Carl Becker may well be considered the finest American violin maker of the 20th century and certainly the best American born maker of all time.
Born in 1887, he was the son of a famous violinist and teacher. His grandfather was Herman Macklet, a pioneer American violin maker. Carl studied violin with his father but decided early on to become a maker, inspired by trips with his father to his luthier William Lane. He made his first violin at age 14 and after high school worked with the famous maker John Hornsteiner. He spent much of his career with William Lewis & Sons in downtown Chicago, one of the most important violin shops in the world. He remained there for 44 years before opening his own violin shop with his son, Carl F. Becker.
The Becker dynasty is now in its fourth generation, perhaps one of the most important violin making families in America and perhaps the world. In March of 1954 a testimonial concert was given in recognition of his achievements as a master luthier with performances by the Fine Arts Quartet and principal players of the Chicago Symphony. Important soloists and professional musicians own Becker instruments and in many cases prefer them to their fine old Italian masterpieces. He was also renowned for his masterful restorations of fine old master instruments often from the great soloists of the time who would visit him when they were performing in Chicago.
This beautiful cello was made in Carl's 34th year with no assistance and may be one of the finest of the 63 cellos he made. It is gorgeous and suitable for a top soloist. With a big, powerful tone and layers of color, it's a lot of fun to play. Tonally, it's one of the finest cellos we have ever had.