I wonder what musical instruments will look like in 50 years.

virtual reality

Like the hollow deck in star trek? That would be cool
 

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Violins have been the same since the 1500's. I think there might be new takes on old designs like always. No matter what it ends up being I'm pretty sure you'll still need to know how to play.
 
A.I.- Now that's another subject. Combine the most recent developments in A.I. with music construction and instruments and well..........they won't need you any more

I think music is dying in that sense, it already is in a way. The devotion and time required to play at a high level is not something a lot of people will want to put into it going forward I think. So less people learning to actually play an instrument, therefore the demand for instruments will diminish. Instruments will be more and more computer based (we are already there) with "press a key get a song" type stuff. AI as mentioned above will play into this I am sure. 
 
This is how future instruments will look:

 
 

There's no substitute for talent.

I won't be here in 50 years, but if I am.....I'll be playing this...
 

Very nice Michael......you must've won that in a lotto?

 

Wow!, even though I probably won't be around in 50 unless someone invents a major youth serum in the next few years I would hope there would remain a fringe element still wanting to hear real musicians play.