Here's a question for all you experienced fiddlers out there.

I've been playing the fiddle for just under two years and am really enjoying myself. I'm making enough progress to keep up the interest but have got loads to go at. I got my fiddle as a 50th birthday present and, as I knew nothing about fiddles anyway, I didn't go to choose it – my wife took advice from the local music shop. As a complete beginner, and for what might have been just a passing fad, a "starter kit" of fiddle, bow and case at around £100 seemed to be the right option. I'm now at the stage where I feel an upgrade to a better fiddle could be both beneficial and justified. I lent my fiddle to a very experienced player at a session and I have to admit that it sounded a little "thin" even when played by someone who knew what he was doing.

My problem is that any musical purchases have to get into the queue with central heating boilers, replacement windows, children at university, etc. – ( yes, I know there's no contest but She Who Must Be Obeyed has other ideas )

My first question is: -
What is the minimum I would have to pay for a fiddle as a sensible step up ?

I go to a violin lesson once a week and my teacher has suggested that changing my bow could make a significant improvement. My existing bow cost around £25. He has suggested A Chinese bow at £100. Talking to other fiddlers at sessions and the fiddle club, they don't think that changing the bow would make that much difference.

So, my second question is: -
Would changing my bow (which I may be able to afford) make any noticeable difference without changing my fiddle (which I probably can't afford) ?

Doug C