I've been thinking on and off about picking up the violin for years. I've always chickened out at the last minute, mostly because I'm afraid it's just one of those passing phases of mine where I really want to learn how to do something but the second I actually start to try, I realize that the time I'd have to put into it is far more than I am capable or willing to. However, the desire has cropped up again in spades recently.

I need to do some research -- I'm sure a beginner violin can't be too expensive...