Eric Benning
Eric Benning’s passion for violinmaking ignited at the age of 9 under the guidance of his parents, Hans and Nancy Benning. Dedicating his Saturdays and vacation days to the craft, Eric completed his first violin by the age of 11, marking the start of his journey in continuing his family’s esteemed tradition.
In 1997, Eric’s skills were further honed through training with his Great-Uncle, the esteemed violinmaker Carl F. Becker Jr., whose father, Carl Becker Sr., was a legendary figure in Chicago’s violinmaking scene. This rich legacy ties back to Eric’s grandfather, Paul Toenniges, the founder of Studio City Music, and to his parents, Hans and Nancy Benning.
Eric specializes in creating fine violins, violas, and cellos inspired by the great Italian masters. To date, he has crafted over 145 instruments, many being performed on by some of the top musicians around the world.
His expertise has led to prestigious commissions, such as bench copies of the Peregrino de Zanetto viola and a Giovanni Francesco Pressenda violin for members of the LA Philharmonic.
Eric’s pursuit of excellence extends beyond his family’s mentorship. He continually expands his understanding of acoustics through various channels, including summer workshops in Oberlin, Ohio. Globally recognized, Eric excels in evaluating, setting up, and making acoustical adjustments to fine instruments, ensuring they resonate with their unique voices.
Eric is a proud member of the American Federation of Violin and Bow Makers and the EILA. His work has been featured in prominent publications like The Strad and Strings magazines. Residing in the San Fernando Valley with his wife and four sons, Eric remains dedicated to the art and evolution of violinmaking.
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.