Benning
Fine Violins
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In an economy rushing frantically toward its high-tech future, Studio City Music represents an island of stubborn, low-tech tradition.
Paul ran a simple family-owned and operated business along with his wife, Ruth, and two daughters, Nancy and Jane. Nancy Toenniges showed a decided talent in restoration at an early age and it was decided that she should attend the Violinmaking School in Mittenwald, Germany to further her education. While in Mittenwald, Nancy met her future husband, Hans Benning, also a student in the violinmaking school. Together they returned to Studio City Music in 1964 to continue the legacy of their shop. Hans Benning continued his studies, working for a time with Carl Becker Sr. in Wisconsin and with others in the California area, such as Raymond Del Prado and Frank Kovanda. Eventually, in 1978, Hans and Nancy Benning took over Studio City Music when Paul retired. The longevity of Studio City Music seems very much intact now that Hans' and Nancy's son, Eric Benning, has come to work for them and intends on running the shop for the third generation.
Today the Benning family is very active in both making and in fine restoration and sales. |
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Benning Fine Violins |
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Eric Benning began
making his first violin when he was 9 years old and completed it when he was
only 11, working only Saturdays and holidays. Studying under his father until
he was 25, Eric then went and studied under Carl Becker Jr., in Pickerel, Wisconsin.