Looking at the side views of the body is so strange. its like the body itself is warped in the middle. I had never seen such a thing and just wondering if that has some reason for being like that.
Oops I was not clear. The grand ole opry guy offered him 2000 not me. Please reread with this in mind.
I did not plan on buying it without playing it and having a local expert look at it. Also I didn't come up with the whole HOPI thing this is what the guy said on the phone.
You are right I could go to a local expert and buy one and in fact that is exactly what I did and I am quite happy with my current violin. That is not going to stop me from trolling the Internet for interesting violins that have a great background and offer a new playing experience.