This might sound simplistic but, I`m confused.

I can walk into a music shop, hand over £300 and walk out with a good acoustic guitar which I can take home and play straight away. A set of strings will cost about £10 and a good case about £60.

I am now considering taking up the violin and find everything so complicated. All the dealers say they set-up or change the bridge, give a better bow and fit better strings. Why aren`t these things done in the first place? and why do strings that are 1/3 the length cost 3 times as much as guitar strings and why are the cases so expensive? Do I really need a £100 case for a £200 fiddle?

Secondly, I will most probably go ahead with a £200ish starter kit but, and I know this is wrong, I have been looking at more expensive models for a poosible upgrade next year. On the American Gianna site I have seen the Tuscan which appeals on aesthetics alone since I know nothing about them and cannot yet tell good from bad. Does anyone have any info on them and are they available in the UK?

Thanks

Jeff