I don't know catspaw, I can't find anyone willing to sacrifice a good D-28 or Loar Mandolin, or Stratvarious Violin to test that theory.
I can mention that lesser insterments that aren't played nearly as much burn hot and fast. (not from personal expirence, but we all know junk insterments that deserve that fate) However the heat doesn't last all winter, it all goes in one shot, so you warm the house up to 80 for a few hours, but you still need more that night, or next morning.