Rare 1980s Jason Becker (Cacophony) Handwritten Letter – “Go Off!” Recording Era

Discusses guitar technique, classical influences, gear, and Cacophony recording activity – written during peak Shrapnel Records period.

Item Specifics:

Artist: Jason Becker / Cacophony
Original/Reproduction: Original
Year: 1988 (hand dated 8/15/88)
Industry: Music / Heavy Metal Memorabilia
Type: Autograph Letter Signed (ALS)
Format: Format: Single-sided handwritten letter in blue ink on lined notebook paper

Description:

This is an original handwritten fan correspondence letter dated August 15, 1988, written by legendary guitarist Jason Becker during the peak of the Shrapnel Records / Cacophony era.

The letter was written in response to a fan and contains detailed personal insights into guitar technique, musical influences, recording workflow, and gear used during the late 1980s shred period.

Becker references being actively involved in recording upcoming Cacophony material, providing a rare firsthand snapshot of his mindset during one of the most important creative periods in shred guitar history.

Key Insights from the Letter

Musical Influences: Becker states that his primary influence on guitar is Uli Jon Roth. Beyond guitar, he references a wide range of classical influences including Vaughan Williams, Stravinsky, and Mozart, reflecting his broader musical background.

Songwriting / Technique Approach:
He explains his approach to harmony as a system based on understanding scales and their application. He also describes recording workflow as layering instruments in stages, beginning with drums and building the arrangement step by step.

Gear & Endorsements:
He mentions using Carvin amplifiers at the time, noting them as comparable to previous Laney AOR equipment used during the period.

Recording Context:

He references being actively involved in writing and preparing material for the next Cacophony record, highlighting the intensity of his workload during this period.

Condition and Provenance:

Original handwritten letter dated 8/15/88.
Hand-signed by Jason Becker.
Written on lined notebook paper
Standard mailing folds and light age wear consistent with period.
Transcript below.

Historical Significance:

This letter originates from the peak Cacophony era and reflects Jason Becker’s early professional development during the late 1980s shred movement.

It provides primary-source insight into his compositional thinking, technical approach, and recording workflow during a highly productive period in which he was simultaneously working within Cacophony and developing his solo identity.

Material from this timeframe is increasingly sought after due to its direct connection to both Jason Becker’s career and the broader Shrapnel Records shred guitar era.

Transcript of Jason Becker (Cacophony) Handwritten Letter

8/15/88

Spencer,

Thanks for for your letter, I'm happy that you liked my album. You asked so many questions! Let me try to answer them.

- l recorded only drums first, then rhythm guitar, bass, leads, and keys last.

- Most of the time l stick ports together.

- Playing harmony is just knowing your scales up and down, and what to play over what. It's a system that's easy once you get it.

- l am influenced by almost everything I hear. Mostly old and modern classical music like Voughen Williams, Stravinsky, Mozart, All those guys.

- We use Carvin amps now, they are just as good as the Laney AOR's.

Damn, man! I can't answer all of these questions. I would like to but we are going in to record the next Cocophony record this month, and l am very busy writing and arranging stuff for it. Sorry.

As for as licks and stuff go, I give lessons for $20.00 an hour. If you'd like to send a check for that amount I you some insane licks on paper.

Anyway, thanks for writing and good luck with your guitar playing.

Sincerely, Jason Becker

[End of Side 1, Page 1/1]

Collector Note:

This is a highly desirable piece for collectors of Jason Becker, Cacophony, and late-1980s shred memorabilia.

Additional Cacophony-era correspondence from Marty Friedman is also available separately.

Provenance:

Ownership history is available upon request.

Additional notes:

Please note we do not ship outside the US, to PO Boxes or to freight forward addresses. A signature will be required at delivery. Thank you.

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