The story of Bekker Music began in the late 1980s when Albertus Bekker witnessed a luthier building a violin during a backpacking trip through Europe with a friend. They visited Mittenwald in Bavaria, home to the German violin-making industry and school. Both had played the violin from an early age, but for the first time, Albertus realised that every violin must have a maker or makers, and that the instrument is not just a tool for making music, but also a work of art and craftsmanship.

On their return to South Africa, as engineering students, they attempted to build a violin using a DIY book, only to quickly realise that without the right wood, glue, and tools, success was impossible. Fast forward to the year 2000, when Albertus, his wife Emma, and their three children—Pirow, Jacob, and Emmie—moved into their current home in Linden, Johannesburg. By then, the internet was available, there was space to work, and some spare cash. Albertus decided to try again, this time with imported wood, glue, and tools. This time, it worked—the resulting violin, though not perfect, was at least playable.

Over the next few decades, while working in high finance during the day, Albertus spent his evenings and weekends building dozens of instruments. He also attended several courses in Italy to enhance his skills. Notable players who purchased his instruments include Zanta Hofmeyr, Serge Cuca, Maretha Uys, and Vaughan Mcley.

In 2021, Albertus resigned from his day job and began building and repairing instruments of the violin family full-time. Over the following years, he realised that to ensure the business’s sustainability, he needed to expand and involve others. In 2024, the decision was made to transform what had always been a one-person operation into a family business. His wife Emma and eldest son Pirow joined the business, and Bekker Music (Pty) Ltd was born.

It is Bekker Music’s mission to be a full-spectrum service provider for players of the violin family instruments. This includes:

•Repair and setup

•Building new instruments

•Buying and selling instruments

•Instrument rentals

•Sourcing decent and affordable entry-level instruments

•Accessories and fittings

•General support and development of string music