Definitions:
Basic Tuning
Pianos require attentive maintenance and should be tuned every 6 months. A piano that has been tuned between 6 months-1 year will require a basic tuning. If it has been longer than 1 year, a Pitch Raise may be necessary depending on the conditions of the home and location of the instrument.
Pitch Raise
When a piano has gone for an extended amount of time without tuning or regulating, the piano will likely need a pitch raise. Pianos are constantly going out of tune from the moment they are tuned. With bi-annual tuning, these changes in pitch are not recognizable. When a longer time has elapsed, noticeable changes in pitch occur and the more difficult it becomes to fine tune the piano. Because of the larger distance between the piano and the correct pitch level, the piano must have its pitch raised to the standard A440; then it can be tuned again for more fine tuning. This means that the piano needs to be tuned twice in one visit, which takes a longer amount of time and more work.
Voicing
Over time, the firm hammers that hit the string, which is how a piano makes sound, become misshapen or indented from use. Reshaping the hammers can improve the overall tone quality of the piano.
Regulation
The piano action, the mechanism that makes the piano function, has over 30 points of adjustment per key. Regulation is the adjustment of each of these parts for optimum performance of the piano (i.e. dynamics, tone, sensitivity to touch, pedals, etc.).
Piano Gal Tuning & Repair 