Funnily enough, I was going to suggest that you read Mark Vail. He's still writing a column in Keyboard if you want to keep up. I think the problem with American producers is the same as with stereo, motorcycles, computers, etc. Other countries, notably Japan, Taiwan and S. Korea, just make cheaper and better products. You might not like what they make but the markets speak very loudly. Americans (or anyone else) could make the stuff but how much would it cost?