I'm not sure quite how, but the below link seems relevant to the discussion, especially with regards the skill of the musician vs the appropriateness of the instrument.  That said, to me ragtime sounds most proper when played on a well worn upright, ever so slightly out of tune and regulation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCfGXwx1mJs

A lot of us got our introduction and love for classical and ultimately period appropriate instruments and performances from decidedly "non-appropriate" sources (not everyone grows up in a classical music family).  My first exposure to the harpsichord was a friend of my fathers who had a semi revival single and a virginal of some sort.  My first exposure to well played harpsichord music was the Turkish Rondo by Landowski and an 50's vintage recording of Scarlatti.  Fur Elise above was by way of Benny Hill's pantomime sketches.  Bach as mentioned earlier via Wendy Carlos's Switched on Bach.

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