Last piano built in England

[Mike Davis]

I thought Ernie and some of the other instrument makers may be interested in this news.





http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/e...ts/8333215.stm

[Glennbear]

Hopefully Yamaha will continue to maintain the quality that Kemble and Co. buyers have enjoyed for a century.

[ErnieM]

I have a book, the Pierce Piano Atlas, that lists the serial numbers and date of manufacture for every piano built in the U.S. There are hundreds, if not thousands of American piano companies listed. Now, we can count the number of American piano companies on one hand. Unfortunately, lifestyles in the 21st century require fast progress and instant gratification - two characteristics not present in learning to play the piano. The demise of the piano has been written about for years and yet all manufacturers of electronic keyboards brag about how realistic their piano sounds are. It's not that the piano is any less loved - it's that western culture doesn't care to invest the time necessary to study the instrument. Remember, in 1800, the harpsichord was declared legally dead and we're still building them today.

I agree with Glenn - I hope the Kemble company will find a way to continue its piano making tradition.

Ernie