I would never, ever buy an instrument through eBay that I couldn't play in advance and try out.

Wise words, Will - however, I'm going to confess to buying 2 horns from India (Bb Echo Cornett and Pocket Trumpets, which were cheap but perfect, if a tad sharpn of concert (Indian / Military pitch); 1 Black Sea Fiddle from Turkey (my every joy, bar one); 1 5-string violin from China (the most expensive at all at around £100 but I was drunk when it took my fancy & I'd just received an unexpected royalty cheque; I call it my Accursed Viol after H.P.Lovecraft). Reckless? I reckon so. Lucky? Most assuredly!