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Generally, I agree with David. Use rarely results in better preservation. The example given of a Stradivarius violin being played does not enhance its preservation or survival - tensioning the strings can cause damage and does not prevent other deterioration, and in fact promotes it. Does enhanced wear off-set the risk of parts "freezing"? It depends upon one's perspective. Frozen parts are often recoverable in the future, with most of their features intact. Worn parts are often not recoverable and information can be lost. This is most severe when a "restorer" replaces worn parts in an effort to keep an object functional, rather than historically intact.

If stable, reversible techniques and materials are used to keep an object minimally functional to prevent freeze-up, but yet safely preserve the original components, both needs can be met. However, keeping string tension on a piano definitely leads to distortion and other deterioration, so this level of functionality must be avoided. The specific object needs must be carefully evaluated to determine the best course of preservation. It is best to err in the direction of preservation of original/historic components, rather than functionality.

*Collections Preservation Consultation
*Conservation Assessments & Surveys
*Environmental Monitoring & Low-Tech Control
*Moisture Management Solutions
*Collections in Historic Structures
*Collections Care Grant Preparation
*Conservation Treatment of:
     Furniture
     Painted Wood
     Horse-Drawn Vehicles
     Architectural Interiors
     Decorative Objects & Folk Art

Marc A. Williams, President
     MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
     Former Chief Wooden Objects Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
     Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)

There are some classes of objects—such as musical instruments and machinery—that a museum might want to maintain in working condition, even if they are in the permanent collection. In order to do this, they have to be (carefully) “used” and maintained from time to time. How much is a Stradivarius worth if it’s deteriorated to the point that it’s not playable?