Carl Friedrich Becker Jnr

BECKER, Carl F. Jr. (1919–2013) American violin maker, restorer and expert. Born in Chicago, son of Carl G. Becker, he trained with his father and worked at William Lewis & Son from 1937. From 1948 the label “Carl Becker and Son” was used for instruments made jointly with his father, and in 1968 they founded their own Chicago workshop. Internationally celebrated for his restoration work, he restored the 1721 “Lady Blunt” Stradivari and became one of the most respected American authorities on fine stringed instruments. A founding member of the Entente Internationale des Luthiers et Archetiers and the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, he trained many important contemporary makers. His instruments are noted for exceptional craftsmanship, fine materials and a powerful, refined tone.