'tis sorted. An expert fiddler has proved an expert twiddler. Right about the too much peg stuff, results in being a bit heavy-handed on the tuning up. Put graphite in all the slots too to be on the safe side. Plays lovely, time to get her ladyship a couple of lessons methinks....

Thanks to all for all your positive input, without too many "serves you right for buying a cheap one" comments - we cannot afford a good one on spec, will spend real coin once m'lady has mastered this one.

A much better response than a violin specialist shop locally, his response was "you would not have this problem if you had bought it from me." Not prepared to look at it or offer advice, apart from "take it back and buy one from me." Given that he was starting at seven times what I parted with, I guess with that attitude he doesn't sell many....