New study shows retirees buying more instruments

The Nanas belt out one for the oldies.

It would seem the X-Factor's and Idol's are doing something good for the music industry after all? Check out this report from our UK correspondent Jory Mackay from MI Pro

Baby boomers are hitting the musical groove in an all-time high according to a study by Gear4Music.
The York-based online MI retailer found that the number of musical instruments being bought by or for people aged 55 plus has never been higher with sales expected to reach a fever pitch during the Christmas period.
Commenting on the trend, Gear4music.com founder and managing director Andrew Wass, said: “We are seeing an increase in the number of people over 55 learning a new instrument for the first time with early retirement giving people the time needed to pursue a new hobby.
“Learning a musical instrument also connects people with their youth, with a lot of our customers’ inspiration coming from the 60s and 70s. As a result we’ve seen vintage-inspired instruments, such as guitars and ukuleles sell very well.
“I love the fact that pensioners are buying more instruments because it is a sure fire way to bridge generation gaps. I can’t tell you how many customers have told me that their purchases are being shared by three generations. Additionally, musical instruments make fantastic Christmas presents as learning or practicing an instrument has been proven to keep people happier and sharper.”
According to Gear4Music.com, however, electronic instruments still remain the UK’s preferred choice, as the three top selling items this season are electric guitars, electric drum kits and digital pianos with DJ decks further down the list.
“Talent shows such as X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have really increased the popularity of music in the UK and we see a notable spike in sales during the television shows’ broadcast.”

Gotta love the Nanas eh?