Benning-Crafted Instruments
Fine violins, violas, and cellos crafted by Eric Benning are made in the style and tradition of the master Cremonese Italian violinmakers.
One of the greatest pleasures for the Benning family has been the making of new instruments, including fine violins, violas and cellos. These instruments have become renowned for their beauty, sound and craftsmanship. Fine violins, violas and cellos crafted by Eric Benning are owned by premier players, renowned teachers, concert performers and recording artists.
Initially Paul Toenniges, luthier and founder of Studio City Music and father of Nancy Benning, in his lifetime made 50 double basses. Hans and Nancy Benning have collaborated on making over 150 violins, violas, cellos bass gambas, tenor gambas and viola d’more. This passion for instrument making has reached its third generation and Eric Benning has now crafted over 140 instruments with more on the way.
Each step of the new making process is done with carefully thought-out accuracy. The wood chosen is well seasoned Bosnian maple for the back, sides, and scroll, and the top is Bavarian or Bosnian spruce. Most of the wood that is used in new making has been aged for at least 25 years. Years of foresight and many trips to Europe to hand-select each piece of wood has benefited the Bennings by providing an excellent and stunning selection of raw materials to work with.
Violins made by Eric Benning are crafted primarily after Stradivarius, Guarnerius and Balestrieri-model instruments. Cellos are made after Stradivarius, Amati, David Tecchler and a small Guadagnini model. Violas also follow the Stradivarius outline in a comfortable 16 1/4″ model as well as an ergonomic model based on an “oak leaf” pattern.
Inquiries about commissioned bespoke Baroque instruments adorned with special carvings are accepted.
Many new instruments crafted by Eric Benning are varnished with a slight antiquing, with the exception of special order copies. The Bennings believe that the unique wear that occurs over time is the best form of patina that an instrument can achieve. When encountering skepticism towards new stringed instruments, Hans is heard frequently saying, “Stradivarius made new instruments”.
FINE INSTRUMENT CATALOG
At Benning Violins, we maintain one of the largest selections of fine stringed instruments for sale. Our exceptional collection includes fine violins, fine violas, and fine cellos from renowned old-world masters and contemporary luthiers, including our master violinmaker Eric Benning. Fine violin bows, viola bows, and cello bows crafted by French masters complement our stringed instrument collection.
FINE VIOLINS FOR SALE
We offer an exceptional selection of fine, fully restored violins crafted by old-world masters for examination, trial and purchase. Violins crafted by modern masters round out our collection.
FINE VIOLAS FOR SALE
We offer a extensive variety of fine, quality violas crafted from the mid-18th Century to the late 21st Century for examination, trial and purchase. Our violas are fully restored and in-stock.
FINE CELLOS FOR SALE
We offer a catalog of fine, master-crafted cellos by old-world and renowned modern makers for examination, trial and purchase. We offer facilities for trial in our studio’s showroom.
BENNING INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
We offer violins, violas and cellos crafted by the Benning family of luthiers, made in the style and tradition of the master Cremonese violinmakers, for examination, audition and purchase.
FINE BOWS FOR SALE
We offer an extensive and enviable collection of fine violin, viola and cello bows crafted by the renowned French masters, as well as bows by prominent modern makers, for examination, trial and purchase.
BAROQUE INSTRUMENTS FOR SALE
We offer a distinguished selection of fine baroque-era instruments — from Viola da gambas to Viola d’amores — crafted by notable makers, fully restored and available for examination, trial, and purchase.