Being a piano player, I treat your piano as if it were my own. A thorough inspection of its overall condition is first before doing any work. This includes: taking a pitch measurement to determine if a Pitch Correction to the A440Hz standard is necessary; cleaning the keys; vacuuming the interior; tightening plate and bench bolts, looking for potential problem issues, etc.
Pianos don't stay in tune forever; that's just one of those things. 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-alters the torque on the pinblock (that is, how firmly [or not] the pinblock is holding on to the tuning pins), 3-challenging 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 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. BTW, heat will damage a piano over time.
Also, play the piano regularly. Pests, from insects to rodents, love to set up shop in dark quiet places, yet tend to avoid areas of high activity.
Here are a couple of DIY maintenance recommendations: 1-remove the bottom board (on uprights) to vacuum the interior at least once a month. This will minimize spiders from populating the piano, and subsequently, your home. 2-clean the keys often; squeeze out a disinfectant handy wipe (or similar) to sanitize the 88's. 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.
