John K Becker originally trained as a concert harp maker at Lyon & Healy of Chicago during the mid 1970’s under the direction of violin maker Henning Christiansen. Becker became an exceptional young harp maker and in 1978 was given the opportunity to create an exact replica of the very first harp made by the firm in 1889 which featured an intricate inlaid marquetry column.
John K Becker
Pursuing his interest in violin family instruments, Becker joined the firm of Bein & Fushi in 1979, quickly becoming the firm’s top restorer and earned the distinction of Master Restorer. During his time at Bein & Fushi, he restored a staggering number of the world’s finest masterworks by Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. Becker was acknowledged around the world as one of the foremost restoration experts. During that period he collaborated extensively with Robert Bein, one of the great violin authorities and experts of his generation. Becker brought his knowledge of the details of the Italian masterworks from his extensive instrument restoration background to his daily work with Robert Bein on the identification, authentication, and valuation of rare violins. Their collaboration continued long after Becker left the firm in 1994. Bein, on becoming terminally ill, asked Becker to continue their important work and take over as Bein & Fushi’s instrument expert in 2007. John continued as the expert for the firm until he resigned in January, 2017.
John and his firm, John K. Becker & Company, continue the highest level of restoration work and tonal adjustments, providing instrument authentication expertise focused on the masterworks of Cremona and other treasures of violin making.
Keisuke Hori
Keisuke Hori studied at the Tokyo Violin Making School from 1988-1992. On a trip to Japan, Becker was introduced to Keisuke by well-known violin photographer Shinichi Yokoyama, who gave Keisuke his highest recommendation. Hori wanted to pursue violin restoration in the States and Becker was very impressed by his work and character. Hori moved to the United States in 1992 to work as an apprentice in the restoration shop of Bein & Fushi and joined Becker upon his opening of John K. Becker & Company in 1994.
Keisuke has earned the distinction of Master Restorer and specializes in long-term restoration and tonal adjustments. He brings his experience as a Master Restorer to constructing his artistically made violins and violas and is currently taking commissions for his instruments built upon his own pattern design that are beautifully antiqued. Please contact Keisuke here for more information. khorivn@gmail.com
Takeshi Nogawa
A native of Japan, Takeshi Nogawa studied at the Chicago School of Violin Making and soon after began working at Kenneth Warren & Son. In 1995, Takeshi was offered a position at John K. Becker & Company where he specializes in short- to mid-term restorations, repairs, and tonal adjustments.
With an early interest in lutherie and having been exposed to the arts at a young age, Takeshi brings his artistic talent to his profession and has a keen interest in instrument identification. Occasionally he constructs skillfully antiqued violins and violas built on a Guadagnini pattern.
John J. Becker
Having begun his studies of the violin at an early age, John brings his knowledge of violin performance and a player’s point of view to assist with violin sales, tonal adjustment, and customer service. Upon receiving a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Business, John joined the firm in 2013. He is the firm’s photographer and archive coordinator entrusted to compile extensive instrument notes and photos along with assisting in the set up of the firm’s Insurance Appraisals and Certificates of Authentication .
John is a recording artist and has performed violin and guitar on numerous recordings of varying musical genres.
Please contact John to set up an appointment.
Garrett Becker
Garrett Becker showed an interest in lutherie during high school and began restoring instruments with his father before attending the North Bennett Street School in Boston studying under Roman Barnas from 2010-2013. He won the prestigious Craftsman Award upon graduation and soon began making his instruments at John K. Becker & Company. His violins are built upon Stradivari PG & G forms and are constructed using classic Cremonese methods and traditions. Garrett’s instruments are in the hands of many professional violinists. For more information regarding Garrett Becker violins, please contact us.