Well, my daughter only plays in the orchestra in school. She has no private teacher,and she doesn't even practice at home so I know nothing about it. I feel she is playing awful, but she is still first Violin in the school -- guess others are even worse. yes, I realize my budget is too low. I can go around 700-800 --- but not really want to spend more unless she is serious about it. However I am trying to use the same amount money to get a better quality instead of paying the middleman or mark up. Somebody told me to go to buy a hand-made violin in China (Brand Song). Anybody has the experience here? Thanks (sorry can't type in Chinese at work).