From today's LA Times - fun because it's about pianos, but a bit sad, well quite a bit actually.

http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-pianos16-2009may16,0,4599055.story

I think the first serious challenge to the piano as a center of home entertainment was the bicycle in the late 1800s. Since that time it never fully recovered.

Dang, what an article (link).

There are statements and quotations so forward looking as to challenge credibility (like "In the 21st century, the acoustic piano seems to be a relic of another era" and "Kids have résumés when they're 12") juxtaposed with an observation so outdated that it might have been made 50 years ago ("the piano has been replaced by a television as the center of the living room or den"). Huh?

The things one reads on these here Internets.

Steven

I haven't watched TV for a long long time. It is being used as a big monitor to surf the Internet. :P

I can see acoustic pianos being slowly pushed aside, but digital pianos are popular as ever arent they? I personally prefer digital just because its physically possible to take it with me to friends houses, or to another room in my house for that matter. 2 ton acoustic pianos may sounds better but sweet lord how the hell do ya move it around?

Basically what I mean to say is, digital is a ton more convenient for the non-hardcore pianists of today. 50 years ago if you wanted to play piano your only option was pretty much upright or grand.

A good article with several different perspectives....

Any publicity is good publicity...but I don't hold with any 'doomsday scenarios' regarding the pianos future in society.

It may be good to examine this from a wordwide perspective and look to emerging markets as areas of development regarding piano sales. No doubt numbers are falling in some areas of the globe, but the glory that is the acoustic piano will always be sought after by discriminating musicians.

Technicians will always be needed...of all shapes, sizes and quality to service requirements...and, perhaps, develop methods and training for those in these future markets so that the pianos will be in the best condition they can be.
Training technicians to work at the highest level is one way of assuring that acoustic pianos are presented at their best...given economic conditions on the ground...

Any thoughts out there...I don't mean to highjack the thread...but the article will raise awareness in those who read it, and the technical community might wish to consider a response.