For those with modest budgets and who are not in the game of buying for future investment value, there is something to be said for finding a lesser known maker whose instruments you like, and commissioning without a long waiting time. You can enjoy the same pleasure of seeing an instrument coming to birth with you input hopefully, and at the same time provide opportunities for makers keen to turn over some trade. I did so with some three violas and two fiddles for students and naturally know of others who have done something similar.