Hans Benning was born in Aachen, Germany. He entered the Violinmaking School in Mittenwald, Germany, in 1962, the same year as his soon-to-be wife, Nancy Benning. Arriving in the United States in 1964, he worked in the Studio City Music Shop with his new father-in-law, Paul Toenniges. There Hans Benning learned the fine art of repair and restoration under Paul Toenniges, Raymond Del Prato, and Frank Kovanda. Hans also studied for a time with Carl Becker, Sr. In 1978 Hans and Nancy Benning took over the Studio City Music store along with Nancy’s sister, Jane Fink, and they began specializing in only violins, violas, cellos and viola da gambas. Benning Violins was born out of that transition from a more general music store to the specialized violin shop that exists today. Hans has made many fine violins, violas and cellos, which are enjoyed by both professionals and amateurs alike. He has also made a number of viola da gambas which are still being played today by those who are involved in baroque and renaissance music. Hans was secretary of the International Violinmakers Association (EILA), of which he is now a senior member. He is also a member of the German Violinmakers Association (VDG), the American Federation of Violin and Bowmakers (AFVBM), and the Violin Society of America (VSA). Hans was privileged to be able to care for and service the violins and bows for Jascha Heifitz. Today he specializes in fine repairs, bow rehairs, and appraisals.
Hans Benning was born in Aachen, Germany. He entered the Violinmaking School in Mittenwald, Germany, in 1962, the same year as his soon-to-be wife, Nancy Benning. Arriving in the United States in 1964, he worked in the Studio City Music Shop with his new father-in-law, Paul Toenniges. There Hans Benning learned the fine art of repair and restoration under Paul Toenniges, Raymond Del Prato, and Frank Kovanda. Hans also studied for a time with Carl Be...
Benning,Hans
