A while back I asked about trying fiddle as I play mandolin put was having right-hand issues from picking.  I wanted to get back to the bluegrass jam scene and ended up getting a square-neck resonator guitar. I've really taken to it and it's gotten md back to jams which is great.  I also have a lap steel and I'm making slide guitar my "first" instrument.

But I still have fiddle in the back of my head and also, I don't want to overdo the finger picking either so the idea of switching off with fiddle is still with me.  So I kept looking for a deal on a fiddle.

Goodwill has an auction site where they well donations.  It's a lot like ebay was 25 years ago when it will still mostly deals on used stuff instead of offshore vendors listing the same cheap items 50 times over and over.  I monitored it for several weeks and since I'd have no idea how good something obscure would be, I looked for a good deal on known name student quality instrument.

I ended up buying a Strobel ML-85 year 2022 for $150 plus $30 shipping.  I was a bit nervous about getting an instrument shipped the coldest week of the year.  But it came very well packed wish slack strings.  I kept it inside for a week before I opened the box.  Fortunately, even slacked, the tone post stayed in place.  A couple days later I  tune it;  No broken strings.  It looks virtually new and came with a case, rosin, and Glasser fiberglass bow.  I don't know how to play it but I tried bowing a G major scale and it certainly sounds better than I do.

I know Music&Arts way over prices their stuff.  This outfit lists for $895 new.  From what I understand, their business model is to list a $500 outfit for $900 and then rent it to a student for $30/month so they think they are getting a good deal.  Then after a year, the student buys it thinking the credit they already spent for rental makes it worth buying.  I searched for this outfit used and prices seemed to be between $350 and $450.  So, less than $200 delivered for something that's playable and doesn't sound bad; I think I got a good deal.  

If I take to playing it, I'll probably upgrade to a carbon bow and replace the strings.  For now, It's practice guitar for 20 minutes and practice fiddle for 20 minutes.

Wish me look an any tips on resources for learning appreciated.

-Ken