Actually the shortage of instruments is an interesting issue.

It fits right into my model.

Actually instruments are just tangible productions just like songs which are more abstract.

They are products of the folk processes.

Why have not more instrument makers been trained to address the demand.

Probably the same way pro folk musicians have failed to teach the masses to sing and take part. No excuse for failing to train instrument makers and expand businesses. Trouble is that it is capitalistically incorrect as when you increase supply your profit will decline.

I am a certified secondary teacher I know about teaching methods.
If each time there is a performance it is a teaching moment we will benefit. People will have the opportunity to learn the music and the music will expand. Simple. If you dont try and insist on limiting yourself to entertainment dont expect people to learn anything. I would settle for a simple sheet of lyrics.

Folk music works on many levels, education, morals lessonss, history, pschological curative, entertainment? just a blip. But it gets all the attention. Having a song to sing is far more important than a one time fun experience.

Music in the mind is far more durable than music on a cd.

There is no substitute for a song learned not even the internet can solve that problem.

Conrad