1. Juilliard School (New York City, NY)

The Juilliard School is one of the most renowned music conservatories in the world, and its violin program is no exception. With a faculty that includes some of the most respected violinists and pedagogues, Juilliard offers an intensive and comprehensive education. Students have access to numerous performance opportunities, including concerts at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

2. Curtis Institute of Music (Philadelphia, PA)

Curtis Institute of Music is a highly selective conservatory that offers full scholarships to all its students. Its violin program is led by some of the most distinguished artists and educators in the field. Curtis has a strong focus on chamber music and solo performance, and its students have gone on to win numerous international competitions.

3. New England Conservatory (Boston, MA)

New England Conservatory (NEC) is one of the oldest and most respected music conservatories in the USA. Its violin program is known for its emphasis on both technical mastery and musical expression. NEC’s faculty includes some of the most celebrated violinists and pedagogues, and its students have access to a wide range of performance opportunities.

4. University of Southern California Thornton School of Music (Los Angeles, CA)

The University of Southern California Thornton School of Music is a top-ranked conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most respected artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to numerous performance opportunities, including concerts with the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

5. Eastman School of Music (Rochester, NY)

Eastman School of Music is a highly respected conservatory that offers a rigorous and comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most distinguished artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to a wide range of performance opportunities, including concerts with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.

6. Cleveland Institute of Music (Cleveland, OH)

Cleveland Institute of Music is a top-ranked conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most respected artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to numerous performance opportunities, including concerts with the Cleveland Orchestra.

7. San Francisco Conservatory of Music (San Francisco, CA)

San Francisco Conservatory of Music is a top-ranked conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most respected artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to numerous performance opportunities, including concerts with the San Francisco Symphony.

8. Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Oberlin, OH)

Oberlin Conservatory of Music is a highly respected conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most distinguished artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to a wide range of performance opportunities, including concerts with the Oberlin Orchestra.

9. University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance (Ann Arbor, MI)

University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance is a highly respected conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most distinguished artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to a wide range of performance opportunities, including concerts with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

10. Northwestern University Bienen School of Music (Evanston, IL)

Northwestern University Bienen School of Music is a top-ranked conservatory that offers a comprehensive education in violin performance. Its faculty includes some of the most respected artists and educators in the field, and its students have access to numerous performance opportunities, including concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these music conservatories offer some of the best education and training for aspiring violinists in the USA. Each conservatory has its unique strengths and opportunities, and the right choice will depend on individual goals and preferences. By considering factors such as faculty, performance opportunities, and alumni success, violinists can find the perfect conservatory to help them achieve their musical dreams.

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Introduction

The type of string you choose can have a profound impact on your violin’s tone, projection, and playability. While string preference can be quite subjective, understanding the basic types and their attributes will help you find a set that best suits your needs.

Gut Strings

Gut strings are among the oldest types of violin strings and are known for their warm, rich, and complex tone.

Plain Gut

Characteristics:
These are made from sheep intestine and offer a very warm and complex tone.

Best For:
Advanced players who are well-versed in string maintenance and are looking for a rich, authentic sound.

Wound Gut

Characteristics:
These strings have a gut core but are wound with metals like silver or nickel to add durability and stability in pitch.

Best For:
Those who love the warmth of gut but want more stability and less maintenance.

Synthetic Core Strings

Characteristics:
Made from synthetic materials that mimic gut, these strings offer a warm tone but are more stable and less sensitive to humidity and temperature changes.

Best For:
Players of all levels, especially those who need a dependable string that still offers a rich tone.

Steel Core Strings

Characteristics:
These strings are known for their bright and focused tone, quick response, and durability.

Best For:
Musicians who perform in genres like jazz, country, or rock. They are also suitable for beginners due to their stability and low maintenance.

Specialty Strings

These are strings designed for specific purposes, such as electric violins or violins tuned in non-standard ways.

Characteristics:
They may have various cores and winding materials to achieve specific tonal characteristics.

Best For:
Players with very particular needs, such as amplified performances or non-classical music genres.

Factors to Consider

Tonal Preferences

Your choice may largely depend on the kind of tone you wish to produce. If you prefer a warm, complex tone, gut or synthetic strings are your best bet. For a brighter, more focused sound, steel core strings are more suitable.

Playing Style

Your genre and technique can also influence your string choice. Classical players often prefer gut or synthetic strings, while steel strings may be more appropriate for other genres.

Climate

If you live in an area with fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels, synthetic or steel core strings would provide more stability.

Conclusion

The right set of strings can make a world of difference in your violin playing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, taking the time to understand the different types of violin strings can help you find your perfect match. Consider your tonal preferences, playing style, and even the climate in which you’ll be performing when making your choice. With the right strings, your violin will not just sound better, it will feel like an extension of yourself as you play.

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Introduction

Intermediate violinists are no longer concerned with basic posture or simple scales. At this stage, the focus shifts toward refinement, more complex techniques, and deeper musical understanding. Here’s how to navigate this transitional period.

Technical Skill Building

Scales and Arpeggios

Why It’s Important:
While scales and arpeggios might seem rudimentary, they are the backbone of all music. Practicing them in various keys and modes can significantly improve finger agility and intonation.

How to Implement:
Start incorporating three-octave scales and arpeggios into your practice sessions. Use different bowing techniques to enhance bow control.

Bow Control

Why It’s Important:
Better bow control can lead to a fuller tone, increased volume, and improved sound quality.

How to Implement:
Work on bow distribution exercises and practice different bowing techniques like spiccato, flautando, and col legno. This will help you produce a wide range of tonal colors.

Musicality

Phrasing and Dynamics

Why It’s Important:
Expressive playing is a hallmark of an advancing musician. Understanding phrasing and dynamics can make your performances more compelling.

How to Implement:
Study the score deeply to understand the composer’s intentions. Experiment with different kinds of phrasing and dynamics to find what best suits the piece and your personal style.

Vibrato

Why It’s Important:
Vibrato adds warmth and richness to your tone, elevating your sound to a professional level.

How to Implement:
Start practicing vibrato on long notes and then integrate it into your pieces. Ensure that your vibrato is varied and suitable for the mood and style of the piece you’re playing.

Performance and Practice

Metronome Work

Why It’s Important:
A metronome helps maintain a steady tempo, crucial for ensemble playing and performance in general.

How to Implement:
Use a metronome to practice tricky passages and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.

Recording Yourself

Why It’s Important:
Recording your performances can offer insights into your technique and musicality that you might not notice otherwise.

How to Implement:
Record your practice sessions or performances and critique them. Look out for intonation issues, bowing inconsistencies, or lapses in musicality.

Choosing Advanced Repertoire

Taking on more advanced pieces is a rewarding but challenging endeavor. Consult with your teacher for recommendations tailored to your skills and musical interests. Pieces that stretch your abilities can offer new learning opportunities and keep you engaged.

Conclusion

The journey from being an intermediate to an advanced violinist is filled with exciting challenges and rewarding milestones. By focusing on technical skills, musicality, and effective practice methods, you can elevate your playing to the next level. Remember, the violin is a lifelong pursuit; the more you put into it, the more you’ll get out. So keep practicing, stay inspired, and strive for excellence.

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Introduction

Kennedy Violins, a prominent violin retailer known for its customer-centric approach and stringent quality checks, has recently crowned Ricard Bunnel as the best violin brand for beginners. The announcement is a nod to the brand’s commitment to offering high-quality instruments that are accessible and user-friendly, particularly for those just starting their musical journey.

Key Features of Ricard Bunnel Violins

Quality Craftsmanship

One of the major strengths of Ricard Bunnel violins is their attention to craftsmanship. These violins are made from carefully selected woods such as spruce for the top and maple for the back and sides, which are known for their tonal qualities. The construction process is undertaken with painstaking detail, ensuring the instrument’s durability and tonal richness.

Affordable Price

Another advantage of Ricard Bunnel violins is their affordability. As a brand committed to making music accessible to everyone, they offer high-quality violins at a fraction of the cost of other, more established brands. This affordability does not come at the expense of quality, ensuring that even beginner musicians can have access to a decent instrument without breaking the bank.

Outfit Inclusions

Ricard Bunnel also distinguishes itself by providing comprehensive violin outfits. These outfits usually include a hard case, bow, rosin, and often, extra strings and a shoulder rest. This means that beginners can get started immediately without needing to purchase additional accessories.

Why Kennedy Violins Voted Ricard Bunnel as Best

Customer Feedback

Customer satisfaction played a pivotal role in Ricard Bunnel being named the best beginner violin brand. Kennedy Violins compiled feedback from customers who purchased Ricard Bunnel violins, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Beginners particularly praised the ease of use, playability, and balanced tone of these instruments.

Expert Reviews

Kennedy Violins also consulted with violin teachers and professional musicians during their evaluation process. These experts consistently recommended Ricard Bunnel violins for their build quality, sound projection, and suitability for beginners. This endorsement by professionals adds further credibility to Ricard Bunnel’s standing as a top choice for beginner violinists.

Conclusion

Ricard Bunnel has set itself apart as a leading brand for beginner violins, and the recent endorsement by Kennedy Violins only solidifies this reputation. With its blend of quality, affordability, and inclusivity, Ricard Bunnel has proven itself to be a viable choice for anyone starting their musical journey with the violin.

Whether you’re a parent looking for a reliable instrument for your child or an adult embarking on a new hobby, Ricard Bunnel offers a range of violins that will help make your musical dreams a reality.

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Is rehairing a violin bow something you can do by yourself?

The task can feel daunting, even for seasoned players. But is it worth giving a shot? Can it save you from frequently visiting the repair shop?

This article explores the intricacies of the rehairing process and the factors to consider before deciding to undertake the task yourself. Understanding how this process works will allow you to make an informed decision about whether rehairing a violin bow is a viable DIY task for you.

Need for Rehairing: Why and When?

Without a doubt, even the finest violin bow will need a rehair at some point.

The primary reason bows need rehairing is due to hair breaking or stretching over time, which can significantly alter its tension and responsiveness.

Moreover, while playing, rosin dust accumulates on the bow hair, causing it to lose its grip on the violin strings, resulting in a less articulate tone.

So, when should you consider having your bow rehaired?

A general rule is to rehair your bow every six to twelve months for regular players. However, the frequency also depends on the playing intensity and hour, environmental conditions, and how well you maintain your bow.

Though it is tempting to perform a DIY rehair, experts advise against it. It requires technical precision and deep knowledge about violin bows which an average violinist may lack.

Tools Required for the Rehairing Process

Rehairing a violin bow demands specific, high-quality tools to ensure a professional outcome. Firstly, you’d require a hair gauge to measure the appropriate thickness of horsehair.

Secondly, a carefully-crafted rehairing jig is essential to hold the bow in place during the rehairing process.

Rosin powder is needed to temper the freshly done horsehair to draw optimal sound from the instrument.

You must also have a quality wedge knife to precisely cut the plugs which hold the horsehair in the bow.

Additionally, pointed pliers are required to remove and insert the small metal eyelet from the frog end of the bow.

A strong, flexible superfine sandpaper helps to gently clean the frog and stick, preparing them for rehairing.

Lastly, a high-temperature hot glue gun is required to secure the horsehair into place. Adequate tools are key to successfully rehairing a violin bow yourself.

Choosing the Right Bow Hair

Choosing the right bow hair is a critical aspect of rehairing your violin bow.

Bow hair is typically made from horsehair, usually from the tail of a white stallion. However, the quality of hair can vary greatly depending on factors such as the horse’s diet and the climate it is raised in.

Aging is also a crucial element in assessing horsehair. Younger hair tends to be thinner and break more easily, making it less ideal. Conversely, older stallion hair is thicker and more durable, hence considered as the best option.

Synthetic bow hair is also available, though it lacks the grip and tonal quality of horsehair.

So, it’s imperative to choose the right type of bow hair that meets your specific needs, preferences, and playing style. Remember, a well-functioning bow can significantly enhance your playing experience.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removal of Old Hair

Before you start, make sure you have a new hank of bow hair, a sharp small-blade knife, a small flat-head screwdriver, and rosin. Carefully loosen the tension on your bow and slide off the frog.

Next, using your small knife, remove the old rosin on the bow stick. Be sure not to scratch the finish.

Delicately, with your small flat-head screwdriver, pry out the wedges at both ends of the bow. This step requires patience. It’s essential not to damage the fragile bow tip or the frog’s hair slot.

Once the wedges are removed, you can easily slide out the old, worn-out hair. Now you have successfully removed the old hair and your bow is ready for the new hair. Remember to always handle your bow with care, as it’s a sensitive instrument that can easily be damaged.

How to Insert New Hair on the Bow

Perspective is key in this venture. Begin this process by holding the violin bow, with the frog end facing you. Now, take your new hank of bow hair (remember – it needs to be longer than your bow) and insert one end into the hollow slit at the tip of the bow.

Secure it by threading the hair through the tiny hole. Then, gradually insert the other end of the hair into the frog. Be sure to uniformly disperse the hair while confirming it remains straight. Tighten the screw at the frog end to secure the hair in place.

It’s crucial to not over-tighten as it can cause breaking. Lastly, apply rosin generously to the newly inserted hair before playing- this will provide grip on violin strings. Do remember, this task requires patience and precision.

Properly Securing the Hair: Tips and Tricks

Before undertaking the rehairing process, bear in mind that securing the hair with appropriate tension is imperative. Missteps in hair tension may influence your bow’s performance, or worse, damage it.

Begin by gently inserting the new hair into the frog and wedge it. Ensure the hair is evenly spread before bow tip insertion.

A tip: soaking the hair in warm water for five minutes prior to insertion helps achieve optimal tension.

At the bow tip, sandwich the hair between the wooden plug and the interior of the bow tip. Remember, the hair should form a slight arc when the bow is relaxed.

Lastly, trim any excess hair from the top and bottom for a cleaner look.

And remember, practice makes perfect. Over time, you’ll be able to gauge the right hair tension by feel alone.

Finishing Touches: Combing and Rosining

After you’ve successfully replaced the hair on your bow, move on to the finishing touches to ensure smooth playability. Use a fine-toothed comb to comb through the bow hair. This ensures that it gets evenly distributed and lines up properly.

Remember that smoothness is key here.

Next, comes the essential process of “rosining.” Rosin adds friction to the bow hair and helps you produce sound. Without appropriate rosin, your bow will merely slide over your strings without creating any melody.

Apply the rosin by moving it up and down the length of the bow hair until you see a white residue. Always remember to start lightly and gradually apply more if needed. Too much rosin can create a dust that messes with your playing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Rehairing

While it is possible to rehair your violin bow yourself, there are several common mistakes to avoid.

The first is using poor quality hair.

Be sure to source the best quality horsehair you can find, as it greatly affects the sound of your instrument.

Next, avoid over-tightening when installing the new hair.

This can cause unnecessary stress and damage to your bow.

Also, ensure the hair is evenly distributed along the breadth of the bow. An uneven distribution can lead to biased bowing and even horsehair breakage.

Lastly, it is crucial to keep the plug square.

A rounded plug can cause the hair to slide, making it impossible to play your violin properly. These tips should help prevent you from damaging your bow during the rehairing process.

The post Can You Rehair A Violin Bow Yourself? appeared first on Ricard Bunnel.

Our aim in this blog post is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the various factors that contribute to the price range of beginner violins, to help you make an informed decision.

It’s crucial to remember that while affordability is important, quality shouldn’t be compromised, as your first violin can significantly impact your initial learning experience. Whether you’re an adult eager to explore a new hobby, or a parent investing in your child’s budding musical interest, we’ve got you covered.

Understanding What ‘Beginner Violins’ Mean

Before diving into the cost, it’s crucial to get a clear understanding of what ‘beginner violins’ actually mean. Not all violins are created equal – they are crafted with varying levels of craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail.

The term ‘beginner violin’ typically refers to an instrument specifically designed with a novice player in mind. These violins are often more robust to withstand inevitable mishandlings. They are also created to provide a satisfactory sound that encourages continual practice.

The focus here is on playability, durability and affordability, rather than on nuances that more advanced players would appreciate. Understanding this helps set the correct price expectation when purchasing a beginner violin. Remember, as a beginner, your first violin is an introduction to the instrument, not a lifelong commitment.

The Factors that Affect the Cost of a Beginner Violin

Choosing the right beginner violin can be a fascinating but also daunting task. The cost ranges widely, from $100 to $800 or even more for specialty violins.

This discrepancy is due to various factors.

First, craftsmanship plays a significant role. Handmade violins tend to be pricier than their machine-made counterparts, often showcasing a more refined sound and quality.

Second, the material used affects the price tremendously – violins made from cheaper woods like laminate come at a lower price, while instruments made from solid aged woods command higher costs.

The brand of the violin also contributes to its selling price. Renowned manufacturers are known for their consistency and quality, and consequently charge more for their instruments.

Lastly, the inclusion of accessories – such as cases, bows, and rosin – in a package deal can raise the overall cost.

In summary, the cost of a beginner violin is directly impacted by its craftsmanship, materials, brand, and included accessories.

The Role of Craftsmanship and Materials in the Price of Beginner Violins

Understanding the intricate relationship between craftsmanship and materials is essential when exploring the cost of beginner violins.

High-quality craftsmanship is a major factor. A well-crafted violin, even for beginners, is meticulously hand-assembled, requiring time and skill that inevitably raises its cost. A violin’s sound largely depends on its build quality, so a poorly made instrument could hinder your musical progression.

The materials used also significantly impact the price. Woods like spruce and maple are typically used for their acoustics properties, and their sourcing can be costly. Beginners might not need the highest grade materials, but quality still matters.

In conclusion, the cost of beginner violins reflects the effort and quality put into crafting it. So, components such as skilled craftsmanship and material choice fundamentally drive their value. Although it might seem a little pricey, consider it a worthy investment into your musical journey.

The Average Price Range for Beginner Violins in the Market

When taking your first steps towards learning the violin, expenses can be tricky. Our research indicates that a beginner’s violin falls in the average price range of around $100 to $300.

While this may seem a hefty initial investment, keep in mind that the quality of your instrument can significantly affect your learning experience.

Price depends on several factors such as the material used, the craftsmanship, and the brand. For beginners, there are reliable yet affordable brands available which don’t compromise on sound quality.

Bear in mind, though, the cost of a violin isn’t limited to the instrument itself – you’ll also need to budget for maintenance costs, essential accessories like a case and bow, and lessons.

Invest wisely in your musical journey. Remember, the enjoyment and fulfillment of playing an instrument is priceless.

How to Determine a Fair Price for a Beginner’s Violin

When purchasing your first violin, it’s important to consider a few key factors to determine the fair price.

Firstly, the craftsmanship. A professionally made violin, even if marketed towards beginners, will cost more due to its superior sound quality and durability.

Secondly, the materials used. The type of wood can greatly affect the price as well as the sound quality of the violin.

Lastly, the included accessories. A violin sold with a case, bow, and rosin can be more expensive than one without.

It’s advisable to do your homework ahead of your purchase. Read reviews, consult professionals, and compare prices across different stores.

Generally, a fair price range for a beginner violin would be between $100 to $400. However, always prioritize a violin that sounds good and feels right to play over price. Remember, learning on a quality instrument can greatly enhance your experience and growth as a budding violinist.

Exploring Different Brands and the Costs of Their Beginner Violins

When venturing into the vast world of violins as a beginner, there are numerous brands to consider, each with their unique prices and qualities.

Yamaha, a globally renowned brand, offers beginner violins at around $500-$600. For those seeking affordability, Mendini violins, known for their budget-friendly nature, can start as low as $60.

Then we have Eastar, providing a good balance between cost and quality, typically pricing their beginner models around the $100 range.

Cremona is another stand-out, with beginner violins starting from around $200, emphasizing the delicate balance of craftsmanship and tone.

Lastly, Stentor violins, adored by teachers for their consistent quality, averages around $150-$200 for their beginner’s range.

While prices can vary greatly, it’s important to remember that investing in a violin is investing in your musical journey.

Where to Purchase Your First Violin: Brick-and-mortar Stores Vs Online Stores

Finding your first violin can be an exciting yet challenging task. You could opt for the traditional route of brick-and-mortar music shops. These offer the chance to hold, inspect, and even play the potential instrument. You can consult directly with the staff, who can provide useful insights and recommendations based on your needs.

On the other hand, a plethora of online stores offer a vast range of beginner violins at your fingertips. Time-efficient, hassle-free, and often with comparable, if not cheaper, prices. Moreover, customer reviews can be insightful.

However, do bear in mind, you won’t get the ‘feel’ of the violin through a screen. Depending on your preferences and conditions, both options can be suitable to find your perfect beginner violin. Balancing personal comfort, time, and budget can guide your purchase decision.

Additional Costs: Maintenance, Accessories, Tutoring, and Insurance

Maintaining a violin can vary in cost, often requiring anywhere from $20-$100 per year. This includes periodic string replacement and bow re-hairing, which are integral for good sound production.

In terms of accessories, expect to invest in a good quality music stand, rosin, cleaning cloths, and a hard case, which can collectively cost from $50 to $200.

Apart from the instrument, there are key lessons to consider too. Tutoring rates can greatly vary, with the average monthly cost being in the $60-$120 range.

Lastly, insurances depend on the value of the violin and can be priced from $20 to $200 annually. In the end, remember that taking care of your instrument and investing in accessories, tutoring, and insurance can greatly improve your violin journey, not only for beginners but for intermediate and advanced players too.

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Understanding Violin Sizing:

Violins come in various sizes to accommodate players of different ages and physical proportions. The correct violin size allows beginners to hold and play the instrument comfortably, fostering proper posture and technique. Here are the standard violin sizes commonly available:

• 1/16 size
• 1/10 size
• 1/8 size
• 1/4 size
• 1/2 size
• 3/4 size
• 4/4 (full) size

Factors to Consider

Age and Physical Proportions:

• Very young children (4-5 years old) typically start with smaller sizes (e.g., 1/16 – 1/8) and gradually progress to larger sizes as they grow.
• Teenagers and adults generally use full-size violins (4/4), but it’s important to consider individual physical proportions as well.

Arm Length and Finger Placement:

• The player’s arm length, particularly from the neck to the middle of the palm, determines the appropriate violin size.
• Proper finger placement on the fingerboard relies on a comfortable reach, ensuring accurate intonation and technique. Pay particular attention to the 4th finger to ensure it can reach the proper place while still being at least slightly bent.

Comfort and Playability:

• Hold the violin and bow to test the overall comfort, balance, and weight distribution. A well-fitted violin should allow ease of movement and control.

Seek Expert Guidance:

• Consult a knowledgeable violin teacher, or an experienced shop representative, who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. As a general rule, a teacher or violin shop specializing in student instruments will be able to easily guide you to the proper size—either by looking at your child holding the violin or asking you some general questions about their age, experience level, and their average size for their age group.

Choosing the Right Violin Size:

Measurement Method:

• Use the neck-to-palm measurement technique: Extend the left arm fully perpendicular to the body, and measure from the base of the neck to the middle of the palm.
• Match the measurement to the corresponding violin size. Keep in mind that the students ability to maintain proper left hand technique is paramount. You can check out Kennedy Violins’ orchestral instrument sizing chart.

Playtesting:

• Visit a reputable violin shop or seek assistance from a knowledgeable violin teacher to try different violin sizes.
• Play each size to assess comfort, reach, and overall ability to reach all the notes in the left hand. Remember that stretching to a new size will be uncomfortable at first, but if they have proper form in their left hand, the 4th finger will tell you a lot. If they can reach and maintain proper technique (especially the 4th finger), the violin is probably not too big for them.

Renting vs. Buying:

• For young beginners with potential growth spurts, renting a violin is a very cost-effective option.
• If the player has stopped growing or shows long-term commitment, investing in a suitable-sized violin might be a better choice. Many shops have very good instrument trade-in programs.

Maintenance and Future Adjustments:

Remember, as a beginner, it’s important to check the violin’s size to see if it’s time for a larger size.  It may be a good idea to check every 4-6 months. 

Conclusion:

Choosing the right violin size for beginners sets the foundation for a comfortable and enjoyable musical journey. By considering factors such as age, physical proportions, comfort, and playability, you can make an informed decision that fosters proper technique and supports progress. Remember to seek guidance from experts if you have any questions!

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• Student Violins and Violas: Use a coupon code to get dollars of on any purchase over $300
• Electric Violins: Use your coupon code, plus get a string upgrade. NS Strings are made specifically for use on electric violins. Now is a great time to get that upgrade with your purchase.
• Cellos and Basses: Black Friday through December 3 get 15% off any new non-consignment Cello or Bass. This is an in-store only deal.

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Many parents purchase cheap violins online when their kids start playing. This seems like a cost-effective solution since cheap violins aren’t too big an investment, but these instruments are often closer to toys than they are to “real” violins. The fact is that a handmade instrument, such as a Ricard Bunnel violin, will be a much better investment, and that is primarily because of the way these violins are constructed and set up.

One thing that sets Ricard Bunnel violins apart from other student instruments is the type and quality of materials used in construction. While many student violins are made of pressed wood or plywood, each Bunnel violin is hand-made with a solid spruce top and solid maple back and sides. This produces an instrument with a higher quality of sound and stronger construction. 

Ricard Bunnel violins also feature a satin oil finish instead of the thick, shiny lacquer varnish that you’ll find on many other student violins. While those lacquer varnishes are great at protecting wood from scratches and scrapes, they aren’t very good at making violins sound good; in fact, they significantly dampen the sound of the violin and can make it sound “tinny”. Satin oil finishes are more delicate, but because they allow the instrument to resonate more, violins with this type of finish offer superior sound projection and tonal quality. This type of finish also adds to the appearance of a violin, giving it the look of a traditionally-made, quality instrument. Violins with a satin oil finish often bear signs of having been constructed by hand out of solid wood, such as small tool marks or variations in the woodgrain, which add character and help to distinguish individual instruments from one another.

One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing your first violin is the setup. This is the final step in getting an instrument ready to play, and one that is often done poorly or skipped altogether on cheap violins. A violin that hasn’t been set up properly will sound bad and be difficult to play. That’s enough to frustrate any beginning violinist!

To help students avoid this frustration and maximize their enjoyment of the instrument, all Ricard Bunnel violins are professionally set up by luthiers in the United States. They make sure each violin is set up for easy playability and superior sound quality. This process includes ensuring that the bridge is carved and positioned properly, pegs are shaped for a secure fit, the soundpost is set correctly, and strings are a comfortable distance from the fingerboard. 

While choosing a new violin can be confusing and overwhelming, it doesn’t need to be! By prioritizing sound quality and playability, you should be able to find an inexpensive student instrument that will encourage your aspiring violinist to play.

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• 

  The Fall 2021 Bunnel Pupil, Premier, G2, and G1s violins have have been delivered to our retail partners. we hope you enjoy shopping for you new instrument.

  Bunnel Violins makes violins for beginning students as well as those who are dedicated to improving their violin skills. We provide violins in full-size and fractional sizes to accommodate learners of every age!

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