The makers of student violins were not trying to fool anyone by putting Stradivarius labels in the instrument, it was understood to mean "made in the style of".

Years ago as a teenager I bought a Strad at a flea market for $15 with case and bow, and immediately a guy offered me $20.00 for it, so maybe it was a real one (Not). Anyway, I sold it a year later to a friend for $16. She liked it and thought it sounded good.

I now play a Made in Japan fiddle from the 1920's that cost me $150. It has a very piercing, cutting sound that I like. It works well for Irish music and bluegrass. Some instruments are better for classical, some are better for folk styles. I advise anyone to to try a lot of fiddles to find one that fits your hand and whose sound is pleasing to you. The most expensive is not always best.