text: To find a good, basic violin, search eBay under antique or vintage violins......Look for the Strad copies from around 188--1910.....These are mass-produced German/Czech violins, the type that our grandmothers or great-grandmothers ordered from Sears Roebuck and Wards mail order catalog......They will run from $100 to $300, depending upon age and condition. When these types of violins are fitted with a low bridge, they usually have a very good bright tone, with good sustain, and because of the wear and age, are easy to play.  Find a bow with some age on it, eBay, fleamarket, etc., preferably a Glasser horsehair bow.  With these two items combined, you should have a violin set that sounds good, and is easy to play.......very, very important when you are beginning to learn......The best fiddle players I've heard are self-taught......I've found a lot of instructors just have too much ego going with an adult player, and sometimes it's better to grasp at a few basics own your own. I have played and built violins for over 20 years. Good luck to you.