Hey Mudcatters,

I posted this thread almost three years ago, I cannot believe it is still on here! But since I just came across it, I thought I'd give an update.

I stuck with the cheap fiddle and didn't go back to the snooty band instrument rental shop. Finally, I got up my nerve to go to the nice violin shop to get some better strings, and they treated me very respectfully. He asked to see the fiddle to see what kind of strings were already on it. When he saw it, he said he had some small repairs he could do to make it sound better. I know one thing he did was lower the nut and it made it a LOT easier to play.

After another 6 months or so, I got a little money together and went back to THEM (insert plug here: Atlanta St. Violins) and bought a 100-year old fiddle which I play all the time and I love! I can't bring myself to get rid of the old one, but I haven't opened the case since the new fiddle came home.

I have been taking lessons for two years now, I practice all the time, I sign up for every workshop I can find, and I have even been to music camp (the Swannanoa Gathering). I can play at our local session without getting kicked out! I have also met some wonderful people. Fiddling has definitely become part of my life, and I can't imagine living without it. And you know, it all comes back to the encouragement I got HERE to stick with the cheap fiddle!! Thank you all!!!!