We all love music in one form or another and maybe you have read a book about your favourite singer. If you focus on the instruments invariably a piano is used . An interesting book about the history and the companies which made pianos is called The Piano Makers by David Wainwright, Hutchinson of London, UK, 1975. The book focuses on piano making in England and the customers were often found in in upper income homes because in the 1800’s entertaining was primarily done at home. The musicians would travel between countries or go on tour and play at homes many times those related to the Kings and Queens of Europe. Eventually what the royals do, other will tend to follow and pianos were bought by the wealthy for there was a time when all proper young ladies were expected to play the piano. The choice of the brand of piano was the ones being favoured by the royals or their favourite musician. The piano companies of the day would ensure their pianos were available when the musicians went on tour. The musicians at the time were Beethoven, Paganini, Liszt, Clementi, perhaps names you not only have heard but maybe even performed some of their work.

Linking to dividend producing stocks, there are many people connected to the piano business, although most of the companies are not publicly traded, you can still learn from the industry. Over the years, there has been many manufacturers which brought about improvements to ensure when the proper keys are engaged the tone and quality is rich and high. There continues to be a wide variety of price points and learning to play an instrument is still high on many people wish list for themselves and their children. How the piano was developed and manages to stay relevant is a very interesting journey.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.