Violin maker Douglas Cox will share his thoughts, based on decades of experience, about evaluating and choosing an instrument, violin care and maintenance, and the fascinating history of violin making. Don’t miss this lecture if you would like to learn more about how your violin was made, how it works, how to care for it, or if you are interested in purchasing a new violin.

"Douglas is a gentleman of deep integrity, full  of love for his art and craft, and meticulous in husbanding his  'children' — the instruments he makes so well. I’m especially grateful for the long-pattern model which has served me and several of my taller students very successfully. I cannot recommend Doug Cox highly enough." ~ Marylou Speaker Churchill (1945-2009) 

Douglas Cox received his early training at the State Violin Making School in Mittenwald, Germany in the late 1960's. He spent ten years as head of the repair department and chief restorer for the firm of J.  Bradley Taylor, Inc. in Boston, servicing the finest instruments in the  New England area. Since 1981, he has devoted himself to making fine new instruments. His home and studio are in the hills outside Brattleboro, Vermont, not far from Marlboro Music  and the Yellow Barn Music Festival.

To his making of new instruments, Doug brings the discipline and workmanship of his early training tempered with years of study of fine old instruments and extensive experience in tonal adjustment for the most demanding professional players. He continues to stretch his  making abilities and understanding of what makes violins work by building close copies of unusual and noteworthy master instruments.

Since 1981, Doug has built over 1000 instruments. His instruments have received awards from the Violin Society of America and are played by artists around the world in a wide variety of musical  settings.

“I absolutely love my Cox violin. It is a joy and a pleasure to play on. It feels and sounds like I am playing on a great old Italian violin.” ~Jaime Laredo 

Please do your own due diligence before purchasing an instrument, including having it independently apprised. For all maintenance issues, please see a professional violin maker familiar with your own instrument and needs, and consider your personal insurance needs.