dalt - Posted - 01/02/2011:  19:17:17

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Well I told myself if I played consistantly for a year I would buy a nice new banjo. Well February will be a year and my Gold Tone CC-50 is falling apart.

I'm really just considering two brands, Stelling and Cox. Maybe a Gibson but I'm still not sold on Gibson yet.

Anyone out there play a Cox banjo and if so what are the positives and negatives? Based on the sound clips on the website I really like the sound these banjos have.

revellfa - Posted - 01/02/2011:  19:58:31

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Welcome to the hangout! I highly recommend a Cox banjo. I built a banjo this year that is powered by a Gold plated no hole archtop Cox tone ring and I couldn't be more pleased. I believe that Jimmy Cox makes the best banjo available today and is the best among many very talented independent builders.

As far as my Cox powered banjo goes, quite honestly, I have not heard it's equal in terms of sheer power and clarity. Cox banjos are very versatile for all styles of playing.

I have played this banjo in situations where IMHO it has shamed Gibsons, Deerings, and Stellings.

I don't really get the appeal with Stelling. I just don't think they sound THAT good. And the price...Whew! But that's just my two cents.

You can hear me playing my Cox powered banjo on my homepage. Check out the first two songs, "Are You Washed in the Blood", and "Bury Me Beneath the Willow--Carter Family Style."

Take care and good luck.

steve davis - Posted - 01/02/2011:  21:10:41

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My banjos are Cox.I have an '08 walnut Kentucky 5 and a Cox/Gibson 2 conversion.
I don't ever wish I had any other banjos.Powerfully clear sounding and beautiful.

Red-Ryder - Posted - 01/02/2011:  21:22:59

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Hello, I bought a Cox Cumberland archtop about two and a half years ago over the phone without ever playing it and I have to say I had some reservations about doing so.It is probably all the banjo I will ever need.It is well made and has great tone and power.It is crisp and snappy yet can be full and sweet with good bass as well.If I could afford to buy a flathead it would most definitely be a Cox although i feel like i should build my next one,which would use plenty of Cox parts.The finish wore off the neck where i hold it fairly soon but my hands weren't always that clean,I reckon that don't affect the sound though.Sometimes I swear it sounds just like some of Earls early recordings,but that's my opinion.I've never played or heard A Stelling first hand so I can not say anything about them though i know they've been at it for 30+years for a reason. Hope i helped, Good luck.

HarleyQ - Posted - 01/02/2011:  21:27:51

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Check the Classifeds, you'll find quality for about a quarter of the price.
Hoyt

Steven M - Posted - 01/03/2011:  00:19:28

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Can't vouch for Cox but I LOVE my Stelling Sunflower!

bangee boy - Posted - 01/03/2011:  01:49:21

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Sold my 1987 Stelling five years ago and bought a new Cox Kentucky 5 from Jimmy Cox at his shop in Topsham, Maine. Naturally he did the set-up....I was very impressed and pleased. Since then I've bought a Cox/Fairchild nickle plated, and a Cox/Fairchild Limited gold plated engraved model from the secondary market. Cox banjo's are made from all American parts ...because he makes the parts and supplies parts to many of the other banjo makers. Gibson uses Cox parts....even back in the Greg Rich era. You can't go wrong with either a Cox or Stelling.....but for me I lean towards the Cox.

The Old Timer - Posted - 01/03/2011:  07:26:14

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Both have their fans and both have earned fans, they're all great instruments. Cox is one of the relative few you can get in arch top, if that's your thing. Always best to try out plenty of examples of both first. I think Stelling is a bit more well-known and might potentially have an advantage in resale value and ease of resale, if it ever comes to that.

For the record, I have an astounding Cox conversion flat head job on my 1926 Gibson TB Granada.

WVChuck - Posted - 01/03/2011:  09:04:46

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I know you asked specifically for opinions on Cox's Banjo. But PLEASE wait until you can get a chance to play both makes. YOUR opinion matters most. Even if it means putting off your purchase!

steve davis - Posted - 01/03/2011:  11:07:46

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There are never very many Cox banjos for sale in the classifieds.
Jimmy Cox is a great guy to do business with.

dalt - Posted - 01/03/2011:  15:21:43

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Well I have played a Stelling. It felt very comfortable and seemed very easy to play but I wasn't crazy about the sound (my opinion). I would love to play a Cox banjo but unfortunatly I don't know anyone who has one and it's a long way from New Mexico to Maine. Because of that, I'm going off what Cox banjo owners say since they would know best.

Thanks for the opinions so far.

Can anyone comment on the width of the neck of a Cox compared to a Stelling. The stelling neck seemed skinny.

steve davis - Posted - 01/03/2011:  15:55:08

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My '08 Kentucky 5 is just under 1 1/4 at the nut and 1 15/16 at
the tension hoop.

My conversion is 1 1/4 and 2( I remember asking for a fuller width on my conversion.
I find both necks very playable.

HarleyQ - Posted - 01/03/2011:  19:21:11

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...what "The Old Timer" said.
Hoyt

dalt - Posted - 01/03/2011:  21:02:23

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quote:

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Originally posted by HarleyQ

Check the Classifeds, you'll find quality for about a quarter of the price.
Hoyt

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Such as?

HarleyQ - Posted - 01/03/2011:  21:59:37

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quote:

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Originally posted by dalt

quote:

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Originally posted by HarleyQ

Check the Classifeds, you'll find quality for about a quarter of the price.
Hoyt

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Such as?

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Theres 314 banjos for sale or trade in the classifieds, bound to be some quality there for about quarter the price of a stelling or cox. Unless your dead set on one of those. Always keep in mind, Resale.
I've owned one stelling, wish I had it back. They are hard to beat, if you like that sound. Good luck on your choice, and play alot of them.
Hoyt

steve davis - Posted - 01/04/2011:  05:09:31

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I bought Cox banjos and never consider selling them.
I don't base my banjo choices on resale value.

I want banjos that I want to keep forever and I've found them.

lazyarcher - Posted - 01/04/2011:  06:43:51

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I've had the fortune to be able to visit Jim Coxs workshop several times while vacationing on Bailey Island. The visit is an adventure in itself, which anyone who has spent time with Jim Cox will attest to...what a man and what a gem of bluegrass and banjo knowledge. Its sobering to stand in the shop with the guy that is responsible for perhaps 70, 80, 90%?? of all the rims of the NA made banjos being played today.

Anyways, Ive been able to play a bunch of his banjos and better yet, listen to Jim play them. They are very very nice...and given that they are a small luthier "custom" shop banjo, I would wager he would make one to your specs. If you can go to his shop, you could probably pick through the resonators he has stacked and find one that you like--he has some outrageous wood.

dalt - Posted - 01/04/2011:  06:56:53

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quote:

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Originally posted by steve davis

I bought Cox banjos and never consider selling them.
I don't base my banjo choices on resale value.

I want banjos that I want to keep forever and I've found them.

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Thanks for the input. I am finding that everyone who has or has had a Cox banjo is pleased. I have not heard a negative comment yet.

dalt - Posted - 01/04/2011:  07:01:47

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quote:

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Originally posted by lazyarcher

I've had the fortune to be able to visit Jim Coxs workshop several times while vacationing on Bailey Island. The visit is an adventure in itself, which anyone who has spent time with Jim Cox will attest to...what a man and what a gem of bluegrass and banjo knowledge. Its sobering to stand in the shop with the guy that is responsible for perhaps 70, 80, 90%?? of all the rims of the NA made banjos being played today.

Anyways, Ive been able to play a bunch of his banjos and better yet, listen to Jim play them. They are very very nice...and given that they are a small luthier "custom" shop banjo, I would wager he would make one to your specs. If you can go to his shop, you could probably pick through the resonators he has stacked and find one that you like--he has some outrageous wood.

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Thanks for your info. I would love to visit his shop, it sounds fascinating. Hmmm family vacation! I'm definately seeing a trend here about Cox banjos, Quality, Customer Service, and American.

seanray - Posted - 01/04/2011:  07:48:31

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Frank Neat's banjos (Neat & Chief) are basically Cox banjos with Frank's necks on them. Frank has a wicked looking maple in stock right now. frankneat.com/Frank_Neat_Banjo...tock.html

Reputable builders will offer you a 48 hour approval time though most people rarely return Frank's banjos.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 01/04/2011:  09:19:45

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I don't own a Cox banjo but like lazyarcher I've been fortunate enough to visit Jimmy's shop and pick a few of them. They are exceptionally fine instruments. I do own a Stelling, and I've played a bunch of them over the years, and they, too, are exceptionally fine instruments. The basic tonal characteristics of these banjos straight from their respective shops are very different, though, so it really does make sense for you to try them for yourself before deciding.

double E - Posted - 01/04/2011:  10:51:29

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I thought Neat used Blaylock rings in his banjos? I have a Chief that I know has a Blaylock ring. By the way does anyone know if Cox uses long or short skirt rings in his banjos?

steve davis - Posted - 01/04/2011:  11:01:33

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Jimmy Cox and Frank Neat have worked with each other for a long time.

My burl walnut Cox resonator was finished by Frank Neat.

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Edited by - steve davis on 01/04/2011 11:02:51

double E - Posted - 01/04/2011:  15:40:55

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Steve, I am guessing you have a Cox tone ring in your banjo? Is it a long skirt or a short?

steve davis - Posted - 01/04/2011:  19:38:56

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It should be whatever pre war Gibsons measure,I would think.
What's the difference between long and short skirts,.025 to .030?

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Edited by - steve davis on 01/04/2011 19:40:24

Bearsfan - Posted - 01/05/2011:  02:36:42

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quote:

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Originally posted by seanray

Frank Neat's banjos (Neat & Chief) are basically Cox banjos with Frank's necks on them. Frank has a wicked looking maple in stock right now. frankneat.com/Frank_Neat_Banjo...tock.html

Reputable builders will offer you a 48 hour approval time though most people rarely return Frank's banjos.

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That is downright gorgeous!

steve davis - Posted - 01/05/2011:  09:49:23

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It's a great treat to go to Jimmy Cox's shop and see resonators stacked to the ceiling and a couple dozen tonerings ready to be turned on the big ol' lathe.
Jimmy will gladly answer any question and invite you to try some of the banjos
that are there.
If there's any way you can get there,you should visit.

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Edited by - steve davis on 01/05/2011 10:06:21

double E - Posted - 01/06/2011:  10:46:04

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Steve, It aint a lot of difference in short and long skirt rings. I think like you said maybe 3-5 thousandths Im thinking. I put a Yates Short skirt in a banjo one time that had a long skirt orig. I didknt know when I was doing it that it was a short. It left a small gap that you could see at the bottom of the ring and rim on the outside. It sounded great though. On the other hand if you put a long skirt on a short skirt rim, then you'd have a problem I guess. A friend of mine has a Cox banjo, he asked me if they were long or short. Of course, Im not sure.

steve davis - Posted - 01/06/2011:  12:39:38

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If long is traditional then Jimmy's are long.

dalt - Posted - 01/06/2011:  20:30:08

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Thanks everyone for the info. With all the comments, I feel pretty comfortable with the quality of these banjos. I know several said to play alot of different ones before making a decision but that is not really possible for me in New Mexico. My decision has to be in part based on others opinions.

prewartb3 - Posted - 01/07/2011:  13:49:22

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Jimmy made a TPF model back in the 70's. He only made a few of these. They are great sounding banjos. I don't remember the model name. You know Steve?

steve davis - Posted - 01/07/2011:  14:03:34

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He's used the same names of Kentucky 5 and Cumberland for a long time.
Jimmy has reinvented the TPF in later years.The 2 pieces lock together in
machined surfaces.
Jimmy has invented many things whether in his tooling or banjos.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 01/07/2011:  15:07:47

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quote:

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Originally posted by dalt

Thanks everyone for the info. With all the comments, I feel pretty comfortable with the quality of these banjos. I know several said to play alot of different ones before making a decision but that is not really possible for me in New Mexico. My decision has to be in part based on others opinions.

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Just so you know, according to the Stelling ad in Banjo Newsletter, there's an authorized Stelling dealer in Cedar Crest, New Mexico - I have no idea whether you're close to there - called Banjo Bob's. Phone is 505-281-2620.

Please understand that I'm not indicating any preference for Stelling over Cox. One of the most memorable banjos I've ever played was a Fairchild-Cox that Raymond Fairchild was selling about 15 years ago. It's just that your initial post says that you've narrowed your choice down to Stelling or Cox, and they are such inherently different instruments that I thought you might want a chance to play a Stelling if it was practical to do so. In my experience, everything good that's been said here about Jimmy Cox applies to Geoff Stelling as well.

Whatever you decide, you really can't go wrong, and I would have absolutely no reservations about ordering a banjo from Jimmy Cox sight unseen. Good luck!

Arnie

dalt - Posted - 01/08/2011:  19:30:22

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Ha Ha, I was just there today in fact at Banjo Bobs picking up a capo and some picks. He urged me to play a Deering Eagle II and I asked to play a Stelling (it was the golden cross). The stelling was an absolutely beautiful banjo but I didn't really care for the sound it produced. The eagle II was also a very nice banjo. I did like the sound and it felt good to play but IDK. I need to try a Cox. I love the sound of them and the Kentucky-5 with the flying eagle inlay is looking pretty good to me. My favorite player is Raymond Fairchild, this could be why I'm leaning toward a Cox since he plays one.

5-stringreiny - Posted - 01/10/2011:  19:10:25

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I've owned a couple Stellings, and from them and the others I've played /heard, they all sound pretty similar... of course, each is unique with it's own personality, but what makes Stelling Stelling is the unique sound. You've got to try a Cox to really decide. However if you decide to go with the Cox, Jimmy has a Kentucky-5 Walnut with the Flying Eagle inlay in stock that he's had in his shop for awhile... he might cut you a deal on it!

dalt - Posted - 01/10/2011:  22:29:50

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quote:

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Originally posted by 5-stringreiny

I've owned a couple Stellings, and from them and the others I've played /heard, they all sound pretty similar... of course, each is unique with it's own personality, but what makes Stelling Stelling is the unique sound. You've got to try a Cox to really decide. However if you decide to go with the Cox, Jimmy has a Kentucky-5 Walnut with the Flying Eagle inlay in stock that he's had in his shop for awhile... he might cut you a deal on it!

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No kidding!! I was going to go with maple but I would take walnut I suppose. I guess I better give him a call. Have you seen this banjo? Is there a problem with it? Why wouldn't he be able to sell it?

the-fish - Posted - 01/11/2011:  11:27:24

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here you go at elderly, fresh!

elderly.com/vintage/items/70U-3449.htm

steve davis - Posted - 01/11/2011:  13:37:26

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If Jimmy is selling it,there are no problems with it.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 01/12/2011:  11:42:45

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That Fairchild-Cox at Elderly looks like the same model I tried and lusted after many years ago, and if you really prefer a maple banjo I think this is a great buy, especially considering the gold plating and engraved metal parts. Elderly is extremely reliable (I've been doing business with them since 1976).

5-stringreiny - Posted - 01/12/2011:  18:23:57

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I've not seen it and have no idea why it didn't sell like a hot-cake... my guess is because of the wood/inlay combo... call and see what he says. I'll be interested in what he tells you.

JR

dalt - Posted - 01/13/2011:  16:04:56

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quote:

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Originally posted by arnie fleischer

That Fairchild-Cox at Elderly looks like the same model I tried and lusted after many years ago, and if you really prefer a maple banjo I think this is a great buy, especially considering the gold plating and engraved metal parts. Elderly is extremely reliable (I've been doing business with them since 1976).

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I called Wednesday to get some info on the Fairchild banjo, since I wanted to talk to an expert they referred me to tom I believe and said to call back this morning Thursday. When I called today the banjo was on hold for someone. Talk about bad luck. I guess I'll give Jimmy a call and try to get a deal on a new one. rjanecek thanks for showing me the link. That was an awesome banjo. Makes my heart sad that it won't be coming to New Mexico.

Chris

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Edited by - dalt on 01/13/2011 16:07:01

dalt - Posted - 01/13/2011:  16:11:40

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quote:

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Originally posted by 5-stringreiny

I've not seen it and have no idea why it didn't sell like a hot-cake... my guess is because of the wood/inlay combo... call and see what he says. I'll be interested in what he tells you.

JR

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I'm guessing that walnut is not a popular choice? I will give him a call about it. If there is no difference in sound between walnut and maple then I don't really care which wood is used. I do however like the flying eagle inlay. Thats the only thing holding me back on the Fairchild 50th banjo, I'm not crazy about the inlay pattern. I don't know.

steve davis - Posted - 01/13/2011:  16:30:17

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Walnut did quite well in the RB4s.
Both my banjos are walnut (Cox K5 and tb2 conv.)and are very fine.

arnie fleischer - Posted - 01/14/2011:  09:04:57

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It's a personal thing. I've had maple banjos in the past, and I currently own a fine Stelling Golden Cross that's maple. My LouZee Blackjack and 1929 TB-4 archtop conversion are mahogany, and I really like the warmth that wood seems to lend those banjos. But my favorite banjo is my Hopkins Renaissance, which is walnut. I've heard some people describe walnut as sounding somewhere between maple (bright) and mahogany (less bright) on the brightness scale, but I don't know if I hear that. All I can say is that my walnut Hopkins has great depth and power. It's a rich, full, clear sound with a strong bottom end and bright highs. And as Steve says, walnut has a well-established track record as a banjo wood.

dalt - Posted - 02/03/2011:  11:44:27

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Well I ordered my banjo today from Jimmy Cox. I ended up going for the Fairchild 50th. I decided to get this banjo because he had one left that was gold plated. He mentioned due to gold prices he wasn't going to make anymore with the gold plating. I suppose I could get a Kentucky-5 with the flying eagle inlay some other time since it is not limited!

Thanks for all the comments, suggestions, and opinions. I really appreciate it. I can't wait to play my new banjo.

Chris

Beardog - Posted - 02/09/2011:  06:47:43

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I got to play a used gold plated Cox Fairchild at SPBGMA. It was the first time I had been able to get a Cox banjo in my hands. No doubt, these are fine banjos. You can't go wrong with a Cox.

o2playlikeEarl - Posted - 02/09/2011:  07:53:56

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He does use Blaylock rings in his banjos

quote:

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Originally posted by double E

I thought Neat used Blaylock rings in his banjos? I have a Chief that I know has a Blaylock ring. By the way does anyone know if Cox uses long or short skirt rings in his banjos?

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AKUSfan2 - Posted - 02/09/2011:  17:33:08

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I too, have a Stelling, and, I have a Custom Frank Neat Archtop Stanleytone.

Two mighty fine banjos by any standards, I must say!

Regards,
Gary

pickNgrin - Posted - 02/10/2011:  04:26:27

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Hey... have y'all seen the one that Abby88 is selling in the Swap Shop right now? The person selling it played fiddle for Raymond for 5 years. Looks like a super deal, and with some Maggie Valley mojo to boot!

-matt