electronics replacing pianos; Longevity issue

[gordon stelter]

   I have not read much on this thread, so I don't
know whether this has been addressed, or not. But I
hardly believe the electronic keyboards will last 50
years, without somehow "busting", or wearing out! In
fact, 5 years of regular, daily use might be "good"
for one of these things, regardless of brand or price,
before it gets "goofy" and needs expensive repairs, or
replacement.
     Granted, this should all be weighed against the
significant costs of a  "real" piano, which needs
reasonable climatic stability, tuning at least every
15 years ( the "norm" around here, it seems, etc.. )
So it'san individualized choice. A $500 Casio keyboard
is probably a  better investment for a  "beginner" (
they sound and play pretty good, these days ) than an
old  "Crapola"  upright, even if it DID have the
potential to out-perform a  new, $25,000 Schimmel
upright, fully restored. ( Like the 1902 Ivers and
Pond I just refurbished. )  Why? Because the chances
of that customer investing the $10-$20 G's , in the
old upright that it would need to be "up to snuff" is
rather slim and, in the meantime, the customer would
have a reeking, smelly old box full of filth, with
loose pins and a sloppy action, besmirching their
home. I never try to convince a customer to have work
done, anyome. I just tell them an intrument's
potential, and the expected cost to get it there. If
they crack up laughing I tell them they'd be happier
with the Casio, and should just go get one.
     Still, as a professional pianist, I will say that
NO electronic thing that I have yet played has  an
action as good as a noice upright or grand. 

     Thump






 
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