Menzel studied lutherie with the famous Carleen Hutchins of Montclair, New Jersey, whose works can be seen at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. He was also the Secretary of the Catgut Acoustical Society for twenty-five years.

Menzel was widely known for honesty and integrity in his business dealings. He opposed the widespread use of secret teacher kickbacks/commissions that can add up to sixty percent to the price of an instrument. For Richard Menzel, ethics was number one, and he never buckled to the constant pressure from teachers and schools. In this, he stood alone.

He passed away suddenly on May 21, 2000. His daughter Mo Menzel now continues the tradition.