March 2026 Featured Instrument

A Tononi-Model Cello by Peter Bingen

Minneapolis, 2024

Thank you to Kacey Cole Photography!

Peter Bingen (b. 1974, Los Angeles, CA) is an award-winning luthier based out of Minneapolis who specializes in violins, violas, and cellos. A graduate of North Bennet Street School, he apprenticed with David Gusset and Andy Carruthers. Recognized for original design and exeptional tone, Bingen's accolades include a 2024 VSA Silver Medal.

This instrument is based on a beautiful Tononi cello that Peter had the pleasure of restoring over the course of a few years. The varnish reflects the dark red textured Venetian varnish from the original. The scroll is old growth ash rescued from an old barn in the midwest, the back is lightweight and strong poplar from the United States, the ribs are European maple, and the top is European spruce.

This cello has an astoundingly clean, even, and silvery sound: come on by and try it out for yourself!