I went in today to Beginning Violins today and had a great experience. I was helped by Laura who was very helpful and kind. She even offered to put finger tapes on for me since I am a beginner. Prices are very fair AND there is parking in the back :) read more

I thought they were busy so I patiently waited. They had other people checking on other people and then they called for extra help when another guy walked in. Wish I could have received the same service. Maybe I should have made the longer driver to Metzler. I told the guy who finally checked me out thanks to the customer who told them I was waiting before him. Let's hope they pay more attention to ALL their customers. Really bummed me out. read more

Good service Wide selection of instruments Value for money I like going here for the ambience. read more

Great first time experience! The sales help was both friendly and knowledgeable, we'll definitely be back.

My boys and I have been coming here for the last 5 years to get their violins fitted, repaired, and switched out and we have a great experience every time. read more

Eric and his entire family are wonderful and the most professionals in the business. I love their selection and you cannot find a better price for anything. I've been patiently saving for his fine instruments! I cannot stress enough the time he makes for all his client feel special. There's so many violins you will be lost for days the selection of violins; violas, bows and cellos, basses is unmatched maybe anywhere in the world. And a friendly smile and genuine care in each transaction no matter how big or small it is makes you want to come back time and time again I know my children will be seeing his in the far future for their stringed instrument needs. It's a beautiful thing to see in these days. read more

Bennings is great! They were extremely helpful and patient, I was there for 3 hours and never felt unwelcome, and not even mentioning how amazing the violins were. I tried around 10-13 different ones all in my price range, and they were all very unique and resonant. Thank you so much! read more

Since 1953 the Benning family name has been synonymous with the old-world craft of making fine, master-crafted instruments, when by a marriage (some may call destiny), the family took over Studio City Music in Los Angles. This is a very tardy review from 2020 of a visit with a friend that was looking for a bow replacement. I was a former musician myself and played trumpet. Although strings was not my thing I appreciate all types of instruments. Studio City Music was the vision of Paul Toenniges, born in De Kalb, Illinois 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 in Chicago from 1926 to 1940. He moved to Los Angeles in 1945, where he worked at the Rudolf Wurlitzer branch from 1946 to 1950. Finally, in 1950, Paul opened his own shop, which he named Studio City Music. Paul ran a simple family-owned shop along with his wife, Ruth, and two daughters. Daughter Nancy showed a remarkable talent in restoration at an early age and it was decided that she would attend the Violinmaking School in Mittenwald, Germany to further her education. While in Mittenwald, Nancy met her love, Hans Benning, also a student in the violinmaking school. Together they returned to Studio City Music to continue the legacy of her family's business. Eventually, in 1978, Hans and Nancy Benning took over Studio City Music when her father 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- after studying himself many years. The luthier legacy will continue for the third generation. With Eric's teen son now learning the family trade, it seems very possible this store will last yet another chapter of the family legacy in wood. A visit with a friends son to their show room to try over 30 bow possibilities they laid out. He will be entering college in the fall and studying music. The price can be staggering for a high quality bow. Then finally...nailing down "the one". A bow that was lovingly carved in Germany and created in the1960's. I believe the bow was placed on hold. I'm not sure if it was ever purchased. The price was over $3,500. A trip to Benning Violin is much like a trip to the candy store for a violinist. I can honestly say they don't have specialty music stores such as this to compare. The owner Hans now 79 continues to be on sight most everyday. read more

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I walked in to this amazing place hoping that they can revive my father's violin from 1920. this was labor of love done by this amazing family. i don't have enough words to express my gratitude and appreciation for the professional of all. amazing !! Moshe read more

Such a sweet family business. The staff is so kind and extremely knowledgeable. They treat everyone with kindness and respect. My daughter loves it there. Parking is great as well:) read more

Benning Violins - Parking lot has a violin shaped bush and a bow garden. - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Studio City, California

Had some old violins that were leftovers from a business my family used to own. Mr. Bennings was nice enough to give me quick appraisals of them. Very friendly, and knowledgeable. Good people. Thanks! read more

Nicest and most helpful people ever. EVER! My son was forced to try violin this year, and they were so helpful with fitting and explaining the terms of the rental. They also sold different shoulder rests and other accessories in store. Their store hours are pretty limited so you gotta catch them when you can. read more

I've been a long time customer of 20+ years coming to Benning violins. It's always been a pleasant experience whether renting or buying instruments or buying equipment. They always have the small knickknacks that I need and Hans is always very honest with instrument-estimates in value. Highly recommend this violin store. read more

What a great shop! They not only corrected problems caused by another luthier, which made my cello almost unplayable, but they made my cello sound better than it has ever sounded. Before the other luthier messed it up, it was already a very good sounding instrument, so it's definitely impressive that Eric Benning and company got it sounding even better. Very nice people, too! I wish that I had known to come here first. read more

Since I'm a beginner, I have a super low cost cello my partner bought for me from the internet. Needless to say, it needed some upgrades. The folks at Benning Violins were extremely helpful when it came to the upgrades. They made me a new bridge, fixed my fingerboard, and put on a couple new strings. When I got my cello back, it sounded warmer but things weren't quite perfect (I.e. my delicate beginner fingers couldn't handle the slightly taller bridge!). The Bennings helped perfect the instrument for me and now it sounds and feels great! I'm so happy with the work they did on my cello. If I need any future adjustments, I will definitely bring it back to them. read more

Benning Violins - Cello bridge from Benning Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Studio City, California

I walked into Benning Violin at the suggestion of Wolfgang T, our instructor. I needed to buy a shoulder rest, and although mine was a small and financially insignificant purchase, I felt that I was treated as though I bought an expensive violin. The wonderful woman who helped me took great care fitting and adjusting the shoulder rest to the violin and made suggestions on how to personalize the fit even further. I also loved that they were open early in the morning to I could get this errand done before my commute. This is a gem of a store. read more

Benning Violins - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Studio City, California

Benning Violins has generations of experience in kindness and craftsmanship to draw upon; skills present in every instrument they make and work with. I'm a fulfilled Benning Violins customer. When my bow broke, they repaired it, allowing me to play. I purchased one of their carbon fiber bows so I'd have a more durable option. When my violin needed new strings, they've restrung it, reinvigorating its tone. I recently purchased a new shoulder rest and they helped me to pick out the perfect one, greatly reducing neck and shoulder strain. They even installed a bridge with a pickup, amplifying the instrument and opening up new pathways for me to take my music career, from playing in new ways to improving stage arrangements. Of course, I get all my rosin and rags from them, too. Overall, I am very grateful for Benning Violins' services, craftsmanship, humor and kindness. Benning Violins rocks! read more

Took my daughter's violin in for repair. It was fixed on the spot by Mr. Eric Benning. What a delightful family business! The staff was attentive and genuine. Mr. Benning only charged me $5 and I argued that the work was, at the very least, worth $20. Although I insisted and argued that the customer is always right, they would not take my money. In today's customer-poor-service environment, it was an absolute treat to take a step back in time and feel what it's like to be the recipient of warm and highly specialized service. I miss those days. Thank you Benning Violins. I will be back and hopefully, the customer will prevail when it comes to paying Mr. Eric Benning his true worth. :) read more

Just went there this morning. This store is sooooo adorable!! The lady helping me was super friendly. If you like the mini violin cutout in the front, ask to see the cello cut out in the back!! It even lights up~ read more

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I have now taken home two instruments from Benning Violins, and both are remarkable, to say the least! The first was a Violin a few years ago, and I had such a good experience with the staff that when it was time to get a Viola, I knew exactly where to go. They don't pressure, they are knowledgable, friendly, and their prices are reflective of their instruments - perfectly tuned and of high caliber quality. I am a big fan of testing things out before buying them, and they have two rooms for that and will let you play to your heart's content. They even mailed me a thank you card for my business! I never get those and it was a warm finish to a great purchase! When I go for my Cello, I know where I'm going and I'd recommend everyone to seek them out! read more

I wanted to consign a gifted violin & was given an appointment to meet with Erick. It was a very positive experience ! He looked over everything and explained how much my violin was approximately worth, it was made to be used by a fiddler, he could not consign it, but he cleaned my case and he tuned the violin & even had the other gentleman play something for us. We can tell he has passion for his work & the instruments. We felt very welcomed and not belittled although we don't really know much about violins . If I had another instrument to consign , I would definitely come back to Benning Violins ! read more

I've been coming to Benning's since buying my first significant cello there over a decade ago. My cello (made by Hans and Nancy) has been with me through Colburn, undergrad, gradschool, auditions and countless performances. Every time I come back to visit they are always so kind to look it over and help me out with anything else I may need. Over the years I've found them to be expert craftsmen, easy to work with and very generous with their time and knowledge. I highly recommend them to anyone interested in trying out/purchasing high quality instruments. read more

Benning Violins - Thanks to the Benning crew for getting me set up and on my way! - Musical Instruments & Teachers Near Me - Studio City, California

I was looking for a new instrument to play and decided that I should play a violin. I searched on yelp to find a violin store and I stumbled here. Upon arriving to the store, I asked for a violin for beginner, they gave me two violin to choose from. The price range was within my budget, and the person was nice enough to play the two violin to see which sound cater my ear. Anywho, I purchased a violin from this store, the vibe is great! Definitely would recommend for purchasing or renting a violin here read more

Excellent luthier and violin store. Fine beautiful violins, violas. Love this store. Good customer service.

Well, I've been back a few times since 2016. They just keep raising their prices on everything...not the time to be doing so (let's not forget that 2022 is the year when we're coming down off of the pandemic and recovering from a very long dry spell for performing artists). As stated in another review, I did have a couple bad rehairs there long ago and that's when I started going to Cremona Violin Shop, owned and operated by one man who did everything, K. Watanabe...his prices were reasonable. He charged but $45.00 plus tax for a rehair 3-4 years ago before he sadly had to close his doors and retire. A violin bow rehair is $75-80 (not even including tax) at Benning Violins. Maybe $45 is low, but $80 is too high. Horsehair is not that expensive. Anyhow, it is what it is. They're the only shop in the valley I think. The last couple rehairs they did for me have been ok, and they're nice people. But if you want discounts or low prices, they will Not be giving you any. read more

I've only visited this shop once but will definitely be back! I mistakenly came in on a day they were closed for a special event, wanting to have someone put new strings on my viola. Although they were closed, they offered to help me anyway, and were done in minutes and only charged me a few dollars. They also pointed out a couple of defects in the strings I had ordered that I hadn't noticed - I'm thankful that I'm now aware of this if it causes me any issues in the future. The employees are all extremely knowledgeable and genuinely kind. So glad to have found a place I can trust with my instrument. read more

Took my "Antique" store violin find from Santa Barbara to find out how rich I was going to be. The labels inside hinted at a very expensive 300 year old violin......... The folks at Benning's were nice enough to take a quick look and not laugh too much at the humble Eastern European turn of the century replica. The store has many beautiful instruments well worth their pedigree. It is obvious that the work done in the back of the store is Master quality. I appreciate the time and sharing of expertise, even if my lottery ticket didn't turn out to be a winner! read more

This was such a great place in LA to get a string instrument. It's a small family business and everyone there was very helpful. We recently bought a new cello and once we got there, they set up about 8 cellos within our price range. Brian and Laura were very helpful and able to offer many things about these instruments. They offered us multiple selections of bows as well. I was recommended here by a family friend. I'm in college now and I needed to upgrade my student cello to something that would last me at the University. Overall, I'm very happy of my new cello- in fact, they also gave me wonderful rosin and a cleaning cloth for free! :) read more

Excellent shop, service and family owned business for many many years. Occasionally I rent the Hausman cello and it is not only a beautiful instrument but the overall service is great, warm, friendly and helpful. I couldn't see going to another place only because my experience here is always top notch. Thank you! read more

I've been coming here since I was 4 years old. I'm 35 now and won't go anywhere else. They know their stuff. Any advice you will need is here and the selection of instruments is unparalleled. Recently bought my dream violin and havnt been able to remove the smile off my face. read more

LOVE Benning Violins!! Last week, I stepped in to Benning Violins for the first time in my life. I was looking to purchase a cello in the $5000-$8000 price range, and within minutes of arriving at the shop, I was set up in the side room with 6 beautiful cellos. It's important to note that I am a professional oboist not a cellist -- I just recently started taking cello lessons -- so I was expecting I would be shuffled in and out of the shop as quickly as possible. This was absolutely NOT the case! I was given as much attention and care by everyone involved with this process as any lifetime string player could have expected. As I played my simple scales on each of the cellos, I was checked on with great frequency to find out my impressions and to bring in even more cellos. Not once did I feel like they were holding out on good instruments; cello after cello of the highest quality passed through the room. It's also important to note that each and every cello was already tuned, so I had to do nothing but put bow to string. At the end of an hour, I had chosen a cello (or rather, it had chosen me) and was told that I could take it home for a week on trial. In fact, they offered to let me take home my second choice, too. I only declined the 2nd cello because my car isn't big enough for two! I was amazed as they set me up with a great bow (how the bow was chosen for me was absolute voodoo because it was a perfect fit for me and this cello!) to take home as well. As I waited for the cello to be loaded into the case, Hans Benning came out of the workshop to talk to my husband and I. He is a deep a thinking artist as I've ever met, telling us how buildings have no personality, they're just squares. True architecture is hard to find. It's clear why he does what he does in life. One week later (today) I returned to Benning Violins to purchase the cello. This is where the real magic happened! Nancy herself took care of us, talking and laughing with me about how intoxicating playing the cello is, and I heard a wonderful story from her about her days as an apprentice luthier. She took me aside to show me the selection of cases available. My heart has been set on the mint green ProTec NewTech case since the moment I laid eyes on one. But when we walked over, she turned over the price tag and said, "Oh no, that's too expensive! I can't sell you that!" and she disappeared in to the back. She returned a few minutes later pulling a Vivo Case, mint green, for 1/4 of the price. The opportunity to upsell me right there and then came and went, and she won my heart forever with this thoughtfulness. My cello was sent back into the workshop with Hans who gave the cello the once over, as well as put on an wolf inhibitor. He came out to show me how to find the wolf and then how to adjust the inhibitor. I was *very* nervous to play in front of him, even if it just was sliding to the F to hear the wolf! He then talked to me about laying the case on it's side when the cello is inside. Nancy continued to load me up with all kinds of goodies to go with my new cello. Their niece, I'm sorry her name escapes me, was such a delight to deal with as well. Also a new string player, we had plenty to talk about! I suppose this is my very very longwinded way of saying that Benning Violins is all that it promises to be. If we were just talking about beautiful instruments and great prices, that would be simple. But Benning is more than that. It's a family. It's an experience. It's expertise. I'm honored to have been invited in. read more

I love these guys. I'm an amateur cellist with a pretty lousy instrument, but they've set me up pretty well over the years. From cutting a new bridge and planing the fingerboard to lower the action to installing a weapons-grade endpin, they always treat me with respect and offer me lower-cost options when they're available. I also purchased a new bow from them and was able to spend a couple of hours comparing and contrasting. The bow that sounded the best with my instrument was not anywhere near the most expensive in the shop. In the near future I'm hoping to upgrade to a cello that's not half made of plywood with plastic scroll ears, but that will cost less than a Honda Accord. This is the first place I will try! read more

Quite a lovely place. Warm, friendly service for even a music-novice know-nothing like me. They are helpful and knowledgeable. They are violin pros with a depth that you feel upon entering the building. Their family has fostered musicality here and abroad and they are an institution within the culture of classical music. Benning Violins is a true treasure for the Los Angeles area and we are as lucky to have them as they us. I plan to return to say hello or browse their wares any time I am permitted. read more

A pleasant break from the hustle-&-bustle of los angeles county would be a way to describe the environment you encounter when entering Benning Violins. Immediately after you come into the shop, a wave tranquility and an escape to tradition and brick&mortar craftsmanship takes over, and then you are greeted warmly by their staff. Now, its important (and the polite thing to do if not expected) to call in advance and make an appointment, so they can help find what you need/help with repairs/etc the best they can. I am a very picky consumer when it comes to violin-family instrument needs (im a cellist but also play violin) , and they've been so courteous and patient with me, and i've always left a happy customer. read more

Always come here to get your repair quote first - May I clarify that... ALWAYS. Bennings does superior work, as they are a true shop as well as master instrument makers as well as offer good prices. (They beat the competition by hundreds of dollars and do great masterful work!) In addition to their skilled work and fair prices they are a family run business with some of the most delightful and wonderful people in LA! They have a great selection of student instruments including rentals as well as a wide range finer strings and bows. I love how generous they are with allowing you to try out bows and instruments before purchasing... and speaking of purchasing.... their inventory of fine instruments has had me dreaming and scheming for months! Why go anywhere else? read more

Absolutely my favorite viola (violin) shop in the world. I have been going here for over 45 years! I love the multi generation greeting and care for both myself and my many generations of students. They always come through turning my instrument around when I need work. The integrity of this family of Luthiers is unquestionable. On top of it all..what a lovely group of people to know for a lifetime. read more

We have purchased three violins from this shop. They have consistently great instruments, well set up, for good competitive prices. They were very patient with us, gave an honest opinion, and let us take our time without feeling pressured. We are willing to travel a good distance to come here and will return for future needs. Each violin we have purchased from them was a great instrument. They did some repair work as well and were reasonable and efficient. read more

We love Benning Violins so much! My husband and I are non-musical, so when my 7 year old begged for violin lessons, (5 years ago), we didn't know where to start. Originally, at my daughter's first music school, someone there suggested I buy a cheap violin off eBay. Not knowing better, that's what I did! At the time, my husband was working near Benning Violins, so we decided to check it out and ask questions, since I realized the first teacher and the violin off eBay were a bit of a joke. We had checked one other violin shop, but they were a bit snooty and totally not helpful. But at Benning, even though we were clueless walking in with our 7 year old, they were SO helpful! They took their time and answered all our questions, no matter how trivial. We literally knew NOTHING. I discovered that we could "rent to own" a decent quality student violin for a very fair price, then trade it in as my daughter grew. Yes, we could just rent - but we usually paid off the violin before my daughter was ready to move to the next size, so that saved us money in the long run. Since then, even though my husband no longer works in the area and we live in Pasadena, we drive across town for all of our musical needs, no matter what. Maybe we've had minor adjustments here and there, in an emergency, but those visits to other places have only confirmed our love for Benning! (Like having a string replaced somewhere else, and a clerk at the other violin shop telling us that our whole violin was warped and needed to be redone somehow? And insisted I leave the violin with them to be "fixed." Um, right! It's like they could smell my lack of knowledge and just had to take advantage - and when I took the violin to Benning to ask their thoughts? They said the violin was fine! They were very diplomatic, but they were clearly confused about what I was talking about.) Now my daughter has a full sized violin, the next step up from student level (I think they said pre-professional?), and is in the Pasadena Youth Orchestra, has dabbled with viola lessons (which we also got from Benning, obviously! But that was short lived), and last night auditioned for first chair of her ensemble. I don't know where she got her musical talent, but I am so grateful that Benning Violins has been there to help us help her, as she grows. She loves coming into Benning Violins, and is always thrilled when Mr. Benning (Hans) helps us - he is a bit of a celebrity to her. Although, over the years, we have been helped by the whole family at one time or another, and they have all been so personable and helpful. Personally, I also just love the shop. Coming from a family of artists and woodworkers, I just love the atmosphere of the place, always able to see a family member in the background working away, probably creating something amazing. I always want to just hang out and ask them what they are doing - go pry and look over their shoulder. That's just me talking - nothing to do with my daughter's musical needs! I have no idea how far my daughter will go with her violin, but I know we will keep driving across town as long as she is playing! There is just no other place that we have found that is as special, and as helpful. read more

I teach, perform, and play with my violins, and I love coming here because of how friendly and helpful they are. One of my students needed to replace the bow from a violin set I was renting to her, and I ended up buying one from Benning Violins within the first few minutes I was there. With a bit of chitchat, I also got a tool to fix a chinrest I was worried about, free of charge. It was such a friendly gesture! read more

I am a cellist and member of the L.A. Philharmonic for 35 years and during that time I have always had complete trust and satisfaction with Benning Violins in serving my needs as a professional musician. I am also playing on a magnificent cello that I recently purchased made by master luthier Eric Benning in 2006. The Benning family has always provided the best advice, quality work and value and I highly recommend them for all the needs of string players. read more