The care of musical instruments is complicated by the fact that they are made of a large variety of materials; their function also interferes with usual conservation principles. The issues of artifact versus playable instruments and that of restoration proper are considered. Discusses the risks of storage or display, e.g., high or low humidity, excessive light, dust, air pollution, water leaks, insect pests, strain caused by improper supports, and damage from careless handling. Specific guidelines for handling woodwinds, brass instruments, and keyboard instruments (pianos, as well as harpsichords and virginals with their good, modern copies) are given. Recommends consulting a professional about pitch levels and temperament systems before restoring instruments to playing condition. Guidelines are presented on cleaning and polishing, as well as on moving large instruments; others deal with the care of ethnographic and folk instruments. Discusses the care of sound recordings and finding specialized professional assistance.