Our Story
1978 was a transitional year for Benson Bell. After two years studying musical performance at the University of Calgary and another three at the University of Toronto, Ben graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree.
In the coming months, Ben would audition for a seat in the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and apply for an apprenticeship at Frank Marcus Woodwinds in the heart of downtown Toronto. He was accepted for both.
Ben spent two seasons playing with the NYO and might have pursued a lifelong career as a performing bassoonist but it was ultimately the workshop that captured his imagination more than the concert hall.
Frank Marcus in his workshop
By 1987, Ben had spent nearly a decade maintaining, repairing, and evaluating some of the world’s finest woodwind instruments. Understanding the bassoon as both a performer and a technician, he felt driven to build an instrument of his own. With Frank’s support, Ben left the Toronto workshop and began crafting a prototype.
In 1988, Ben completed his very first bassoon which he took to the International Double Reed Society convention in Victoria B.C., Canada. Builders and players alike were impressed that such a young craftsman had created an instrument of such exceptional quality.
From the very beginning, Bell bassoons found homes in major orchestras worldwide, as well as featuring extensively on soundtracks for film and television. In the years that followed, the business grew to accommodate the increasing demand, developing into a skilled team working under Ben’s direction.
In 2008, Ben’s son Derek (also a musician) joined the business. The two now work proudly together, alongside their team, to bring the world instruments of uncompromising quality.
We thank you for your interest and hope you’ll give us the opportunity to build you the instrument you’ve always wanted.