People think it’s magic, but it’s just experience
John K. Becker, Chief Restorer Bein & Fushi
Violin making expertise
My vision
As a leading expert in sound adjustment in the Cologne area, I ensure that musicians and amateurs can play instruments with a convincing sound. To this end, I offer a range of high-quality instruments, primarily German and French, which offer above-average sound quality in their price range. My maintenance and repair service is characterized by respect for the work of other luthiers, traditional high-quality craftsmanship, price transparency, fair prices and adherence to deadlines.
My career
My search for a beautiful sound began at a young age with playing the cello. I later took viola lessons with Justyna Sliwa from the renowned Asasello Quartet. This intensive training gave me a better understanding of the demands ambitious musicians place on the sound and playability of their instrument.
I acquired basic practical and theoretical knowledge in
string instrument making, repair and restoration at the Staatliche Berufsfachschule für Musikinstrumentenbau in
Mittenwald.
During my ten years in the workshops of Thomas
Schiegnitz of the Musikinstrumenten-Museum-Berlin and Michael Becker, Chicago, former employee of Bein & Fushi and president of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers, I
was able to deepen my skills in the following areas:
- restoration
- maintenance of historical and modern instruments
- new construction
- sound optimisation.
I also gained valuable experience in the repair and maintenance of modern and historical bows at Alfredo Clemente's bow making workshop in Cologne.
Since 2014, I have been using the expertise I have acquired in my studio in the immediate vicinity of the Kölner Musikhochschule and the Kölner Philharmonie to help professional musicians and amateurs find customised solutions for their individual wishes.