Man! I have been playing a fiddle for over 30 yrs off and on, said fiddle which is close to one hundred years old and the finish looks fine. Didn't know it could hurt the finish. I do have an old, very soft hankie which I do keep it wiped down with, so maybe that's why I still have a decent finish with a really pretty aged patina.

I didn't mean that I slather it on, but do rosin it up at least a few strokes each time I play. I think it is the same way that I cook: never measure, just guestimate and when you've done it long enough you almost always get it right!

kat