So my friend's hubby has a band that plays about every couple weeks......she already plays in it sometimes, they asked me to join just for a few songs here and there, since we are getting a little better, I kinda play the harmonies with her and the band thinks it will sound awesome (little do they know!!!) - I'm nervous but a little excited too!

Anyways, her husband bought her a pick up, and it was around $350... she said I needed one too, at that price, would it be better maybe to get an acoustic electric fiddle for now - since its cheaper than the pick up?

And even more importantly, my other concern is...one of their more frequent venues allows smoking, and I don't personally like being around smoke. I don't mind if people want to, not a big deal for me, I'm just never around it and I don't like smelling it on my clothes and hair, so I'm wondering if it would linger in my violin too? (sorry if thats a stupid question)...but I can't shampoo my violin!

I thought I'd go to a couple of practices with them and see if I can wing it without buying anything for this week, just incase I'm terrible and they take back the offer...