I've worked as a piano technician since 2003. An inspection during a service visit is absolutely necessary to assess its overall condition before doing any work, to check for potential problems and issues; a pitch measurement is taken to determine if a Pitch Correction to the A440Hz standard is needed; the keys are cleaned, the interior is vacuumed, plate and bench bolts are tightened.
The inspection is even more important if you acquired a “free” piano without first having it inspected before moving it into your house. It's interesting to note that people will most definitely have a car inspected before confirming the transaction, but not with pianos. Thus, many end up with an instrument that has seen better days, or worse-often times not worth repairing. Anything is only as good as the maintenance it regularly receives. Most owners don't keep a “piano fax”. With free pianos, you never know what you're getting!
Pianos don't stay in tune forever. Every six to 12 months is recommended for tuning. Humidity and Temperature interact with the wooden structure: 1-expanding and contracting the soundboard, which makes it go out of tune, 2-changes the torque on the pinblock (that is, how firmly [or not] the pinblock is holding on to the tuning pins), 3-alters the integrity and longevity of the various glue joints in the casework. Frequent and heavy-handed playing will also cause a piano to go out of tune.
With that said, the more stable the humidity and temperature in the environment surrounding the piano, the longer it will stay in tune. I've experienced pianos going out of tune in as little as three to six months, while others are stable for two years or longer. Generally speaking, for greater tuning stability, locate your piano away from windows with sun streaming in, and away from HVAC vents. Too much heat will damage a piano over time.
Also, play the piano regularly. Pests, of all varities, love to set up shop in dark quiet places, but avoid areas with high activity.
Here are a couple of DIY maintenance recommendations: 1-remove the bottom board (on uprights) to vacuum the inside at least once a month. This will prevent pests from setting up shop. 2-clean the keys often; squeeze out a disinfectant handy wipe (or similar) to sanitize the surface. Gently dry them with a microfiber cloth. Hands go everywhere, and bring where they've been to the keys! As a rule, wash your hands before playing the piano. Clean keys just feel better!
For more information, answers to questions, or if you're looking to purchase a piano and need a “free” piano inspected (which I highly recommend), and to schedule an appointment, reach out to 678-910-5343.
