The annoying fact is that many great instruments wind up in the collector's museums who can most afford them. Many musicians find these instruments out of financial reach. I think of the exorbitant price being offered for the long neck five string banjos of Erik Darling and Dave Guard. These belong in the hands of younger players who would respect and relish them not for their financial value but for their venerable history.

Musical instruments are meant to be played and honored, not imprisoned in some glass case somewhere.

Violinists apparently know this and you can hear rare Strads and Guans on recordings in the hands of skilled players.