You should do what you're comfortable with, to a point. But minor nicks and such don't affect an instrument's value much. Further, a mature instrument really should have some playing wear. Wear on the neck and body finish are actually quite attractive when seen as the accumulation of many years of loving caresses. (I am still talking about guitars here).

A few years ago I was unforgivably careless with my Martin, letting it fall off a stand and CRACK RIGHT DOWN THE SIDE! I've forgiven myself anyway, and my friendly neighbourhood luthier fixed it for $30. I still use that stand but I fixed it to be more secure too. Life goes on and so does my 34-year-old guitar. Guitar nuts still admire it, they don't look at the crack in the side and realize what a klutz I am.

Klutz? I doubt you can outklutz me. I once had the thrill of opening for Archie Fisher in a 200-seat multi-use arts centre, the show was on an off-night in the middle of a play run so there was a theatre set partially in place. Archie, being a professional and a gentleman, made a point to warn me as he finished his soundcheck to be sure to duck going offstage so as not to hit the low-hanging plywood tree silhouette. I don't suppose I need to tell you what happened. Practically knocked myself flat on my back leaving the stage! Good dent in my forehead, and made an idiot of meself in front of one of my musical heroes and a packed house. But my guitar was unscathed and the whole evening remains about the best of my career.

A 20-year-old Martin probably has another 20 to go before it is considered vintage; the playing wear and dings are part of the package by then.

Bring it out, but not everywhere, use due care... there are some excellent suggestions here. I'm gonna try the "plumber's washer" on the endpin--that's a recurring issue with me.

W-O