South Bay Chapter
January Meeting:
Date: Tues. 2/10/2026
Time: 6:30 pm-Board Meeting
7:00
pm-Chapter Meeting
Location: Kawai America
2055 E.
University Dr.
Rancho Dominguez 90220
At our January meeting, members brought examples of superior recordings of piano music for all to listen to and discuss the various tone qualities represented. Each piano recording inspired interesting and detailed conversations as to exactly what it was about the tone qualities that we liked or didn't like. We heard beautiful examples of jazz and classical music performed on some of the best Asian, American and European pianos. For many of us, it was a reminder of what a privilege it is to work on pianos and to be part of bringing out the best sounds from beautiful instruments.
When we first learn to tune pianos the concept seems so straightforward: "Turn the pin until the string sounds right." Usually we start by tuning unisons, learning to match the 2 or 3 strings of each note, then later learning about octaves and temperaments. After a few years of this we start to get the idea, but then we start to learn that there is a lot more to doing good piano tunings!
Don Mannino is presenting a new class this month focusing on two closely related parts of our tuning process: Setting the strings and tuning pin (focusing on stability) and tuning unisons (focusing on tone quality). Come hear Don discuss the different string and pin manipulation problems we face and how to deal with them, then pontificate on the aspects of unison tuning that really affect the overall sound of the piano when we are finished! He will touch multiple small issues that affect the quality of our work such as false strings, sympathetic ringing of open strings, poor string scale issues (especially in the tenor and bass areas) and more!