Rue

...it's still a real saddle too - not a fake one...

Definitely fun!

Mine is painted. No question.

You must have a tough bony collarbone. I have a weak, whiny, easily distressed bony collarbone... Plus, it's an unattractive red mark that shows when I wear anything lower cut.

One of my inexpensive violins has that too...

I think you are right! I was disappointed with that too - but oh well...doesn't affect use - and I imagine at that price point they aren't going to put in more hours of work to reproduce details that don't matter. I assume most of their customers wouldn't know or care. I have an M20 vioilin and a T20 viola. Both were playable "out of the box" other than the strings on the viola did need replacing. There were a couple of minor issues I "fixed" (i.e. loose collar on peg). Otherwise, the set up was fine from my POV. Neither is "great" but both are keepers.

Oh my! Where did you come across that gem? I am very curious. I was taught to hold the violin under my arm while walking/ standing/holding it. I am not a professional and don't hold it for hours a day - but I have not ever had an issue either.

Great pics ! Thanks for putting them up. Looks like a great experience.

I use this approach - except I need an actual bit of padding to protect my collarbone. I have experimented with a number of different types of pads over the years. The main issue is finding one that is both secure and attractive/unobtrusive. Never used a rest. To be fair - I have tried - but they all seem to contort me into painful positions. If I were forced to use one I would have had to quit... I read, with some dismay, about children in American school orchestras, being made to use a shoulder rest- or they weren't allowed to participate. Different people have different conformations - try both approaches - adopt the most comfortable one.

I did find the YM eBay page. You could email them and see if they have a different website.

Flaming doesn't affect tone quality.

I am very glad you clarified that.

Ah! Thanks! One of the many (apparent) insufficiences of my Fine Arts education!

Is it my imagination or ... . ..does it seems like the average newly commissioned instrument will sell for, let's say $10K, directly from the maker - but then, at auction, sell for only $4K?

Still waiting to see it too. But I haven't checked for the most recent options...