Carl Becker and Son, Ltd

Specialties

While the making and sale of our own Becker violins, violas, and cellos serves as the backbone of our firm, we also offer a wide variety of instruments ranging from those produced by some of today’s finest living makers to the rare classical Italian examples of Stradivari and Guarneri del Gesu. Our equally comprehensive collection of bows includes the work of the most important French, English, and American makers. We continually strive to offer only the finest examples at fair prices which have been certified with the highest degree of expertise and integrity. In an effort to continually offer a well-​rounded stock of instruments and bows, we actively pursue consignments from private owners at competitive rates. We offer a wide range of repairs. We advise our customer’s to bring their instruments and bows at least twice a year for review.

History

Established in 1967.

The Becker family has a long history that begins in the early 1800s. Making and musicianship have been an intricate part of our past, while experience and tradition have made our violins what they are today. Carl G. Becker (1887 — 1975) was one of the great creative personalities of the 20^th century. His active career spanned 73 years and encompassed every facet of the luthier’s art. Connoisseurs familiar with his work regarded him as a genius of the first rank. In 1924 he accepted an invitation from William Lewis and Son, a leading Chicago violin dealer, to become master luthier and instrument appraiser, with the understanding that he would leave for three months each year to make instruments. In 1968 he and his son, Carl F. Becker, who had joined him at Lewis in 1937, formed their own company, Carl Becker and Son. Paul C. Becker joined his father (Carl F.) and grandfather (Carl G.) at the bench when he was 14.

Meet the Manager

Paul B.

Manager

Paul C. Becker is the Vice President of Carl Becker and Son, Ltd. Paul began his career in 1971, at the age of 14. He was first trained in violin making by his father, Carl F. Becker, and grandfather, Carl G. Becker, and this training continued until Carl G. passed away in 1975. Carl F. Becker continued to train Paul in violin making, repairs, and restorations. Paul has a remarkable strength for adjustments and an exceptional ability to make instruments of all price ranges sound their best.