Cheers buddhuu, I was thinking about getting my wife a stagg violin to get her back into it (want to dance the nights away with jigs and reels.... and beer :drool. Think I'll steer clear. The problem I have is I get a bit snobby about instruments, I don't like beginner instruments as they can sound terrible and put you off for life, but then the budget needs to be listened too.[...]
[...]For much less than your £80 budget, what about a Lanikai LU21, which will cost much less than £50, sounds great, and is a superb laminate uke. Its a step up from your Mahalo, and you could use the rest of the cash for a decent case and some new strings. I have one of these, and take it everywhere with me. (including cycle touring around southern spain last summer).
You could do worse than check out a Romanian Gliga fiddle. After quite a bit of research I bought a Gliga from Elida Trading. I've been very happy with it.
Another possibility worth considering is a used antique fiddle from Martin Swan. Check out his ebay listings. He has 100% positive feedback and frequently lists good old French and German fiddles with low reserve prices.
No financial interest in either. I'm a satisfied Gliga/Elida customer, and I have been impressed with the stuff Mr Swan lists on ebay and his feedback. Never bought from him, but it's only a matter of time!