I have just started learning as well. When I was in college, I had several friends that played both the violin and the viola, and I have to say that they were part of my inspiration. A good friend, Matt taught viola at the university, and I always loved to hear him play. I started playing around on a violin I borrowed from a friend, and I truly loved it. Now I live nowhere near them, and there isn't anyone nearby that I can learn from. We have a music store in town that is going out of business, and they have offered to come down significantly on the price of their violins, but I still don't know what to look for since I'm not very great at playing. It is great to have an instructor, but you really have to learn what works best with you. I've played music for years- clarinet, piano, guitar, and trumpet- but in my opinion there is nothing like the sound that comes from a violin when it is played well. Fiddlerman, you've got me excited once again, and I appreciate your knowledge on all of these topics. I've been seeing your videos which review violins, and have found them very helpful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us "newbs".