STRIKING THE RIGHT CHORD

Gestalt is a fancy word used to describe any structure that is more than the sum of its parts.

Like a piano, for instance . . .

In Harbor City, where Kawai America Corp. assembles Japanese-made parts for eight new pianos every day, five days a week, they know all about that.

It’s part of the job. Begin with the strung back-strings, tuning pegs, sound board and ribs--then the cabinet, fitted and assembled with glue. The pedal assembly and legs, followed by the keyboard with the little felt rings under each key.

And then the tuning.

And the testing.

And the cosmetics: hinges, key covers, locks, sheet music rails. The final touch-up--and there’s your piano, ready for the final ingredient that makes it more than the sum of its parts.

Ready to play its first tune.