I'm seeking advice from anyone with experience with stringed instruments in
their collections, particularly violins and the like.  Specifically, I want
to know how such instruments are dealt with in collection storage.  I want
to accept a donation of a special violin, but I have concerns about caring
for it.

It seems that if the strings are left tight in storage, they can cause
problems for the neck.  If left too loose, the bridge can shift, as bridges
on violins are not generally glued into place.  What are the optimum
climate conditions for violins, particularly old ones.  Are they treated
like other manufactured wooden objects such as furniture?  Are there other
concerns regarding the care and storage of violins that I might have
missed?

Please respond with suggestions.  Respond on-list so that others may benefit.

TIA
HBC

*****************************************
Henry B. Crawford        Curator of History
[log in to unmask]     Museum of Texas Tech University
806/742-2442           Box 43191
FAX 742-1136             Lubbock, TX  79409-3191
*********All opinions expressed are mine**********