Well I'm assuming that you're not going to buy any fiddle that needs a lot of expensive work. Remember, you've now become knowledgeable in the art of fiddle assessment; don't try this if you haven't done your homework. It's pretty easy to learn enough to avoid buying a fiddle you won't get burned on as long as you're not betting the farm. Professional fiddlers in the US don't often spend a lot of money for their instruments but they own instruments that can be sold for quite a lot if need be.

I share, with Rick, the opinion that players should take the trouble to learn how to perform their own basic repairs and maintenance. A fiddle player should know how to “make” and fit a bridge (the term make simply means to shape), replace strings, install a chin rest and tailpiece and reset a fallen sound post.

I still think you can set you sights on a great fiddle and keep SWMBO happy at the same time.

      - Mark