Kennedy Violinsmakes both of these full-size violin outfits for beginning violinists and student musicians. The G1 and G2 wooden acoustic violins come complete with everything you need, from the case and bow to rosin and strings. Let’s take a closer look at both models to see which one will be the best for you.
Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit 4/4 (Full) Size
Any violin marked “4/4” is full-sized, appropriate for teens and adults. While Kennedy Violins’ pricing is competitive with instruments built in factories overseas, their finished products are assembled, tested, and set up by luthiers in the USA. Both the Ricard Bunnel G1 and G2 are covered by lifetime warranties with a 45-day satisfaction money-back guarantee.
The G1 is designed specifically for the needs of intermediate and advanced students of music. It is built from solid maple and spruce with ebony fittings. If you compare the back of the G1 to the G2, you’ll see that the G1 has more flame on it. The company says the wood is a slightly better quality than what is used for the G2.
The finish of the wood is hand-rubbed oil, not the usual glossy lacquer seen on many beginner violins. Many reviews comment that they prefer this finish because it looks nice and doesn’t interfere with the rich sound of the instrument.
The G1 comes with a Brazilwood bow, D’Addario Prelude strings, rosin, and a professional case. The case is a little different from the one that comes with the G2. But the bow is identical, down to the mother of pearl inlay and ebony frog.
When Kennedy Violins says their instruments come set up and ready to play, they mean they do more than polish the finish and tune the G1. They notch the bridge, smooth the fingerboard, and shape the nut. They make sure it won’t need a trip to the shop before you can enjoy it.
More features of the Ricard Bunnel G1 Violin Outfit:
- Kennedy Violins also includes an extra set of Portland strings, Intro to Violin book, and a polishing cloth
Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit 4/4 (Full) Size
The Ricard Bunnel G2 outfit from Kennedy Violins has everything a budding violinist needs to start playing. It’s generally a little less expensive than the G1,but has a good sound for an acoustic violin in this price range. The value for the money makes this an extremely popular violin for new musicians.
According to Kennedy Violins, the Ricard Bunnel G2 meets both MENC and Suzuki standards for violin construction and playability. It has an ideal string height. As a result, students appreciate the gentle action that doesn’t require the strength of an experienced player.
The G2, like the G1, comes ready to play as soon as it’s unpacked. You don’t need to string it or assemble anything. The luthiers at Kennedy Violins shape the nut and fingerboard, custom-fit the bridge, and polish the finish. Of course, the instrument is tuned, too. One reviewer was impressed at how well the violin maintained the tuning even though they purchased the instrument online and had it shipped.
The G2 comes with an oblong case, D’Addario Prelude strings, a Brazilwood bow, and rosin. The bow is strung with actual Mongolian horse hair that draws a smooth sound from the strings. It has decorative mother of pearl inlay plus silver winding for durability.
The violin comes with a professional Portland shoulder rest, and a polishing cloth to keep the hand-rubbed oil finish looking good. The G2 is built from real solid maple and spruce, not synthetics or blended woods. The fingerboard is made of ebony and has a hand-carved maple bridge. The fine tuners are also carved from ebony.
More features of the Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit:
- Covered by a lifetime warranty plus a 45-day money-back satisfaction guarantee
- Kennedy Violins also includes an extra set of Portland strings, Intro to Violin book, and a polishing cloth
Recommendation
If you’re looking for a good-quality beginner’s violin plus all the accessories you’ll need, the Ricard Bunnel G2 from Kennedy Violins is a choice that many music teachers would recommend.
The G1 is a step above the G2, designed for intermediate musicians. It has a nicer case and the body is built with higher quality wood.
Click here to purchase Ricard Bunnel G1 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Ricard Bunnel G2 on Amazon.com!