Acoustic Pianos in Decline?
Although the piano was originally invented in the 1700s, it did not come to prominence as an instrument until the late 1800s known as the Victorian era. Factories were beginning to mass produce 3 main types of piano, the upright, square grand, and grand piano. The availability increased and costs decreased to where average families were able to afford and have pianos in their homes for the first time. By the early 1900s, the development of the modern piano was realized and the ‘golden age’ of the piano had begun.
Technology advances in design and materials allowed streamlined factory processes and more consistent quality control. The general design of high tensile strength steel strings strung on a heavy cast iron plate supported by a large wooden structure is still essentially the same today. American manufacturing dominated the early and mid 1900s and the acoustic piano slowly made its way into the majority of homes, schools, churches, and of course concert stages. European piano manufacturing was also in full swing and the demand for pianos and popularity was spreading globally. The piano was as much a symbol of status and success as well as for education and entertainment.
Throughout the mid to late 1900s we have seen the decline of American and European piano manufacturing and the rise of Asian manufacturing like Yamaha and Kawai. The popularity of the piano boomed in China during the early 2000s and was the most sought after instrument for middle class families. In 2008 China implemented a policy called the “art talent bonus points policy for national middle school entrance exams”. This gave a rise to many piano brands and fueled a multi-billion dollar market for new pianos and music lessons. This policy however was cancelled in 2018. As of 2023 half of piano factories in China have closed down and net profits of the largest piano manufacturer in China fell by 94%. Other manufacturers have been consolidating and restructuring to the new environment.
There are many factors contributing to the slow decline of the acoustic piano; the rise of digital keyboards, the cost of new pianos, technology distractions like video games, TV, the internet, and social media. In the past many middle class families would prioritize their children taking pianos lessons. Sports and other activities as well as the steep cost of buying a new acoustic piano and getting piano lessons has made this more challenging for the average family. According to figures from NAMM, in 2000 there were 105,000 new acoustic piano sales in the US. That number has fallen to around 25,000 today. Obviously the future of the acoustic piano remains to be uncertain.
Even though the acoustic piano industry looks bleak, there will still be a place for quality acoustic pianos as well as the expertise of piano technicians to service them. The piano industry will continue to go through a restructuring of sorts, as it has also done in the past. Nevertheless people will continue to find value and joy in their existing pianos in their homes. Schools, churches, and concert halls will still continue to need service. There will continue to be a need for good piano technicians and rebuilders to restore and maintain aging quality pianos. The acoustic piano has a long history and concrete place among modern instruments. It won’t be dying off that easily. Who knows maybe the acoustic piano will have a resurgence in popularity once again? One can hope...
