Musical instruments... In the case of violins at least, we have a situation where there is little debate over the use / non-use issue. As I understand it, violins "must" be used in order to be preserved. If only the decision were so easy for bikes. The example of aircraft is a better analog to bicycles. Aircraft reinforce my view that there is room in the world for both use and non-used collectable vehicles. I've seen a few WWII-era restorations in flight, and it is always a memorable experience. On the other hand, I've seen rare unrestored and restored non-flying aircraft at the National Air and Space Museum Annex, and that too is memorable. Aircraft retored by NASM use the maximum of original parts, "reversable" processes where possible, and are intended to be good for two-hundred years (or was it three hundred?). In any case, we could restore and fly all the stuff now and have nothing left for future generations to even look at, or preseve a portion for them. Obviously the option of having flyable restorations in three hundred years is unlikely. Personally, I don't feel much desire to ride my older bikes. I should drag them out and tool around once in a while, but I don't. I own only two "vintage" bikes and neither is old enough yet to really be a novelty on the road. In another couple of decades, it might become more of an "event" to ride them. Right now I just think of them as cool old bikes that don't work as well as my new bikes. Someday though, six-speed friction and toeclips will be more than out-dated, it will be interesting. For serious riding though, the newer stuff will probably always be my choice. Tom Dalton Bethlehem, PA ltbradley wrote:When I acquired an 1820's J & H Meacham 5 keyed clarinet (quite an early example of American clarinet making) recently I contacted the curator of one of the worlds finest collections of musical instruments as to whether I should "restore" it for performance purposes or maintain it in the condition in which I purchased it. The response I received put my fears to rest. It was suggested that I carefully document and store anything I remove from the instrument and only do "restoration" that was reversable and then it was quite acceptable to play the instrument. I had a reproduction mouthpiece made and I have kept pads etc. that I replaced. There are many performers that use original early instruments. I believe that as long as we document what we find it makes more sense to use these items as they are intended. That way we find out more about them! Yes there is always the risk of damage. Witness the historic aircraft recently restored and then crashed into Elliot Bay in Seattle. (yep, it is going to be rebuilt again!) Personally I believe in living history wherever possible. Nothing gives me more of a thrill than to see a Lancaster or Spitfire in flight or to see an old MG braving the roads. Nothing turns heads more either! Lawrence Bradley, Tacoma, WA
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