New Becker Instruments
"I would like to see us produce the best instruments that have ever been made in the world. I don't ever have an end to that goal: it's a pursuit."
-Paul Becker
Join our email list for updates about Paul Becker Shop Instruments
New Becker Instruments
"I would like to see us produce the best instruments that have ever been made in the world. I don't ever have an end to that goal: it's a pursuit."
-Paul Becker
Join our email list for updates about Paul Becker Shop Instruments
Concert players need instruments that CApture, move & inspire their audience.
Paul Becker Instruments are designed with the concert player in mind.
Several options are available to met every concert player’s needs. Learn more about Paul Becker WORKSHOP instruments and PAUL BECKER HANDMADE INSTRUMENTS here. Or skip to the gallery and see some of the instruments that have already been made!
The highest standards
The highest standards
Paul Becker Instruments are made using the same traditions that have been passed from down from generation to generation.
About Paul Becker Handcrafted Instruments
Paul Becker Handcrafted instruments are handmade, from start to varnish, by Paul Becker. These instruments are the next generation of Becker instruments and are made using improved varnish color and application processes.
About Paul Becker Workshop Instruments
Paul Becker Workshop Instruments are designed by Paul Becker and based on the same molds, patterns, and varnish taught to him by his father and grandfather. To increase affordability, these instruments integrate more technology into the making process and are crafted by several trusted luthiers supervised by Paul Becker.
Carl G. Becker innovated an instrument-making process that blended technology with handcrafted skills. These Paul Becker Shop Instruments continue this innovation by using technology and multiple luthiers to duplicate certain processes and enhance the efficiency of instrument making. The end result for you is that we get an instrument in your hands faster and it's more affordable--all without sacrificing any of the quality that Becker Instruments are known for.
Paul holding a Strad Model Paul Becker Workshop Instrument
The Finest Wood
The Finest Wood
Paul Becker Instruments are made using the finest wood.
Paul Becker takes a tremendous amount of care and consideration when choosing the wood that will be used to make Paul Becker Instruments.
That’s because the quality and age of the wood used for an instrument will have a significant impact on the instruments sound—immediately and in the long term, for centuries to come.
We craft instruments using the wood grades 1, 1A, 2, and 3. The best wood we have has 1 mm wide grain with very clean hard grain and it has a nice sound when you tap it. Our wood is then purchased in large quantities, and then we carefully grade, analyze and sort it so each instrument is made from very similar materials, if not wood cut from the same tree.
Some instruments are even made using wood obtained in the 1940s and has been finely aged and dried since then!
Most of our wood was grown in 3 places around the world, with the best wood being maple grown in Bosnia. This Maple "moon wood" is grown at 1200 meters on the north face of the mountain. It is a long-held belief among luthiers that "moon wood" -- wood cut on the first full moon in January -- is the ideal time to cut down wood because that is when sap is at its lowest point in the year. Our best curly maple also comes from Bosnia. This wood is extremely rare (and beautiful) because it is formed only when trees endure earthquakes.
Our Spruce comes from a variety of locations, including the Cremona mountains in Italy, Black Forest in Germany, Switzerland, and even some American wood.
Paul Becker chooses wood based on its strength, even grain, and age.
More options for every player
More options for every player
No player is the same and players deserve options that fit their needs.
When making Paul Becker Workshop instruments, we create a variety of models and set ups to provide a variety of options for players. In addition, custom instruments are also available. Call us to set up an appointment so we can show you the current and upcoming inventory and/or discuss a custom instrument built from scratch, based on your needs. Custom instruments will also include a custom label placed on the inside of the instrument.
Number of Pieces
We offer one-piece and two-piece instruments.
Set-up Options
All Paul Becker Shop Instruments are powerful instruments that respond well. In addition, all instruments get the highest quality pernambuco trimmings (e.g., tailpiece, pegs, chinrest).
Beyond that, Paul Becker Shop Instruments are made with a variety of setups that create a variety of sounds. We have Guarneri models that are designed to resonate with your audience's diaphragm, and Strad models designed to sing a song.
How do you want your instrument's sound to fill the room? Our instruments can made with sounds that are:
Round
Sharp edged to "cut like a knife"
Warm to "give the room a hug"
Varnish Options
Players have several options for the final varnish applied to their instrument. The core options are:
Thomas Cecola instrument: Starting price is $8,500.00 USD
Paul Becker Workshop Instrument, Traditional Becker varnish: Starting price is $20,000.00 USD
Paul Becker Handcrafted Instrument, Paul Becker varnish: Starting price is $37,000.00 USD
There are a few more options available, and ways to enhance each of the above. Contact us to learn more.
A passion for bringing better instruments to more players
A passion for bringing better instruments to more players
Paul Becker Shop Instruments are MY lifelong dream come true
Since I began making instruments with my father and grandfather, I've been passionate about ensuring that concert players from a variety of backgrounds can feel the joy of playing high quality instruments.
Through the years, I've felt the struggles of clients who were trying to play poor quality or assembly-line instruments. I witnessed first-hand how the raw talent of a player was held back by the very tool they used. I was frustrated that talented players were held back simply because they could not afford the right instrument.
That's why I focused my efforts on learning how to use clever setups and adjustments to bring out the best of instruments in a variety of price ranges. Over time, I built a solid reputation for being able to make just about any instrument sound its best.
Still, I dreamed of a way to craft the same Becker instruments taught to me by my father and grandfather, but with a more affordable price tag.
I want to make the best instruments in the world: it's my lifelong pursuit.
But I also believe that talented musicians shouldn't be held back simply because they can't afford a $50,000+ instrument.
And that's the dream I have achieved with Paul Becker Shop Instruments.
With Paul Becker Shop Instruments, I am personally making instruments with our best wood and varnishing techniques. I use the same traditions taught to me by my father and grandfather to bring handmade quality, care, and passion to my instruments. I also lead a team of luthiers, and together we blend the latest technology and a "shop model" (multiple luthiers who work as a team) to duplicate certain steps so that the whole process goes a little faster.
if you're ready to play a Becker Shop Instrument contact me today.
How to get a Paul Becker Shop Instrument
How to get a Paul Becker Shop Instrument
Contact us to get on the waiting list today
In 2016, all of the 34 Paul Becker Shop Instruments made sold out almost instantly. To meet this growing demand, our goal this year is to make 100 Paul Becker Shop Instruments. There is currently about a 6-week wait period for a new Paul Becker Shop Instrument, depending on the setup and varnish option you need.