Micki,

          As a violinist, my opinion is that the wonderful sound is
          what makes a Strad more valuable that an equally lovely
          looking but not so lovely sounding instrument.

          My advice would be that if the piece is valuable for its
          sound, conserve the sound over the looks.  If the piece is
          valuable for its looks, preserve the appearance.


          How's that for an "it all depends" kind of answer?

          Kathy Lear
          CREHST