Many people do not know, but the piano industry has changed drastically over the last 25 years, for a variety of different reasons. Understanding how the piano industry has changed can help you to make an educated and well-researched decision when it comes to buying a piano. From a little research, you will have a better idea as to what it is that you are getting when you purchase a piano of a particular brand name.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, most traditional acoustic pianos were produced and manufactured right here in America. The traditional big names like Baldwin, Wurlitzer, Kimball, and many others were American-made and doing very well. 1988 was the peak year for the purchase of acoustic pianos in the U.S.
However, with the advent of the technology age and its application to musical instruments with relative ease and affordability came a sharp decrease in the demand for traditional acoustic pianos. At the same time, the materials out of which acoustic pianos are made—wood and metal—continued to cost as much as they did before and even increased in price, as did the cost of labor. Companies that specialized in traditional acoustic pianos needed to find a way to cut costs quickly, or risk going under.
And sadly, many did. Companies like Baldwin folded and sold the rights to the use of their name. Others closed their U.S. facilities and moved overseas, where the cost of materials and labor was cheaper. Still others merged with companies from Asia and Europe. Today, there are only three companies that still manufacture and produce their pianos in America: Steinway in New York, and two small boutique piano companies named Mason & Hamlin in Massachusetts and Charles Walter in Indiana. Over 80% of pianos are now manufactured in either China or Indonesia.
Because many companies sold the rights to their name in the last 25 years, it is no longer a guarantee that just because a piano boasts a particular brand name that it is a quality piano. Likewise, many pianos whose brand names are not common household knowledge are actually excellent pianos that are well-built to last a lifetime and are a great quality for the price. That is why it is essential to do research and seek out professional help when shopping for a piano, since hopefully you will only buy one or two in a lifetime!
At Miller Piano Specialists, we take great pride in helping our customers research the pianos they are interested in and make the best choice for their lifestyle, preferences, and budget. The pianos that were an excellent buy 20 or 25 years ago are not necessarily an excellent buy today, and we want all of our customers to be happy and satisfied with the piano they walk away with. When you buy a piano from Miller Piano Specialists, you know you will have the confidence and education you need to make the right choice.
Come see us anytime the doors are open, or visit our website at millerps.com for more information.
