddle as a "retirement"
present. Neither of us know anything about fiddling, except that we do
enjoy the sound.

We couldn't get one darned sound out of it, and finally found your site and
read about rosin etc. Yes, it's working fine now, and I'm searching for a
supplier of ear-plugs now (grin).

Many thanks again, it's a wonderful site and it's very generous of you to
supply this information.

Oh yes, you might enjoy my site - it's full of animations with music - my
favourite being Lucy and Katie - the fiddling bostons.
http://www.wagtime.net/violin.htm
Rita

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Subject: Thanks for your help
Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2002 13:39:28 MST

This message is for Bryan Cochran.

I called several times because the fingerboard on the Cremona bass I
bought last June had warped up into the string.

Saga has sent me a replacement bass, and I love it...I think it's a
better instrument than the first. I have packed up the old one and
Roadway should pick it up soon to return it to Saga.

I just wanted to thank you and Folk of the Wood for listening to me
and working to make good on your warrenty policy. I will continue to
recommend you to my friends!

-- Greg Donohoe

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Subject: The Mandolin That KICKS!!
Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2002 11:44:48 -0600

Dear Micky and all at Folk Of The Wood,
I want to say a heart-felt thanks to you and your staff. They were very
helpful and courteous. I want to testify to the performance of the Kentucky
KM 630. As stated on your website, this mandolin really cuts through and it
can chop & bark! I am so pleased with it's sound & quality for the price. I
have already incorporated it into my recordings and if there is any doubt
for anyone, the proof is in the 'pudding'. Here again is my orginal of
"Darlin's Brown Eyes" with the Kentucky KM 630. Now, I'm no mandolin player
yet, I'm just learning, but boy what great fun!!! Thanks agian, Ryan
Guilbeau.

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Subject: Your site
Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2002 16:50:58 -0500

I just purchased my first violin and know nothing about the violin or playing it. Your site was extremely helpful as a first step to starting me off in the right direction. Thank you.

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Subject: Thanks for the help!!
Date: Sun, 24 Mar 2002 19:23:46 -0500

As a banjo player, I'm not sure what to do with a violin (my son wants to
begin violin)...
THANK GOODNESS for your website! I found more helpful information at my
fingertips than I
have found after looking at numerous websites and books. Your information is
"the real deal"--
easy to understand, helpful pictures and a lot of positive encouragement. I
appreciate your efforts
in making your website one of the best out there for stringed instruments!!
Keep up the great work!
Amy Westmoreland

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Subject: Re: Fwd: Re: Fwd: Breedlove Master Class Rogue Mandolin
Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2002 21:29:51 -0500

--
Dear Mickey,

Thanks for extending the special consideration on the 72 hr. trial and credit card refund. I really like the private plane part, however, since the private plane is only in our heads, the video sampler suggestion seems like a terrific alternative.

I too would be happier to be at least 90% certain, before the instrument goes out. I look forward to receiving the video sampler as soon as you can put it together. When you send it out, would you be kind enough to play the same piece so I can compare it apple to apples with the other samples.

I thank you in advance for all the time and energy you have extended and continue to extend on my behalf. It is a pleasure doing business with an individual who will go out of their way to make certain the sale of an instrument is mutually satisfying.

Thanks again.

Best Regards,

Bob

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Subject: The Guitar.....
Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 09:24:57 -0600

Hi Mickey,
Just wanted to thank you and your crew for the fast service on the guitar.
That was the smoothest trade-in I've ever done and it was all over from both
directions in less than a week. I couldn't ask for better service anywhere.
The guitar was everything you said it would be and more.
Thanks again,
Dan Breitenstein

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Subject: RE: Video order
Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 10:56:01 -0500

Wanted to inform you that I have received the video and enjoyed it very
much. Your style of instruction is refreshing and much better than other
tapes I have purchased. Hope you come out with a tape on licks and
transitions and endings.
Thanks,
George Pond

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Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2002 08:25:32 -0500

FYI, I received the extra wall mount and the strap when I returned from a
trip this weekend. Thanks! Also, I found I could easily travel with the
Sweet Pea, and even practice it on the airplane (without a pick) and not
bother anybody.

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Date: Wed, 13 Mar 2002 23:05:27 EST
Subject: I am a rookie.

hey mickie, thanks for your help on the mando. God luv you!

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Subject: Your web page
Date: Tue, 12 Mar 2002 03:21:28 -0500

Thanks for the web page about violins. I am just starting out and have been holding the bow wrong for months. I now hold it like your page instructs and am having much less difficulty. Thank You - the pictures are very helpful too.

Tom Diederich.

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Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 16:51:27 EST
Subject: Re: STINGER MANDOLIN STRAPS

We received your Stinger Mandolin Strap you shipped us Saturday (03-09-02).  My wife is very pleased with it, in looks and the feel while playing her mandolin.  We thank you for your time and intrest in us and our needs.  Thanks again, Gary and Barbara Ashley.........Charleston, West Virginia

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Subject: Thanks
Date: Mon, 11 Mar 2002 15:47:51 -0600

Mr. Cochran
I've searched the internet for some time trying to find a good site. Your website helped me remember the notes and where my fingers go on the violin. THANKS.

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Subject: Thank You
Date: Wed, 6 Mar 2002 22:28:50 -0500

Hello Mickey,

I'd like to thank you for all the time you spent with me advising me re the purchase of my mandolin. I was pleased with the very fair trade - in deal and the very easy to follow beginner materials. I only knew I was very interested in a quality instrument with eye appeal and appropriate for Bluegrass. Your guidance re an instrument and instructional materials was really right on! Now for the really great news: the Breedlove Cascade I finally purchased was far more than I expected in all areas. Your adjustments made It very comfortable to fret and so enjoyable it's tough to put down. Several experienced Bluegrassers came by to play the Cascade. All were very impressed with the tonal quality, easy playability, the quality of construction and the outstanding sunburst finish. I was happy to explain how all the people at Folk Of The Woods helped make my buying experience so satisfying.

Thanks again for all your help; the orange pick seems best for now.

I'll be watching your great web site for your new instructional products and recordings.

Greg from Florida

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Date: Sat, 2 Mar 2002 16:23:49 EST
Subject: Love my mandolin.

Just wanted to drop you all a line and tell you how happy I am with the used Flatiron A-5 mandolin I just pruchased from you.  Besides the great service and fast shipment, the mandolin exceeded my expectaions.  It's been a real pleasure to do business with you and I hope to do more in the future.

Thanks, Joe Peach

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Date: Fri, 1 Mar 2002 17:40:51 EST
Subject: Re: Forward to Mickey

Hi Mickey!
Just got back from a visit with the folks at Rigel. Peter says Hey! Very
impressive operation and great looking, sounding and working mandolins. Peter
set aside an A+Deluxe for me, one of two that were about to go to dealers. I
spoke with Suzie this afternoon and told her that I would ship the Bridger to
you on Monday morning as UPS is not open here on saturday. When it goes out,
I'll call Suzie with a tracking # and also send an e-mail. Peter plans to
ship the mandolin directly to me as soon as you give him the OK.
I'll keep in touch.

Best Regards, Phil Roberts

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