Across the U.S., piano sales have taken a nosedive. A recent CBS News article reported that in 2024, only 17,294 pianos were sold — compared to hundreds of thousands in past decades. CBS News The reason isn’t lack of interest in music; it’s economics, cultural change, and preference shifts. Young people are renting, using digital subscriptions, or choosing digital pianos as introductory tools.
Interestingly, many technicians and store owners believe this decline is not permanent. As people grow weary of screens, they are rediscovering acoustic instruments for emotional connection and tactile presence. The drop in sales may leave room for a resurgence — but only for stores that adapt.
For Northwest Pianos, the way forward is diversification. We won’t lean solely on acoustic grand sales — but combine them with digital offerings, flexible financing, rentals, and community events. That way, we stay relevant in a changing market, ready for the rebound.
Unlike many household items, a piano is not designed for short-term use. Acoustic pianos, in particular, are built to last decades when properly maintained. This longevity changes how ownership should be approached.
Selecting a piano involves more than choosing a brand or size. A piano must work with the physical space and daily rhythms of the home. Room size, ceiling height, flooring, and wall placement all influence how a piano sounds and feels.
Buying a first piano can feel overwhelming. Brand names, sizes, finishes, and opinions often compete for attention, making it hard to know what truly matters. In reality, the most important factors are far simpler than many buyers expect.