The Fiddler's Fakebook mentioned above is probably the most commonly seen collection in my area. It includes probably most of the most common tunes people have cited. It also includes some information on performers/performances for most tunes. My observation is that it contains "performance arrangements," i.e. the way the tunes are played for "listening audiences." (i.e. the selection is a bit "bluegrassy."

A collection I've found more "likeable" is the Portland Collection. This nice little book is produced by the Contra
Dance folk in Portland Oregon, and includes danceable tune selections and arrangements. I've not gotten around to ordering the new edition(s) with the CD that's now available, but those who've got it indicate that the CD is good. It appears in Amazon listings so it would be presumed that it could be ordered through mudcat for the kickback to the 'cat.

While any tune of interest to a beginning player can probably be found somewhere on the web, most will probably want at least one or two "collections" just to cut down on the time wasted searching them out. (Look less, play more.)

Most "folk collections," including "fiddle collections," tend to be quite repetitious, including very similar lists of "best tunes" without adding much to the repertoire. The above two, so far as I've seen, include the best basic sets of tunes in forms actually useful to most beginners - at least until they settle on a "style" they like and are ready to look at more narrowly defined collections.

But everything is just an opinion.

John