With hundreds of options available, and most of them bad, choosing a student violin can take a lot of research, especially if you don’t have much experience with a delicate instrument like this.
It is very common for uninformed consumers to make the wrong choice and pick a violin that’s made from a substandard material like plywood (which is basically not even playable).
The G2 Ricard Bunnel by Kennedy Violins is one of the few entry-level models that delivers.
- Complete Outfit: includes high quality accessories, like Prelude strings installed, Portland string set, Portland shoulder rest, polishing cloth, Intro to Violin book, Giuliani rosin, a Giuliani Premier bow, and a Portland oblong carrying case.
- Assembly In The US: unlike other budget brands, Kennedy do final assembly and set-up in the USA, not in china.
- Handcrafted Wood: handcrafted with solid maple and spruce tonewoods, 100% genuine ebony fittings, completed with a satin oil finish.
- Lifetime Guarantee: backed by a lifetime warranty and a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Even though it is designed specifically for the beginner and is quite affordable, it is a fully functioning model that plays beautifully.
Bunnel G2 Review
The type of wood used for construction can play a critical role in how good or bad a violin sounds. The G2 is a great example of an entry-level model that’s crafted from a tone wood of exceptional quality.
This violin is made from tight-grain spruce and maple, with ebony fittings. While the ebony quality isn’t top of the line, it’s still of decent, durable quality. And it’s still ebony, not some other substandard material, like you usually see in beginner models.
The finish on the violin gives it a rich look that matches the sound quality. The weight of the violin is not too light or heavy and falls nicely on the scale, making it a perfect learning instrument that allows the student to play for hours on end without causing fatigue.
Advantages
Affordable price, lightweight and equipped with high quality learning strings that last. Kennedy Violins used wood designed to handle heavy use. The G2 is well-crafted and solid without feeling heavy. It offers beautiful tones and a nice level of volume.
Consumers also report that it stays in tune very well. Because the action isn’t too high, the user will not have to press very hard. This model comes with a case, which offers plenty of storage space. The bow is made from high quality horsehair and smooth wood that has no sharp edges.
In use, the bow moves smoothly along the strings with no stutter. The free Intro to Violin book you get with your purchase is perfect for the beginner who needs to learn the basics of playing, such as how to correctly hold the bow or how to place the fingers.
Disadvantages
One consumer had complaints regarding the F hole, feeling that it was not carved out well. We get what they’re saying. While it doesn’t affect the tone at all, it does have an impact on the look and overall impressions of quality of the violin.
Other consumers also had similar complaints of cosmetic flaws. Fortunately, they reported that the manufacturer was quick to respond and remedy the situation by exchanging the flawed models. The bottom line is: you’re going to have to make some sacrifices in this price range and we always prefer cosmetic sacrifices over playability issues.
One other potential issue is that the G2 is solidly a beginner violin. Once you begin to move up in skill level, you’re going to want to upgrade to a more advanced instrument. If you’re looking for a beginning violin that can stay with you as you grow into a more advanced student, check out the Cremona SV500 Premier Artist violin.
Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Review: Conclusion And Rating
Consumers who purchased the Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit gave it a rating of five out of five stars, which makes it our highest rated product. Keep in mind that this violin is marketed for beginners. If you’re a seasoned musician you’ll definitely want to pass on this model.
Built with durability in mind, the G2 is one of the best violins to use when you’re starting out and trying to perfect your playing and your technique. For that, it scores a Musicaroo rating of 4.5 out of 5.
Hey thanks for that review. I bought my bunnel g2 in 2016 as a beginner, because of good reviews it got being good for a beginner.
I do not believe in shelling out a lot of money for any instrument ad a beginner. I also bought from Kennedy Violins and looking at their prices. I think thry have same idea.
I just don’t see myself getting good. And don’t see myself switching up anytime soon.
Also the Bunnel G2 I found was more a dark toned like black cherry, rather than the standard honey color tone of most violins.
I have not seen it offered in Kennedy’s latest inventory which makes me feel, I have a more unique violin as others.
Kind of like modern meets traditional. No fancy woodwork just a nice looking violin, reasonable priced at under 500$.
I also started playing much older than average students. But I also think more and more older people are taking up violin
I agree. I recently decided to start learning how to play the guitar and I did the same thing: I bought a simple, reasonably priced guitar to learn on.