Marissa Licata
Classical ~ Klezmer ~ Contemporary ~ Rock ~ Latin

Raushan Akhmedyarova
San Francisco Symphony
New Century Chamber Orchestra

Lambert Chen, winner of
the "Golden Violin" prize

Todd Reynolds, Adams, MA

Lino Tanaka, Boston, MA
read about Lino's organization, Beethoven Society of Melrose

Lawrence University Quartet Project

In 2007, Douglas Cox was commissioned to build a quartet of instruments for the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music.

To design a quartet that would be visually interesting, acoustically exciting and well-matched, Doug decided upon the following: one violin is a "Kreisler" early Guarneri model, somewhat Strad-like and medium bright in tone and response; the other is a "Leduc" late Guarneri model, darker and more highly colored in tone. The viola is a 16-3/8" Andrea Guarneri viola as it might have been built by Guarneri del Gesu, somewhat brighter than the more highly arched original; and the cello is modeled from Montagnana's work, with del Gesu styling.

The instruments were built in the latter half of 2007 and hung in the greenhouse over the winter. They were completed in May and are being played, evaluated and adjusted this summer. The Yellow Barn Music Festival and the Marlboro Music Festival are both nearby and players from both have played the instruments during the summer.

Performances on the Quartet

On September 27 the Mendelssohn String Quartet will play a public concert in Brattleboro, Vermont on the quartet. Click here for more details about the concert.

Doug will deliver the instruments to Lawrence University at a gala concert and reception on November 14, 2008.

Click here to see a gallery of quartet photos.

Autumn 2008

Visitors are welcome at Doug's studio in West Brattleboro. Please call before making the drive to be sure that Doug will be there.

Midwest 2008

Between November 5 and November 17, Doug will travel through the midwest on his way to delivering the Lawrence University Quartet.

A complete itinerary will be posted when it is confirmed.

Boston 2008-2009

Doug will be in the Boston area on the following Saturdays in 2008-2009.

Call (802) 257-1024 or email for an appointment. Dates are subject to change.

The Bike Trailer

In an effort to further reduce his carbon footprint, Doug recently purchased a bike trailer - one of those intended for small children to ride in. Lacking any small children to haul around, but needing to travel to rehearsals with either a tuba or a bass, Doug figured this would be the way to go. He invited cellist Eugene Friesen to help test-drive the trailer. Click here to see photos of Eugene trying it out with a cello, and Doug with his bass.

Caring for your instrument

We recommend Commonsense Instrument Care by James N. McKean, published by the String Letter Publishing. It includes an in-depth description of how instruments are made, as well as advice on care and prevention. We also recommend Robert Cauer's website which has detailed information and fascinating photos.
Here are some basic care principals.

Prevention:

• Invest in a good solid case with a suspension system.
• When you are not using the instrument, put it away in the case.
• Don’t leave it on a chair or table, especially in a high-traffic area with people, kids, and dogs coming and going.
• Don’t leave it unprotected on the floor.
• Never leave your instrument in a car for any length of time, especially in hot or cold weather.

Insurance:

• Insure your instrument for the full value. If you don’t know the value, have it appraised.

General Maintenance:

• Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe rosin and dust off the instrument after each use. Otherwise, don’t clean it yourself. Don’t use paper towels, any kind of household cleaners, soap or water on your instrument. If it must be cleaned, take it to a professional.

The Bow:

• When your bow no longer grips the string and gives you the results you like, it may be time to have it re-haired.

The Bridge:

• Make sure that you start out with a bridge that is carefully fitted to your instrument by a professional maker. As you go through the year, keep an eye on the bridge to make sure it stays straight. If it becomes warped, have it replaced.

The Soundpost:

• Don’t string up an instrument if the soundpost inside the instrument is not in place, or missing. It’s best to have the soundpost adjusted by someone with the proper training and experience. Instruments respond to seasonal changes, and some instruments will need adjustments with the changing time of year.

Open Seams:

• As humidity rises and falls, your instrument will swell and contract. Sometimes these stressors will lead to open seams. Gluing looks easier than it really is; take it to a professional if you have an open seam.

Links of interest