Reviews for James Cox (8)

He made me a cello in 07 that I just love. Its a Montagnana pattern, it has such a rich tone and I especially love the adjustments he made to achieve a brighter sound on the top end while keeping the warmth of the lower.

I've also played his Feuermann Montagnana and the two cellos of my former teacher made by him. I enjoyed each.

He also is very good about repairs and is timely and inexpensive.

I have a German cello, made sometime in the 19th century. From the time I moved to Towson, the cello needed frequent attention because of its age. Recently, I had to leave the intrument with James for about five weeks in order to undergo some major surgery (several cracks, shearing on the top, etc.), and James gave me an estimate of $1200. After about a week, I got a call from James saying that my base board and sound post were a major part of my recurring problems (I was constantly getting open seams and cracks). Without changing the agreed-upon price, James replaced the sound post as well as installing a base board of his own design. When I got the instrument back, all the cracks were fixed, the top was solid, and he had done a beautiful job retouching the instrument cosmetically. Most importantly, it sounds and plays better than ever. He's a great luthier and an honest man. All the work he's done for me has been timely and very high quality and I recommend him to anyone and everyone interested in high quality work at a fair price.

It is difficult not to be quite impressed with Jim, exceptionally engaging personally and masterfully creative professionally. Some years back (15 or so, to be exact), we commissioned a Strad model cello for our teenager son, who was able to the woods and color, adjusted his playing "in the white" as part of the process. He is a physician now, still playing avocationally the wonderfully mellowed, beautifully-crafted
instrument. And then, about 3 years ago, an avocational violist friend and I went thru the same commission process with English models(start to finish) and are absolutely delighted with our bright, full-thoated yet mellow and quite responsive violas (excellent for both chamber and orchestral playing).

violas.

Jim Cox is an accomplished luthier and an excellent instrument repair technician. Since moving to Baltimore from LA, I have been using him exclusively for my string instrument needs. He is quite knowledgeable and easy to work with, turns around the work quickly (especially if needed for a gig or concert), his setups get the most out of an instrument, and the repairs have proven to be durable. And his prices are very reasonable.

In addition to the repair work, I have commissioned several string bass and viola da gamba instruments from him and have been more than satisfied. They are beautiful instruments that sound marvelous. It is all about the sound, right? At any rate the instruments that Mr. Cox crafts have a unique “big” sound that projects out into the audience. The remarkable power of these instruments results from his understanding of the complex functions going on in the instrument, and knowing what tweaks and construction changes result in a better sound.

So I give this business an unreservedly 5 star rating. Take your instrument to Jim, it will sound better, and you will learn something in the process. Or better yet, get one of his instruments and get noticed in your section. Worked for me.

I purchased a James Cox cello several years ago that had been involved in a flood and was in need of some restoration. I located Mr. Cox to have the instrument restored and was very impressed with his knowledge and attention to detail in his workmanship. I ended up hiring him to do maintenance and repair work on other instruments I own and eventually purchased one of his basses, on which I perform regularly. Since then, I opened a string shop in Fallston, Noteworthy Music, where I have James Cox instruments on consignment (when available.) His instruments are very competitively priced, possessing qualities normally reserved for instruments in substantially higher price ranges. I happily endorse James Cox instruments to my colleagues, as well as serious amateurs and advanced students.

In 2006 I approached Jim about building a bass. We both quickly agreed that a 5/8
Quenoil pattern was the best suited for me and my style. I am not a large person and my hands are small. I must say that it is one of the best investments I have ever made. It is much easier to play, yet there has been no compromise. I will stack this bass up against any 3/4. It can growl and it can whisper. The tone is wonderful. I could not be happier.
Jim is a memorable character and along the way we have become friends. It doesn't take long to see the passion, the intuition and the knowledge Jim has for his craft. The instrument that he would build for you will undoubtedly fit you and your needs.
Tim Cudney