When I was younger I played cello, and at first i had a school one which was unbelievably battered.

Mind you, when i started playing bodhran (sorry!) I borrowed Mum's. Eventually she got sick of me hijacking it and got me my own. I do lend it sometimes but I supervise other's use of it. If I think they're being mean to it I take it off them. If that p***es them off, TOUGH!!