A Multi-Analytical Non-Invasive Approach to Aqueous Cleaning Systems in Treatments on Bowed String Musical Instruments

Restoration and conservation procedures for historical musical instruments involve several issues, also connected with their frequent being played. One of the most delicate preservation is cleaning surfaces from soil dirt which have accumulated over years. In fact, when external particles reach surface, a fraction them can deposit on it. Moreover, contact player generate chemical-physical changes, rapidly warming wetting through sweat deposition. This work focused methods bowed string by systematic analytical approach. The selective procedure varnished grime needs to be performed without compromising original matter. Therefore, dirty surface was reproduced set mock-ups different water-based systems—generally used restorers—were tested. were monitored in each step methods: multispectral imaging (near-infrared (NIR), IRFC, visible (VIS), UV-induced fluorescence), stereomicroscopy, XRF FTIR spectroscopies allowed us non-invasively outline system efficacy. results highlighted levels and, some cases, it possible identify best selectivity procedures.