 One
of the greatest pleasures for the Bennings has been the making of new
instruments. Initially Paul Toenniges in his lifetime made 50 double
basses. Hans and Nancy Benning have collaborated on making over 150
violins, violas, cellos bass gambas, tenor gambas and viola d'more.
This passion for making has reached its third generation and Eric
Benning has now made over 20 instruments with many more on the way.
Each step of the new making process is done with carefully thought out accuracy. The wood chosen is well seasoned Bosnian maple for the back sides and scroll, and the top is Bavarian or Bosnian spruce. Most of their wood that is used has been aged for at least 25 years. Years of foresight and many trips to Europe to hand select each piece of wood, has benefited the Bennings in having an excellent selection of raw materials to begin with. Violins made by the Bennings are made
primarily on Stradivarius and
Most of all their instruments are varnished as new instruments, with the exception of special order copies. The Bennings feel that the unique wear that occurs over time is the best form of patina that an instrument could get. When encountering prejudice towards new instruments, Hans is heard frequently saying, "Stradivarius made new instruments". Benning instruments can be ordered with usually less than a year for your order to be completed.
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Guarnerius
outlines. Cellos are made after Stradivarius, Amati, David Tecchler
and a small John Betts model. Violas also follow the Stradivarius
outline in a comfortable 161/2" model. Inquiries into their
Baroque instruments along with special carvings is also encouraged.
![[Clickable Image]](http://www.maestronet.com/studiocity/cellofull.JPG)
