Most clients should have their piano tuned twice a year, roughly when the house heating system goes on and when it goes off. These are ideal times to tune because they coincide with weather changes that alter the moisture content of the soundboard, which in turn affects string tension and pitch.
It’s common to see customer’s only have their piano tuned every few years. However, piano’s that are tuned regularly tend to stay closer to pitch for longer. This not only benefits the person playing, but the instrument as well as it helps maintain soundboard crown.
Let me give a brief list of things which should be in order, before tuning is contemplated. Keep in mind, upon arrival, these things will be taken into consideration before your instrument is tuned.
Sticking keys should be addressed before tuning. A tuning should not be done before the cause is assessed and properly fixed.
The pins must be tight enough to hold the strings under tension. It seems hardly necessary to mention this, but the pin-block can change its hold on the pins so slowly over the years, that the gradual loosening may not be immediately apparent. The cause of loose pins is often due to extended exposure to humidity and temperature changes. If your instrument has been kept in the proper environment, this is likely not an issue.
All of the action mechanisms should be properly regulated. This includes hammer to string travel distance, let-off, the after-touch, key height, key dip, and various other aspects. This will also help insure that your instrument is enjoyable to play.
Any broken strings should be addressed. In order to maintain a stable tuning, it is necessary that all strings are intact in order to evenly hold the tension.