I have a cheap Romanian made fiddle of unknown age but I have to tell you that it sounds really good. Even a less-than-stellarly-made instrument can sound good with the right setup, strings, and bow. I would guard against spending a lot of money until you know you really want to stick with it---- I started out with a rental, then Mister traded his electric bass for the fiddle I have now.

I started out on my own and did fair but my teacher has been indispensable in showing me the finer points of fiddling. I have also learned some technical violin stuff that's been very helpful to me as well.

Good luck and have fun! :)