Thanks, John! I should have looked in the archives myself!

This is good info in this thread, but if any others want to add to it, I will be grateful.

The following is what I posted in another thread ("Advice needed from Fiddlers", which I have asked to be deleted.

I have just purchased an inexpensive violin with the very real intent of finally learning how to play. To do so, I ask the help of the fiddlin' Mudcatters.

First, as I have been asked this a thousand times, is there a difference between a fiddle and a violin?

Do fiddlers use alternate tunings? I understand that the usual tuning is G-D-A-E. Why is this best?

What pitfalls lurk for the beginner? I would rather learn correctly than to have to re-learn later.

What other questions should I be asking that I haven't even thought of yet?

Any advice or suggestions will be will be greatly appreciated. When I play Carnegie Hall, I will give you proper credit!

khandu