In Review: A Violin Inspired By Classic Italian Luthiery, Meet The Cremona SV-500

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin

Getting to Know the Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit is an affordable violin that comes with limited accessories. Hand carved violin features quality tone woods and a worn-in feel thanks to the shaded varnish on top.

Available in four sizes ranging from ¼ to 4/4, the SV-500 is a lightweight, Stradivarious-style instrument. With surprisingly big tones and comfortable feel, Cremona’s SV-500 is a quality first or second violin.

As part of Cremona’s Premier Artist series, the SV-500 represents an affordable and rich sounding alternative to higher priced options.

Each Premier Artist series instrument is set up in Cremona’s California factory and inspired by historical, high quality Italian luthiery.

Coming in at the mid- to low price range, the SV-500 features quality tone woods, transparent varnish, and quality figuring. Despite some mixed reviews of the build quality, the Cremona SV-500 remains a popular option for new students.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Who is the Cremona SV-500 Best Suited for?

With a price that generally falls in the $300-400 range, the SV-500 remains a great first or second violin. For beginners, the SV-500 is an affordable option with quality sound and a lightweight feel.

Furthermore, it comes with the bare bones essentials that each student needs to get playing right out of the box. The outfit designation in the name is meant to indicate you’re not getting a lot of extras, but you’ll be outfitted with a quality instrument, bow, and case.

For players not too concerned with getting extras, like more experienced players, this also makes an excellent 2nd violin. And certainly makes a great choice as a good violin for an intermediate player. Especially if you’re moving up in size or quality from another model.

What’s in the Premiere Artist Outfit?

Cremona’s SV-500 Premier Artist Outfit comes with a really nice, durable case, a Brazilwood bow, and a shoulder rest. Unlike some of its competitors, they aren’t a lot of extras included, not even rosin or extra strings.

To be fair, the case seems to be nicer than the average carrying case included with most affordable violins. But otherwise, the cost is kept down by the bare bones accessories.

Cremona SV-500 Artist Features

The Cremona SV-500 is crafted from figured solid Maple for the back and sides. A hand carved solid spruce top gives the SV-500 that classic, archtop appearance.

Above the wood, a transparent red/brown varnish is faded to give the appearance of an aged instrument. While the varnish no doubt looks great, some SV-500’s have had varnish clumps around the f-holes, creating a vibrating sound.

The neck and scroll are also made of figured Maple, while the bridge is made of composite. Four built-in-fine tuners and pegs meet the Ebony fingerboard, though the pegs have been known to slip easily.

Genuine D’Addario Prelude strings come stock on the SV-500 as well. Lastly, the bow is a Brazilwood bow with carbon fiber and horse hair materials.

• Worn-in, transparent varnish
• Loud, full sounds from quality tone woods
• Comes stock with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Lightweight, comfortable body
• Ready to play out of the box

Is the SV-500 Ready To Go?

Beginner’s looking to hit the ground running should have no issues with the SV-500. Despite some build quality issues, the SV-500 sounds great, is comfortable to play, and fairly affordable.

Do note that the Cremona SV-500 doesn’t come loaded with extras like an extra bow, pack of strings, or rosin that others may include.

Competing Violins and Beginner Packs

For comparison shoppers, there are a wide variety of options to check out, all above or below the Cremona SV-500’s price tag.

For a similarly priced beginner instrument with upgraded tone woods, check out the Ricard Brunnel G2 Violin Outfit. The high quality, hand carved instrument is made from Spruce, Maple, and Ebony.

If you’re still looking for a more affordable option, consider the Cecilio CVN-600. The one-piece back of the violin provides excellent sustain and resonance.

The construction is solid, and the hand rubbed oil finish creates this great, aged-look that matches up nicely with the aged tonewoods.

Bunnel Pupil Violin Outfit 4/4 Full Size Clearance...

Compare the Latest Deals!

Cecilio CVN-600 Hand Oil Rub Highly Flamed 1-Piece...

Compare the Latest Deals!

D Z Strad Violin Model LC101 Full Size 4/4 with...

Compare the Latest Deals!

D Z Strad’s Model LC101 is a high quality option that makes a great first or second violin. The excellent tone woods and build quality lead to clear, brilliant sounds and a very playable instrument. Plus the Model 210 comes with all the same features as the SV-500 plus rosin.

The little sister of the Model LC101, D Z Strad’s Model 101 is a more affordable option that comes with all the same accessories. However, the Model 101 has lesser quality tone woods and a less clear and loud sound.

Furthermore, it requires the bridge to be set into the instrument before it can be played. However, the cheaper price and warm, rich tones make it an appealing option for budget-minded players.

Pros and Cons

Cremona SV-500 Premier Artist Violin Review

Check Cremona SV-500 Availability! >>

Cremona SV-500 Violin Final Thoughts

Cremona’s SV-500 is another quality sounding, beginner friendly violin. While buyers should be aware there are some quality control issues with the pegs and transparent varnish, it is not a bad value overall.

The pleasant tone, size options, and hand carved construction are key highlights. Another highlight is the durable, oblong travel case. Better yet, the Cremona SV-500 is ready to go right out of the box for beginners and students.

While it may not beat the D Z Strad Model 210 overall, it’s a cheaper, still satisfying option.

What Do Ceremona SV-500 Customers Think? >>

The Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit at a Glance:

Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin

The Ricard Bunnel G2 Review: Does this Kennedy Violin Stand Up to a Closer Look?

Kennedy Violins have consistently delivered fantastic customer service throughout the United States. They have their own professional luthiers to complete the final assembly and setup This violin comes completely assembled and is already set up, so no effort is required from the player.

It is handcrafted with solid spruced tone wood and maple. Delivered with an oil finish that looks great, the Ricard Bunnel G2 has 100% genuine ebony fittings, pegs, and fingerboard. The kit comes with a high-grade Brazil wood bow that is strong and responsive.

This durable bow uses real Mongolian horsehair to generate smooth, full tones. It has genuine mother-of-pearl accents and is metal mounted with a real ebony frog.

We certainly hope you benefit from the information we provide in this article! Just so you know, we may receive compensation if you use the links on this page. If you do, thank you so much!

Designed with a hand-carved, custom-fitted maple bridge, this violin is oil finished and hand rubbed. It uses D’Addario Prelude Strings measured to precise height to improve playability.Delivered with a lifetime warranty, the Ricard Bunnel is also backed by a 45-day money-back guarantee.

This violin is packed into a durable oblong case that has additional storage space and stays secure with genuine YKK zippers.

The kit is complete with all necessary accessories and fittings to play this violin out of the box. Its clip-on tuner is a handy tool for beginners to start practice sessions quickly and without much effort. This inexpensive violin is great for practice and is quite easy to play.

Superior Features of the Ricard Bunnel G2

• Comes with dimensions of 40.1” x 12.1” x 7.6”
• Weighs a solid 7.3 lbs.
• Designed with a custom-fit, hand-carved bridge made of maple tone wood
• Fitted with 100% ebony fingerboard, fittings, and pegs
• Has an oil-based finish that is hand rubbed into the wood
• Comes with D’Addario Prelude strings
• Ensures comfortable playability with accurately measured string heights
• Backed by a lifetime warranty and 45-day money-back guarantee
• Exceeds standards sets by MENC and Suzuki
• Comes with a responsive, strong, and high-grade Brazil wood bow
• Produces a full, smooth tone with durable and real Mongolian horsehair
• Has a bow with genuine mother-of-pearl accents
• Comes with a metal-mounted and real ebony frog
• Includes a durable case with a music pocket, straps, and genuine YKK zippers
• Delivered with built-in fine tuners, rosin, set of Portland strings, & polishing cloth
• Comes with an “Intro to Violin” book

What Do Others Think of the Ricard Bunnel G2?

How Does the G2 Sound?

Pros and Cons

Ricard-Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit Review

What Do Ricard-Bunnel G2 Violin Owners Think? >>

Compare featured instruments:

Ricard Bunnel G2 Violin Outfit 4/4 Size - Carrying...

Antonio Giuliani Primo Violin Full Size (4/4)...

Final Thoughts: Does The Bunnel G2 Violin Represent A Good Value?

The Ricard-Bunnel Violin 4/4 Outfit is one of the most highly rated violins at its price range producing superior sound quality. With their own luthiers assembling and setting this violin, some minor finishing defects on the “f” hole and where the shoulder rest fits on to the violin can be easily ignored.

They have an excellent customer service, so errors in the violin’s assembly and in the way it reproduces sound can be resolved without delay. It’s glossy, hand-crafted finish is a sight to behold. Beginners playing this violin for the first time will be amazed by the ease at which the bow moves over the strings.

The Ricard Bunnel comes with all essential spares including an extra set of Portland strings and rosin. It has a genuine wooden shoulder rest providing great comfort to players. It also comes with pegs, 100% genuine ebony fittings and fingerboard.

The violin’s beautiful mother-of-pearl accents complement its design along with the hand-carved maple bridge. Its D’Addario Prelude strings adjust at the right height to improve playability.

Delivered in a case that easily accommodates a raised shoulder rest, the Ricard-Bunnel violin has great appeal. Even though users may tend to ignore some of its effective accessories, its clip-on tuner is extremely useful for beginners; users can begin playing this violin right out of the box.

This inexpensive instrument plays with a warm and lively tone, great for practice and performances. All in all, this is a good violin for serious players.

Read What Customers are Saying About the G2 >>