Howdy:
Just had to drop a note to let you know how absolutely thrilled I am with the Minstrel my wife (and Santa) got me for Christmas. I have been searching for just the right open-back banjo to carry me back into frailing, but hadn’t heard the call until I played a Wildwood owned by another musician friend (Dennis Coats) here in Sandpoint, Idaho. Love at first sight, and now I’ve got my arms wrapped around my own Wildwood literally every night. Of course, I do put it down to hug my lovely wife, too. Thanks for your artistry and craftsmanship and please know that there are folks out there who truly appreciate the fine work you’re doing.
Dave

HI,
I just wanted to pass on a compliment. I have a Wildwood Soloist bluegrass banjo that I think is about 15 years old (?). I bought it at Elderly's in Lansing Michigan (used) in 1995 or so. It was in a room of about 30 banjos, some costing $12,000 and this particular Wildwood really stood out and I continue to enjoy its sound, feel and look every single day. I have had tons of guitars, banjos, dobros and other instruments and my Wildwood isn't just my favorite banjo, it is my favorite stringed instrument period. It just has "that something" that is so rare. It's always there for me. I can't really explain it, but I think you may know what I mean.
Thanks,
Dean J. Karavite

Hi Mark -
You probably know this, but I thought I'd pass it on in case you don't. Went to see The Mammals in concert Friday night and the banjo player (Tao Rodriguez, Pete Seeger's grandson) was playing a Wildwood Troubadour! That added an extra smile to the evening. They are a fun band despite all the songs they do about murder & destruction - reminded me of the Holy Modal Rounders but with a drum set and better vocals. I played several hours of tunes with some pals Saturday afternoon on my beautiful Wildwood! You are happy, I'm sure to be missing out on the cold weather we're having. 8 below 0 when I woke up Sunday morning, lots warmer today -16 with freezing rain expected.
-Cynthia

Mark
I bought an heirloom from you a few years ago. I have been a Luther and set up guy for over 40 years. No banjo has met the standards of yours. They are just magic. I always wanted one of your machines and I saw your article in banjo newsletter and I said to myself...I need to do this. I have set up perhaps thousands of machines and yours rival any one, any deering even some of bob flesher's work who I admire greatly and of course any Gibson ever made. The current Gibbys are good, but do not meet the specifications of your machines. I wanted to thank you for your contribution to this art form.....Roger Vittitoe....seemingly the only damn banjo teacher in central Illinois

Mark:
I recently purchased one of your “Balladeer” instruments from Turtle Hill Banjos. Let me say that I am very pleased with my purchase. I should have bought one year ago. It has a great voice, and I thank you for building such a quality instrument.
Thank You!

Hello folks at Wildwood,
I bought a Wildwood troubador banjo from you in about 1976 and have been playing it happily ever since. I would like information about prices of your banjos. Please send me a price list.
Thank you

Dear Mark,
I received my balladeer banjo Monday. You should also advertise that your banjos will help you lose weight. Since I got it I can’t put it down and I forget to eat. A work of art. A classic. When I was shopping for a banjo I came across many. I picked yours for beauty and quality. I'm just interested to know if you have heard of the recording king banjo rb-306. Would there be a big difference between theirs and yours? My guess would be yours are built with much more care and experience. Again ,thank you so much for a beautiful and great sounding banjo.
Sincerely ,
Joel Fein

Hi:
I just picked up my first Wildwood banjo from a fellow player on banjo hangout. I absolutely LOVE it! I can't believe I have not played your instruments before!! I have a question about the banjo that I hope you can answer. It is made of wedge wood. The fellow that sold it to me said it was a one-of-a-kind.? I want to check out more of your wood tone ring banjos as I find this sound very pleasing!
Craig Evans

Love my banjo. I have played all the major brands, and have not found one that can even come close to my banjo. As a classical trained oboe player, I love the best and you have produced the very best.
Thanks
Joel

Hi! Just a note to say I'm really enjoying my new ARTIST # 3660. This is one truly beautiful banjo in looks and sound. Y'all do a great job!! Thanks again--very much!!
Larry

To Mark and Wildwood Banjos:
I have just purchased a Wildwood Heirloom from Intermountain Guitar and Banjo, with Tubaphone Tone Ring. It's almost impossible to put into words how fine looking, elegant and superb sounding this banjo is. About ten years ago, before I knew much about frailing I came upon two nice Wildwoods, a Troubador and the old Heirloom. This new banjo of mine, which I call "Woody" is beyond superlatives. What a sound, what smoothness of look and feel. Just had to say: THANK YOU for continuing to build these.

Mark,
Good morning, I received my Heirloom yesterday and I am extremely satisfied with the quality of workmanship, choice of materials and the beautiful tone and sustain that it has. I looked at many manufacturers Deering, Ome, Bart Reiter etc. I was drawn initially by your advert and saw the style and quality of your banjos when you sent me out your catalogue. I received the banjo yesterday on returning from Africa, the few additional months waiting for an instrument of this caliber and quality was as far as I am concerned well worth it.
Many Thanks and Kind Regards,
Tom Lockhart

I have been playing banjo professionally for over 30 years. Broadway shows, Live Radio, Corporate bookings, etc. Recently I bought one of your banjos.[the bluegrass soloist with the vine inlay] this is one of the greatest banjos I have ever played. The tone, the playability, and the workmanship! I have been watching your work since the 1970es. I am only sorry that I didn't buy one year ago. This banjo you built is better than my vintage Gibson Mastertone banjo.
Thank you Mark!!!!!
Bob Daniels

Hello,
I recently acquired a Wildwood Artist (maple) and am very impressed. I have much experience with the more well-known brands, but I find this banjo unique in sound--all the power of Stellings yet with the string-to-string definition of many Gibson’s. Congratulations on your fine work. Of my current maple banjos--including a Gibson Granada, a Gibson RB-800, and a Desert Rose, it's the one I pick up first.  I tinker with banjos as a hobby, and have not disassembled it yet, but am also quite impressed with the workmanship. Excellent fit and finish work, and fine attention to detail in the cosmetics.
John Miller
Director, Division of Fine Arts
North Dakota State University

Hi Mark –
The banjo arrived OK and it's just beautiful!!! Sounds great, too!!! THANKS . Well worth waiting for.  
Please keep me on your mailing list.
Thanks again. - Don