Carl Becker is generally considered the finest modern American violin maker and was the founder of a four generation violin making dynasty, still working today.

He started his career in 1901 under his grandfather Herman Macklett and joined Lyon & Healy the next year working with John Hornsteiner. Much of his career was spent with William Lewis & Sons before starting his own firm with his son Carl Jr. This fine cello is a superb example of his early work.