Instrument maker builds on music of Appalachia

Alfred Cox has been working with musical instruments for over 50 years. He restores and builds stringed instruments that produce the music of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Indian Valley resident began playing when he was a boy. “I made my first fiddle at age 15,” he recalled.
Cox, who is now 69, was able to devote more time to the time-consuming craft when he retired. That was seven years ago. At that time, he restored three guitars.
When he began hand-making instruments, his first project was a guitar for his wife, Madeline. The second guitar he made is currently for sale at the Pickin’ Porch in Floyd. It is appraised at $1,500.
During a one-year period of time, he made four guitars. He made one each for his three children and another one to sell.
“I usually build four at a time,” he said. “It’s easier to cut all the sides at one time.” It takes about two months to build a guitar.
Cox played the banjo at the Indian Valley Church of God for about 30 years. He also played mandolin and dobro.
He has made some home recordings with his family but hasn’t done any studio sessions. His son plays mandolin, fiddle and guitar, and his daughter plays piano, mandolin, guitar and bass.
Cox will restore old instruments on request. “He’s done a lot of them, fixing them for people at the church,” said Madeline Cox.
Cox was recently featured in an article in the Blue Ridge Music Guild publication.