China Ranked One of World's Top Piano ProducersChina is ranked as one of the world's top piano producers with output of 200,000 last year.Insiders say that the production level of pianos reflects the level of technology and artistry in a country, for the manufacture of the instrument is complicated, with 6,000 parts required to assemble for one piano. For a long time, the market was dominated by Europe and Japan. The first piano was not produced in Beijing until 1949, when New China was founded. Although Beijing together with Shanghai, Guangzhou and Yingkou of Northeast Liaoning Province started manufacturing the musical instrument in the country's largest production bases, the total output was less than 10,000 a year. The industry started booming due to the enthusiasm of Chinese parents in encouraging their children to play piano since the late 1980s. One billion yuan (US$120 million) was added to the four major manufacturers in China. Twenty-one manufacturers then joined the industry. Piano production from 1996 to 2000 is increased more than 100 percent over the 1991-1995 period. A number of manufacturers have improved the quality of their products and achieved brand awareness through technology upgrading and training from overseas experts. Pearlriver, a Guangzhou manufacturer, is the second largest manufacturer in the world. The Japanese brand name Yamaha and Korean Yingchang have invested in China. Pianos made in China are expected to receive award by the State Bureau of Quality and Technical Supervision in the most prestigious Zhongshan Music Hall in Beijing this weekend. Well-known musicians will play on the home-made horizontal pianos on the day. |
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