Not that I suggest wanting to break in anywhere, or break any instruments....

How long does it take to get a string instrument (or any instrument?) to its potential after it has been inactive for a period of time? Dunno if it makes a difference between inactive for one month or one year or twenty years? I am just curious really. I read quite an old post about whether or not stringed instruments needed to be warmed up to get the best out of them, and I have read on other posts that inactive instruments take time to get going again? And on a similar note, does it take ages to get newly bought instruments going?

Just curious

Yes newly bought take longer to come out, like months and months...
But an old one that's been to sleep will take hours I guess no more than a few days depending on how many hours you play in a day....

Hi,

I was just trying to remember how long mine took, but is difficult to really pin-point, as changes gradually, must of been some months!! I don't know about old instruments, do they need breaking in more than once then? An interesting thought.

never ever ever ever ever buy an instrument you don't really like on the basis that it'll be great when it's "played in".

Absolutely!
When you buy a violin it must be on the basis that you love everything about it NOW.

OR......you can break it in 'an instant'