I also remember a time when it was quite packed and busy (2000-2003). Perhaps its the popping up of software synthesizers/loop based products.

While they haven't really "replaced" "old school" synthesizers, the younger generation (and I'm a 27 year old teacher during the day), isn't as interested in begging their mother to buy a $2000 or even $500 keyboard when they can get an illegal copy of Fruity Loops from Limewire, which is sad.

It's the unfortunate downside to filesharing I guess. I can coun using all of your fingers how many people do this.

Even though I'm young, when I was "younger" this type of thing just really wasn't available yet (mid 90s) and those that were, didn't do good enough of a job that you'd replace your synths. So, when I'd watch Paul Shaffer with his Kurzweil and ASR10 on Letterman, I'd get excited. I used go straight from school to Sam Ash to play with the gear. People just don't have to do that anymore.