I had a friend back in the '80s who shared our thread-starter's reluctance to play his better instruments anyplace other than his own living room. He owned a Martin D-28, a Gibson archtop guitar, and a Gibson mandolin, but all he ever played at sessions was a Yamaha guitar and a Harmony mandolin. Courtesy of his efforts, they were all in nearly pristine condition when was hit by a train and killed before turning 40.

Moral of the story? Play the things! Don't worry about banging them up a little. Enjoy them today! You might not be here tomorrow!