Wow! You guys have been very encouraging. I contacted the outfit where I bought the fiddle (www.countrystrings.com) and they were really nice about saying, "just UPS it back collect." But even after a few days I'm getting rather attached to the little fella. I printed out "Will Ye Not Come Back Again" from the Digital Mirror and it didn't sound that bad after playing it through 10 or so times. I played it for my sister over the telephone and she said, "Mary, you're a prodigy" At 45 I can hardly be called that! I think I might try another repair shop if I can find one...or even go to that la-di-da violin ship, hold my head high, and say, "I know this is a very inexpensive model but I would like for you to put on a new tailpiece with fine tuners and replace or adjust the bridge." I have such a tin ear, I couldn't tell if the tone is good or not. In fact, one could argue that I have no business playing a stringed instrument when I can't tell if a note is in tune or not! But it really is just for fun. I doubt I would ever make anyone sit and listen to me...if they overhear my practice, too bad for them. What a nice group of people there is here at the Mudcat Cafe. Thank you all so much for the advice!