Hi Guys,  Here is my contribution to the discussion.  I think the
acoustic piano (as a popular, in-the-home, musical instrument) is
endangered.  But for concert stage and quality recording, good acoustic
pianos will be around _forever_. "Keyboards" are as popular as ever.
This is not the piano's fault.  A quality piano is a wonder.

Everything (for example, cars, houses, pianos) were made far better
(and made to last) in the 1910s and 1920s than they are today.  Today
we live in a "throwaway society." The philosophy (ultimately self-
defeating) is "build something to last 5 to 10 years so they can buy a
new one so we can make more money."

You can get away with a poorly made car that only lasts 5 years or a
poorly made house that only lasts say 40 years.  You cannot in the long
term get away with a poorly made piano.  The monetary investment in a
poorly made piano is pretty great and most people won't want to make
the purchase a second time.  A good quality modern piano is expensive
but you'll have it forever--the problem is that most people cannot
afford a good new piano.

Another problem is that we Americans like "shiny and new." You could
get a good 1920s piano today (which is made far better than most pianos
today) for what?: $600 to $1,000.  The problem is, it usually is not
"pretty." Most Americans want "pretty and new" things.

Good pianos will _always_ around.  I think they will primarily be used
on the concert stage, and in the recording studio.  Nothing can replace
the tonal quality of a true acoustic piano.  Weren't movie theaters and
radio supposed to disappear when TV came out?  And weren't microwave
ovens going to do away with the conventional gas or electric oven?  And
wasn't the automobile going to do away with horses?

Good pianos will remain as long as people need to be entertained and
delighted by music, or to give expression to their feelings.
Ultimately, poor quality pianos will no longer be made because they are
in the long run dissatisfying.

Finally, as long as there are true pianists and people who appreciate
the good instruments (thousands of people) the real quality pianos will
be around forever.

Sincerely,  Gabe

Gabriel T. Della Fave
http://www.mindspring.com/~gabedellafave/player.htm