Newsroom

You Are Cordially Invited to our 70th Anniversary Celebration and Open House!

Saturday, January 28th from 2PM to 6 PM

We are celebrating 70 years providing expert service and meeting the needs of collectors and the most discerning musicians - from the beginner to professional - since 1953.

...

Due to State-wide mandates, we have temporarily ceased operations at our brick and mortar shop until further notice.

Like you, we believe in the power of music to bring people together in the most difficult of times. We’re heartened and inspired to see so many performing music online and on ...

Benning Academy of Music seeks  support for music education and training for the underserved.

The story of the Benning Academy of Music began many years ago when Hans and Nancy Benning began to travel from their home in Los Angeles to an orphanage for needy children in Baja, Mexico through ...

Preeminent violin shops Reuning & Son Violins and Benning Violins will host a five-day exhibit of rare violas crafted by old and modern Italian masters. The exhibit coincides with the 2018 Primrose International Viola Competition held from June 12 to June 16 in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, ...

Appraisal and certificate services are offered by internationally-recognized expert during the Primrose Viola Competition.

Distinguished violin maker and restorer Christopher Reuning will be accepting appointments for appraisals and certificates at Benning Violins on June 14th and 15th.

Mr. ...

The Viola: An Exhibition of Sound, Form and Beauty

Proudly Presented by Reuning & Son Violins and Benning Violins

Preeminent violin shops Reuning & Son Violins of Boston and Benning Violins of Los Angeles will host a five-day exhibit of fine violas and viola bows crafted by old and ...

Preeminent Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning has five of his instruments in the LA Philharmonic ... and here's a photo to prove it.

Five stellar Los Angeles Philharmonic musicians - three violinists, a violist and a cellist - who perform on instruments crafted by Los Angeles-based luthier ...

Preeminent Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning – in a wide-ranging interview – discusses the challenges and opportunities of pursuing his dream.

VoyageLA, one of LA's top media-driven online publications supporting the arts community, has recently interviewed Los Angeles-based violinmaker ...

What happens when a preeminent violinist travels to a Mexican orphanage, a convent, and a prison, to name only a few places? Inspiration happens.

Internationally renowned violinist, Midori Goto, has dedicated much of her life to performing the world’s greatest music, with the world’s ...

Renowned art blog features interview with Los Angeles-based violinmaker Eric Benning, “a rising star” in the Golden Age of Violinmaking.

Third-generation master violinmaker Eric Benning did not set out to become a star in what he calls “the golden age of modern American violinmaking.” ...

Distinguished violinist Mitch Newman, a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has acquired a fine violin crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

Violinist Mitchell Newman, a distinguished concert violinist and member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has recently acquired a ...

Los Angeles violinmakers, Benning Violins, will lend three fine cellos for performers' use at Fresno Cello Festival in October.

Prestigious Los Angeles violin shop Benning Violins has announced that it will be lending three master-crafted cellos to the Cello Fresno International Festival.

The ...

The violin, crafted by inventor Thomas Edison’s assistant and owned and played by a President Woodrow Wilson-appointed borough Postmaster, is an interesting piece of Americana.

Los Angeles, CA – September 27, 2016 - An antique American violin crafted by the personal assistant of famed ...

Mainstay Los Angeles violin shop, Benning Violins, will loan fine cellos and cello bows to University of Southern California's International Cello Festival

Benning Violins has announced that it will be lending for use eight master-crafted cellos and 5 fine cello bows to USC’s Piatigorsky ...

Benning Violins, a preeminent violin shop in Los Angeles, has launched a new, industry-leading website. Launched in April, the state-of-the-art site showcases their catalog of fine violins, violas, cellos and bows crafted by both old and modern masters, as well as instruments made by resident ...

Critically renowned violinist, Vijay Gupta, has acquired a newly crafted violin by violinmaker Eric Benning. The instrument, modeled after a violin by Carlo Bergonzi, was completed in 2015 and is Benning’s 104^th instrument.

Los Angeles, CA April 8, 2016 – Vijay Gupta, the critically ...

Of the many fine cellos Eric Benning has crafted in his Los Angeles violin shop, he was convinced this particular cello would be his last.

Violinmaker Eric Benning has just completed work on his latest cello on March 30th, 2016. While the announcement of the completion of any cello crafted by ...

LA Philharmonic phenom and philanthropist Vijay Gupta acquires a Bergonzi-model violin crafted by violinmaker Eric Benning.

Vijay Gupta, a violinist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic, has recently acquired a violin crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning. The violin, Benning's 104th ...

Garrett Benning, eldest son of Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning, will be leaving the Los Angeles violin shop for the US Naval Academy.

Our very own Garrett Benning - oldest son of preeminent violinmaker Eric Benning and grandson to renowned luthiers Nancy and Hans Benning - has been accepted ...

Benning Violins is helping to make a difference in the lives of hardened inmates and nuns alike

For Hans and Nancy Benning, of Benning Violins, a violin shop in Los Angeles, making fine instruments for the world’s finest players is a four-generation family tradition—and so is giving back to ...

She thinks Beethoven is a dog -- but Heidi discovered music, and Studio City history, at Benning Violins on Ventura Boulevard

While Studio City mourns the passing of the landmark Henry’s Tacos, be thankful there is still some old Studio City history left in the neighborhood. One of those is ...

Since the early 20th century, members of the Benning family have been making violins renowned for their beauty, sound and craftsmanship.

One day, mid-summer, I stopped by Los Angeles violin shop Benning Violins in Studio City for repairs on a friend's cello. German-born Hans Benning was at his ...

In 1979, the Bennings began working at a Mexican orphanage built by friends. Thirty-four years later, they're still going back.

Tito reaches out to the poorest families, who come in on scholarship, their training funded in part by donations and by the fees middle-class families are able to pay. ...

STUDIO CITY | Fourteen-year-old Nathan Benning cradled a violin 14 months in the making, fitted it to a freckly chin, then launched into a deep and resonant minor violin concerto.

Its rich vibrato filled the showroom at Los Angeles violin shop Studio City Music, otherwise known as Benning ...

Issac Salchow brings his passion and expertise to Benning Violins' storied Los Angeles violin shop.

Isaac Salchow was born and raised in Northern California. At the age of 19, he moved to New York City to study bowmaking with his grandfather, William Salchow, and to work in his shop. From the ...

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 ...

Kansas City Symphony principal second violinist Tamamo Gibbs has acquired a 2005 Stradivarius model violin crafted by renowned violinmaker Eric Benning.  The instrument, crafted in 2005, was made in collaboration with celebrated luthier Carl F. Becker.

Los Angeles, CA – September 25, 2015 ...

Mark Gibbs, principal cellist of the Kansas City Symphony, has acquired a cello crafted by distinguished Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning. The instrument, crafted in 2008 after a Stradivarius cello, possesses, according to Gibbs, a “rare combination of traits”.

Los Angeles, CA – August ...

Director, cinematographer and filmmaker Michael Bernard has released an original short film chronicling the story of the Bennings, the family of distinguished violinmakers based in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles, CA - June 10, 2015 - Director, cinematographer and filmmaker Michael Bernard has released ...

Violinist Clayton Haslop, widley recognized teacher and performer, has acquired a violin crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

Acclaimed Los Angeles-area violinist, Clayton Haslop, has recently acquired a violin crafted by Eric Benning of Benning Violins. Haslop, who has traveled ...

Los Angeles-based violinist Alex Granger will perform a violin concerto in San Francisco written expressely for him by composer Lucas Floyd.

On Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 7:00 PM, come experience and enjoy the second-ever performance of Lucas Floyd's Violin Concerto, written expressly for ...

Nathan Benning, a 14-year-old violinmaker has completed his first instrument, a violin crafted after a Stradivarius model. Nathan, son of preeminent luthier Eric Benning, is a 4th generation maker at Los Angeles-area violin shop, Benning Violins.

Los Angeles, CA - August 20, 1014 - Nathan ...

On April 27, 2014, violinist Alex Granger premiered American composer Lucas Floyd's violin concerto in San Francisco Conservatory of Music's Sol Joseph Recital Hall. The concerto was performed on a 2010 violin crafted by master Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

Los Angeles, CA July 20, 2014 ...

Preeminent violin shop Benning Violins will host a three-day exhibit of fine violas and bows crafted by old and modern masters, “The Viola: An Exhibition of Sound, Form and Beauty.” The exhibit, held on June 12 through the 14, featuring rare violas and bows for viewing, trial and purchase, ...

Los Angeles violin shop will host a three-day exhibit of fine violas coinciding with the Primrose Viola Competition.

"The Viola: An Exhibition of Sound, Form and Beauty"

Primrose International Viola Competition Attendees, Participants and Judges ...

You are cordially invited to attend a 3 day ...

Nathaniel Ayers was shy in our first encounter a few months ago, if not a little wary. He took a step back when I approached to say I liked the way his violin music turned the clatter around downtown L.A.'s Pershing Square into an urban symphony.

I was more than a little impressed, especially ...

Renowned conductor and cellist Ronald Feldman, has acquired a newly crafted master cello made by distinguished Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning. The cello, crafted by Benning in 2013 and modeled after a noted Stradivarius model, is, according to Feldman, “a joy to play”.

Los Angeles, CA ...

Innovative indie Jazz cellist Jacob Szekely has released a critically acclaimed self-titled recording of improvisations with the Jacob Szekely Trio, performed on a cello crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning of Benning Violins. Szekely says of the master-crafted instrument, “It inspires ...

LA Times writer, Steve Lopez, has featured the Benning family, fourth generation violinmakers and owners and operators of Benning Violins, a mainstay Los Angeles violin shop, in his recent column.  Lopez, a celebrated columnist and author, writes of resident master luthier Eric Benning, his ...

Benning Violins has announced the North American retail release of the long-awaited Phantom shoulder rest, an accessory for violin players. The shoulder rest, available on Benning's online store as well as at their Los Angeles-area violin shop, is a modern adjustable rest that has been shown to ...

Benning Violins, the renowned Los Angeles-area violin shop that has been a mainstay musical institution on the West Coast providing service and sales of fine instruments, has announced the publication of their quarterly online magazine, Resonance, with its inaugural issue published to its ...

Benning Violins, the distinguished Los Angeles-area violin shop that has served string players – from beginners to professionals – since 1953, has announced an April 28 open house to celebrate 60 years in business. The celebration will feature exhibits, hors d’oeuvres and live performances ...

Renowned Los Angeles violin studio launches online retail store to compliment their existing online catalog of fine, master-crafted instruments. The online store will offer lesser-cost violins, violas, cellos, bows, strings and accessories, as well as outfits for students and intermediate players ...

Renowned Los Angeles-based violin virtuoso Aleksandra Maslovaric, has acquired a master violin crafted by luthier Eric Benning. The violin, made by Benning in 2009 after a celebrated Stradivarius model, will be used to record the violinist's next recording of classical works written by women ...

Benning Violins, a distinguished Los Angeles-area violin shop that serves string players from beginners to professionals, has announced a part-time resident partnership with renowned master bowmaker Ole Kanestrom. Kanestrom, who runs his own successful shop in Port Townsend, WA, makes and repairs ...

Eric Benning, distinguished violinmaker at Los Angeles-based violin shop Benning Violins, is one of almost 50 modern master violinmakers chosen whose finely crafted instruments went on exhibit in New York at the second annual Contemporary Violinmakers Exhibition.

Los Angeles, CA October 22, 2012 ...

Distinguished Los Angeles violin shop, Benning Violins, and master violinmakers Eric and Hans Benning, are featured prominently on Arts & Entertainment Channel’s DVD release of “Storage Wars: Season 2”. In the highly watched episode, cast member Dave Hester discovers what he hopes is a ...

World renowned Russian conductor and concert violinist Ashot Tigranyan has recently acquired a violin crafted by master violinmaker Eric Benning of Benning Violins in Los Angeles. The 2011 violin, modeled after a well known and celebrated 1748 violin by the Italian master Tommaso Balestrieri, ...

The distinguished and renowned Los Angeles violin shop, Benning Violins, has released their online catalog of the most extensive collection of fine antique and contemporary violins, violas, cellos and bows for sale on the West Coast. The shop, family-owned and operated since 1953, famously ...

We would like to congratulate violinist Vincent Houser on his recent purchase of a Stradivarius-model Violin crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning!

Vincent is a former student of Jascha Heifetz, Performing Arts Chairman at Buckley School in Sherman Oaks and Orchestra Director for "Art ...

Congratulations to violist Taisiya Sokolova for her acquisition of the most recently complted viola crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

Taisiya has been studying with Paul Coletti at the Colburn School. She resides in Moscow, Russia, so it is exciting to have one of Eric Benning's ...

Benning Violins, a renowned family-owned and operated violin shop since 1953, is pleased to now offer individualized financing plans on instruments, bows and accessory purchases. The distinguished violin shop, which offers one of the largest and finest collections of old and new violins, violas, ...

Benning Violins, formerly known as Studio City Music, one of Los Angeles’ most distinguished violin shops serving string players from beginners to the professional since 1953, has released a new state-of-the-art web site. The site, which goes live on May 10, showcases their unique catalog of ...

Benning Violins would like to congratulate cellist Jeffrey Ho of Santa Monica on his recent acquisition of a cello crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

This particular cello - a Stradivarius model - was only recently completed by Eric.

Jeffrey will be taking the cello this summer to ...

Distinguished violist Paul Coletti has acquired a viola crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning on behalf of The Colburn School.

Violist Paul Coletti, a faculty member at The Colburn School Conservatory of Music, has personally selected violinmaker Eric Benning's most recent-crafted ...

Violinist Tito Quiroz performs for President Filipe Calderon in Ensenada, Mexico.

Details posted shortly.

UPDATE: 5-10-2012 - The cello has since been sold and Beare Fine Violins has since closed their New York shop.

The most recent Stradivarius-model cello has crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric benning is completed and is now available for examination and trial at the violin shop of J & A ...

Cellist Victor Lawrence has acquired a fine cello crafted by violinmaker Eric Benning. Eric has earned an international reputation making violins, violas and cellos at his Los Angeles violin shop, Benning Violins.

A native of New York City, Victor is currently residing, teacing and performing in ...

Cellist Armen Ksadjikian will be performing with the California String Quarter with a fine cello crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric Benning.

Sunday September 13th at 2 pm.

Armen Ksadjikian will be joining the California String Quartet in their Sunday Concert Series.

FREE ADMISSION

At the ...

Chinese born violist, Silu Fei, becomes the latest owner of a violin crafted by Los Angeles Violinmaker Eric Benning.

Violist Silu Fei has purchase the latest Eric Benning viola made in 2010. This viola is based on a Stradivarius model and features the same wood as the last viola made for the ...

Now available in NY at the studio of Julie Reed

Latest Stradivarius model violin crafted by Eric Benning, is now available in New York at the violin shop of Julie Reed.

Please contact her studio for availability.

Reed Yeboah Fine Violins, LLC
1776 Broadway, Suite 1701
New York, NY 10019-2002

Toll ...

Los Angeles-based violinist Michael Garcia has purchased Eric Benning's first violin - the "ex Raymond Wurfl" - crafted by Eric from age 8 to 11.

Michael studied with Sidney Szathmary, Principal Violinist of the Indianapolis Symphony, and has performed as a member of both the Symphony of ...

Congratulations to Gahyun Cho for making the finals in the Berlin International Max Rostal Competition for Viola and Violin!

Gahyun is playing on the a Tomaso Balestrieri-model violin crafted by Los Angeles violinmaker Eric benning.

Benning Violins would like to congratulate and welcome cellist Jacob Szekely to the growing list of great musicians who are playing on Eric Benning's instruments.

Jacob has purchased the latest Benning cello made on the Stradivarius model. We at Benning Violins wish him many years of enjoyment ...

Hans Benning sits in his shop, applying a finger plane to the backside of a cello. He taps the wood, cocking his ear to hear the dull thump of mountain-grown maple.

"Each piece of wood that goes into making an instrument is individual," said Benning, owner of Studio City Music, a Los Angeles ...