Malcolm, the more I think about it the more I think I did offer too much. The problem is that both of us are in the hinterland of the music world. We can go to pawn shops and there are these violins........

with no strings, no tail piece, no chinrest, no sound post, crack in the top, etc. priced for $50 US. People buy them, cobble the repairs together, and because the label says "Stradavarius", they think they have a Treasure.

I KNOW what good violins cost and it's not $50.00......this one is oversized which is perfect for me because I tend to play sharp anyway. It's still a little "hollow" under my ear, but it's brand new, and I think that would change, if I broke it in.

I know he has to have at least $250 US in wood and parts,(let alone labor) and I would feel like a real piker if he took less than $800.........I think I will push gently.......I'm in agony, here.