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 on e of the finest of the 63 cellos he made. It is truly suitable for a top soloist. It has a big, powerful tone with lots of color and is easy to play. Tonally, it's one of the finest cellos we have ever had.

The Benardel family of violin makers is perhaps the most important and influential in the history of French violin making. Auguste Sebastien Philippe was the founder of the Bernardel dynasty and considered the most important member of the family and one of the greatest of all the Parisian makers. He began his studies in his native Mirecourt. He joined the great Nicolas Lupot (the greatest of all French luthiers) in Paris in 1815 where he continued until 1824. He worked briefly with Gand before opening his own shop in the Rue Croix des Petits Champs where J.B. Vuilaume had already set up his own establishment. He was joined by his sons Ernest and Gustave and continued until his retirement in 1866. This fine and interesting cello bears the makers signature and the date in several places internally. 

Possibly Bologna, 18^th century.

Although born into a family of violin makers, Natale Carletti was initially a cellist who studied at the Bologna Conservatory. He started working with his father Carlo in 1918 and continued in his workshop along with his brother Nullo, taking over in 1941 upon Carlo’s death. Natale specialized in cellos making over 200 during his sixty year career. This wonderful cello is a real joy to play. The tone is responsive and powerful with an intriguing brilliance. This would be wonderful cello for a top professional.

Andrea Castagneri was born in Turin in 1696, but moved to Paris in 1720 becoming very successful as both a maker and dealer. In spite of the fact that he spent almost all of his career in France his instruments maintained many Italian characteristics.

One of the finest luthiers working in Cremona today, Levaggi’s instruments are respected for their perfect workmanship and elegant tonal qualities. Before setting up his own workshop in the historic center of Cremona in 2001, he graduated from the Cremona School of Lutherie in 1984 where he studied with Vincenzo Bissolotti, among others. and worked in Genoa with Carlson-Cacciatori-Neumann’s. He has won countless international prizes over the course of his career, and continues to perfect his craft. This cello was made with special wood from Jay Ifshin’s large stock, and was hand selected by Ifshin and Levaggi for aesthetic beauty and sonorous qualities. It has a powerful tone, rich with overtones.

Jonathan Hai always had a strong interest in all kinds of woodwork, but was especially drawn to woodwork. He graduated from the Cremona violin making school having worked with Scollari and Negroni. Just seven years after graduation he won medals for tone at the Violin Society of America competition in Cleveland in 2018 for a cello and a quartet.

Carlos was born in Honduras and came to the U.S. as a child. He made his first stringed instruments in high school on his own. Excited by his early success he went to Cremona, Italy to study violin making at the renowned International violin making school, graduating in 1983. He stayed in Italy as a violin maker before returning to this country over thirty years ago. Even after all these years, his instruments show the finest qualities of the Italian violin makers who influenced him.

Ray Melanson is one of the most well known of American makers. After working with Hans Nebel, he attended the Salt Lake City violin making school. He taught violin making at the North Bennet St School in Boston. Over the years he has won numerous awards and medals. This beautiful cello has a big resonant sound and is easy to play.

Since joining Ifshin Violins in 1986, Haide has one become one of the most respected violin maker in this country. Over the years Haide has won 19 medals and certificates of merit at Violin Society of America competitions. This beautiful cello won a certificate of merit for tone at the 2016 VSA competition. As one would expect, this prize winning cello has a superb tone.

Since graduating from the school of violin making in Cremona in 1994, Daniele Tonarelli has distinguished himself in a number of competitions around the world. His instruments are modeled after the classic Cremonese masters. He uses a brilliant and transparent varnish, constructing his instruments with carefully selected materials and pays particular attention to their tonal qualities.

For over forty years, the  William Harris Lee firm located in the historic Fine Arts Building on Michigan Avenue, has been making fine violins violas and cellos. This cello is one of their finest and was made for William Moennig & Sons in Philadelphia to their high standards and includes their certificate of authenticity and a letter. This interesting cello is built on the model of Matteo Goffriller of Venice.

Christopher White studied violin making at the North Bennett Street School in Boston with Ray Melanson. Art Toman and Marilyn Wallin. He went on to work with Samuel Zygmuntowicz and William Monical. He has been a member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers for twenty years and is on its board of governors.

Now in its third generation of violin makers, The Vettori family has become famous for the superb quality of their instruments and are the most prominent makers in Tuscany. Dario II studied with his father Paolo and has had great success as a maker. He is also a professional cellist.

We don't know the makers of this cello, but it has an amazing antique sound with excellent projection. It would be a great choice for a soloist.