Demographic change and the fact that CNC routers have made it so easy for relative amateurs to make high quality instruments.
Well. I just wrote a long reply that disappeared. Basically saying that kids here listen to fad cRap. I often play with amazing guitarist Neil Zaza. Us audiences aren’t that interested, but he’s wildly popular in Europe and specially China and South Korea. Constantly on tour!
http://www.neilzaza.com
Me on pedal steel with Neil;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Puov93SDltM
On lapsteel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAY1WKouT18