Tuning a piano means adjusting the tension of a piano string so that the piano plays in tune.
Several factors determine the overall sound of a piano. Some of these include:
the string length (grand vs. spinet),
the make and model of the piano,
age of the instrument,
the piano hammers (hard or soft) that strike the strings.
Piano tuning is both a science and a skill. Piano tuners have a knowledge of the theory of sound waves and pitches and the ability to hear wave beats that necessary to tune pianos.
Tightening a piano string could result in the string breaking at any time, especially on an older piano and/or one that is especially flat in pitch. No piano tuner should be held responsible for any string that breaks during the process of tuning.
Routine piano tuning does not include repairing the piano and voicing of the hammers or any other repairs. However, if it becomes necessary to do any repairs to the piano or voicing of the hammers to make the piano sound appropriate, piano repair can be done for additional charges.
The tuning pins of some pianos are resistant to being pulled up to pitch and may slip back. This means that the piano may back out of tune sooner. No tuner can foresee this. Martin will agree to come back once within the first month after tuning to adjust any string that has apparently dropped in pitch. Simply call him within 30 days and he will come back and touch up any strings that may have dropped in pitch. (Some longer travel distances may require a small service charge)
Because a piano tuner is listening for sound waves and pitches, it is necessary for anyone tuning a piano to be in an environment where it is quiet and with no distraction.