Maybe I'll get an underwater camera and take a picture to send to the Persian gentleman. That should get him drooling.

Thanks for the tip, Susan. I'm pretty sure I've got it right but my ear doesn't agree. It tells me that the E string is too low. I know a local fiddler and I'll get with him to discuss it. But I sure like my cheap fiddle. The fingerboard looks like real ebony. Looking at the underside you can see the grain easier. The finish work under threr isn't as nice as the surface. There is no real fancy work on it. The scroll work on the head is simple and straightforward but the pegs seem to be ebony also. The tailpiece has fine tuners on all the strings but the knobs are small and difficult for my big fingers to turn. The back is two pieces, book matched. The overall finish is OK but a little crude. The tone is nice according to my poor ear.

It came in a case with two bows and a recess with a spring hinge for the rosin. The rosin was included, new and unblemished, still in its paper in a green plastic case. The violin case is blue with shoulder straps. There is a pocket on the outside for extras toys or music.

I mentioned it to my daughter, Mudcatter Tenjiro, and she got excited. It turns out that she really likes fiddle music and would like to play. I guess I'll go back next Wednesday and see if the other one is there. If it is I'll have to ship it off to Virginia.

Who'd a thunk it? She never mentioned any special attraction to the fiddle before she left for college but then Wee Johnny of the Battlefield Band was one of her heroes so I guess it was for more than his shaved head and leather jacket.

Yesterday I had a very nice 3 hour lunch with Wakana. We talked of many things and planned adventures together. I think she will be a fun friend to pal around with. We seem to have a lot in common.