Benning Violins, a family business since 1953, continues to carry on their reputation specializing in violins, violas, cellos and bows.
Studio City Music, now Benning Violins, was the vision of Paul Toenniges in 1908. Paul began his studies of instrument making under the promptings of Carl Becker Sr., his brother-in-law. He worked alongside some of the greatest names in American violinmakers and restorers while working at William Lewis & Son in Chicago from 1926 to 1940.
While there, Paul established himself as an excellent repairman and fine bass maker. He moved to Los Angeles in 1945, where he worked for Rudolf Wurlitzer, and in 1950 Paul opened Studio City Music.
Paul ran a simple family-owned and operated business along with his wife, Ruth and two daughters, Nancy and Jane. Nancy showed a remarkable talent in restoration and it was decided that she should attend the Violinmaking School in Mittenwald, Germany. While there, Nancy met her future husband, Hans Benning, also a student. Together they returned to Studio City Music in 1964 to continue the legacy of the music shop.
