Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Piano Tuner-Technicians Forum What is the rule on electronic spare parts availability in the USA?

I heard somewhere that manufacturers of digital pianos are only required to stock parts for five years after a model is discontinued. I see references on google to a five-year rule in Australia and New Zealand, but can't find any US statutes. Is there such a law? How long are manufacturers supposed to make spare parts available? Thanks.

I'm not certain what, if anything the law requires.

In practice, they try to keep a stock of parts that will carry them through whatever the warranty period is on the discontinued item. After that, time period, if they still have parts to sell, then they will.

Excepting perhaps in certain very popular models, there is no incentive for the manufacture to continue to stock parts for an ever-changing and growing product list. CPU boards, power supplys, etc, need to be made by the hundreds in order to remain cost effective.

If it's past the warranty period, and a couple hundred dollar part needs replacing---many digital owners opt to use the occasion to upgrade to a new instrument. Why sink that kind of money into 5+ year old technology, and on an instrument with 5+ years worth of wear and tear.

You may also wish to try posting this in the digital forum.

good think they make parts for 100+ year old technology.