How to Care for Antique Musical Instruments

Historic instruments are both functional objects and records of makers, players and alteration. Playing condition is not always the same as conservation condition.

Safe routine care

Keep humidity stable, support the case and avoid tension changes without specialist advice. Record labels, serial numbers, repairs and accessories.

What not to do

Do not polish, restring, tune or lubricate a long-unused instrument casually. Sudden use can split wood, damage glue joints or overload fittings.

Storage and specialist help

Ask an instrument conservator or specialist maker to balance preservation, display and any proposed performance.

Conservation references

• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Caring for objects and collections](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/care-objects.html)
• [Canadian Conservation Institute: Agents of deterioration](https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/agents-deterioration.html)

Begin with the least intervention. For valuable, unstable or regulated objects, use a qualified conservator and check current law before treatment, sale or transport.

Watch careful restoration

Visit the [Antique Repair Shop YouTube channel](https://www.youtube.com/@AntiqueRepairShop) for practical workshop demonstrations and object examinations.