Pianotech

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

So, some people are weighing on the "bumped thread" thread, and the issue of DEI. People have their opinions on that and that's fine with me, so do I.  Whatever the genesis of that topic, it has led to a conversation on related issues that I think are worthwhile and completely within the scope of our mission.  So let's divide them up.  I don't want to pursue DEI discussions or my own concerns with the current administration here.  So, for the record, there's no hidden agenda or attempt at disguise, even though I do have some concerns.

But the tariff issue is a serious one that I think deserves some attention. For example, I am in the market to replace my car which I use primarily for business. That previously priced $32,000 car (Subaru) will, after these tariffs go into effect cost me an additional $9000 (so the dealer tells me).  That's pretty significant, nearly 30%, this doesn't account for increases in costs of replacement parts or repairs.

More directly related to our trade is what will happen to piano parts prices from our major suppliers like Renner, Abel, Yamaha, Kawai, various international string makers, not to mention to the pianos themselves.  

I'd like to invite those suppliers to join this discussion to outline what they anticipate in terms of cost increases. Not to incite blame, but so that we may be better informed as an industry and plan accordingly, as well as to give us information to pass on to our customers.  I, for one, do not want to be blamed for price gouging or contributing to inflationary pressure based on my own self interest.  Nor do I wish to eat the differences myself.  So, I hope that Chip at Renner, Melanie at Brooks, the reps from Yamaha, Kawai, Bolduc, Bechstein, Bosendorfer and others will comment on what they see is likely, if not already in effect.  Since I am encouraging a public discussion and since I understand that wholesale prices remain confidential in some circles, I would simply ask that people talk in terms of anticipated percentages.  

Some of you will certainly ask, or accuse me, of just being a trouble maker.  Whether I wear that moniker as a badge of honor or not, what I'm asking for is valuable information, information that many techs are asking themselves and I think worthy of public discussion.  How they intend to handle these changes at a time when prices on many things are already out of control for many people is another question.  I don't think we need to hide behind the idea of confidentiality or secrecy for information which will invariably become public.

I await the responses.  It will help me, and others, plan for our professional and business development. 

Don't worry Mathew W or Chris C, I'm not trying to be funny, this is f'ing serious <3.  

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

Kind of a nitpick since it's the second column that matters for us, but in the interest of keeping the discussion factual: The "Tariffs Charged to the U.S.A. including . . . Barriers" header of the first column is incorrect. Those numbers are simply (our trade deficit to that country) / (total exports from that country).

As for the second column, yup, piano parts are gonna get more expensive.

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

As of April 10th at 9pm EST, pianos from China will be charged a 145% tariff.

What this means is the death of the entry level new home piano market.

This market will be taken over by digital keyboards. 

This will accelerate the cultural change from acoustic pianos to digital keyboards.

What will this mean to the piano tuners of 2030 and 2040? They'd better identify their future market and prepare to secure their share.

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Ed,

But where will these digital keyboards come from?

As of April 10th at 9pm EST, pianos from China will be charged a 145% tariff.

What this means is the death of the entry level new home piano market.

This market will be taken over by digital keyboards. 

This will accelerate the cultural change from acoustic pianos to digital keyboards.

What will this mean to the piano tuners of 2030 and 2040? They'd better identify their future market and prepare to secure their share.

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Ed,

But where will these digital keyboards come from?

As of April 10th at 9pm EST, pianos from China will be charged a 145% tariff.

What this means is the death of the entry level new home piano market.

This market will be taken over by digital keyboards. 

This will accelerate the cultural change from acoustic pianos to digital keyboards.

What will this mean to the piano tuners of 2030 and 2040? They'd better identify their future market and prepare to secure their share.

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Ed, while I agree with your summation, a lot of entry level pianos are now made in Indonesia. Even one vertical model of the Essex. Could be a bonanza for those makers. But these are uncertain times. 

Nathan, shrunken retirements?

Ed,

But where will these digital keyboards come from?

As of April 10th at 9pm EST, pianos from China will be charged a 145% tariff.

What this means is the death of the entry level new home piano market.

This market will be taken over by digital keyboards. 

This will accelerate the cultural change from acoustic pianos to digital keyboards.

What will this mean to the piano tuners of 2030 and 2040? They'd better identify their future market and prepare to secure their share.

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Ed,

But where will these digital keyboards come from?

------------------------------
Blaine Hebert RPT
Duarte CA
(626) 390-0512

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2025 21:40
From: Ed Sutton
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

As of April 10th at 9pm EST, pianos from China will be charged a 145% tariff.

What this means is the death of the entry level new home piano market.

This market will be taken over by digital keyboards. 

This will accelerate the cultural change from acoustic pianos to digital keyboards.

What will this mean to the piano tuners of 2030 and 2040? They'd better identify their future market and prepare to secure their share.

------------------------------
Ed Sutton
ed440@me.com
(980) 254-7413

Original Message:
Sent: 04-08-2025 19:09
From: Horace Greeley
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Hi, Peter!

This is very good news, indeed!

Thank you very much for passing it along.

Kind regards.

Horace




  Original Message


Original Message:
Sent: 4/8/2025 11:38:00 AM
From: Peter Grey
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

FWIW, I just received this email from Gregor Heller: 

Dear Peter!

------------------------------
Peter Grey
Stratham NH
(603) 686-2395
pianodoctor57@gmail.com

Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2025 22:43
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Original Message:
Sent: 4/7/2025 11:15:00 AM
From: Melanie Brooks
Subject: RE: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Good Morning all!!!

It's a great day to have a great day!  My present mantra regarding all things politics these days: "To protect our inner peace, we must learn to Observe NOT Absorb!"

A this time, we have no price increases scheduled!:)

Preemptively, we have fully stocked with action parts (Abel, Ronsen, Tokiwa, WNG and Dampp-Chaser has an order on the way to us.  

We will reassess prices regularly but do not foresee a price increase before 6/1by which time we hope to have more information!  I will refer back to this thread with updates.

I have spent a lot of time trying to understand exactly what is happening, and it seems the news "media" is probably the worst place - lol -  it seems to be filled with agendas not related to what is going on.  But, my background is in economics/business (with a minor in philosophy -which may play most importantly right now :)

So I'm interested in it all.(even if it seems like a late night horror movie :)

I think we need to keep in mind that Trump is a master negotiator. (like him or not!) My understanding is that his initial plan in slapping all these countries with tariffs is to create a ground for negotiation.  The US is paying tariffs to many of these countries and he is out to  "even the playing field" . 

So, I am choosing to "breathe" and watch it unfold .... .... since there isn't a darn thing we can do about it all!

What I can do ... is to keep you updated as we hear from our suppliers!

We're here to help, if you have a project in the forefront feel free to reach out to us to see what it will "look like"

------------------------------
Melanie Brooks
Brooks, Ltd. Piano Products LLC
Uncasville CT
(860) 848-6605

Original Message:
Sent: 04-03-2025 16:15
From: David Love
Subject: New tariffs and effect on piano industry

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

------------------------------
David Love RPT
www.davidlovepianos.com
davidlovepianos@comcast.net
415 407 8320
------------------------------

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.

In addition to the potential increase in cost of parts and instruments, we need to be worried about decreased ability of customers to afford piano service, period. Whatever may happen in the long term, one immediate effect of the tariffs has been to pummel the stock market, where a lot of American wealth resides. We sell a luxury service. If someone's economic situation is looking doubtful, piano tuning will be one the first things they forgo. 

Something we should all be keeping in mind are the new tariffs that were imposed yesterday and how they will affect our industry.  That includes the cost of pianos, parts, materials and labor that we import from other countries. These costs, of course, will be passed on to us as the primary consumers and to our customers as secondary consumers. I'm curious how people are handling that and if they're anticipating this in their pricing structure. I know we're all trying to avoid inflationary contributions and pressure, but there seems to be no getting around it.  

Further, is the PTG involved in any lobbying efforts on our and our costumer's behalf?  If not, why not?

Here's a partial list. Some of these won't be relevant to the industry but some will  And, of course, they all have relevance outside the industry.