I purchased a used piano a few days ago (a few days ago in the sense that it has already arrived at my house) and I can't wait to tune it.
Now, there are those who have told me to wait a bit (roughly 1 month) before tuning it, because first the piano must "get used to the new environment" so to speak, and it would go out of tune immediately if I tuned it sooner.
Is this true, or is it a colossal load of nonsense?
P.S. I wrote in Italian that is unbearable to look at but I want the answer as soon as possible so I am posting like this, but come on!
I remember hearing something like that too. I believe the best way is to reason logically.
Let's start by saying that perfect tuning does not exist; I could give you a million scientific and psychoacoustic reasons, and let's also take into account that the piano actually goes out of tune after just a few minutes of use. However, obviously, you are not making records, and it will be very difficult for you to notice that the piano has gone out of tune even after a month of use, unless you are a tuner or otherwise have an exquisite ear (which only professionals obtain after years).
Let's assume that the piano was previously in a very humid and hot environment. Heat tends to expand wood and ferrous materials, and excessive humidity tends to soften the wood. Suddenly, the piano is moved to a dry and cold environment (the exact opposite). The wood tends to regain rigidity, and the ferrous materials contract. Effectively, it would seem that this is true. Perhaps it is better for you to wait a little bit before tuning. I advise you to wait for the change of season. In any case, let's wait for the wise advice from our friend Pianoexpert, who will surely clarify things for both of us...
An average [result] can be expected when there are significant changes in temperature and relative humidity. From the shop to the home, this should not occur. However, a few days is fine. Since it is a used piano, make sure that this "concern" about "it might not hold its tuning" does not instead hide a poor ability on the part of the instrument to "hold its tuning." Check the 440 level and ensure that strings and tuning pins are not damaged.... The rest will depend on the quality of the instrument and... on the technician's ability.
