The delicate intricacies of piano tuning are often overlooked, but as the saying goes, 'the devil is in the details'. It is with this in mind that I offer my insights, gathered from years of experience and countless tunings, so as not only to provide a primer for those considering hiring a piano tuner, but to impart a true appreciation for the art and science behind it.

1. An understanding of the piano's history is invaluable. To truly appreciate the necessity of piano tuning, it’s helpful to understand the design evolution of the instrument. Initially, the fortepiano (the precursor of the modern piano) was strung with gut and had little sustain, necessitating regular tuning. As industrialization brought about metallurgical advances, the modern piano was born, strung with high-tension steel wire that holds pitch better, but still requires regular tuning due to the physics of metal fatigue. This history enhances the understanding of why pianos require tuning and the consequences of neglect.

2. Piano tuners are essentially acoustical engineers. They manipulate tension across the piano strings to achieve the desired frequencies, relative to a standard (typically A440 Hz). Due to the physical properties of a piano string including stiffness and inharmonicity, a piano cannot be perfectly in tune with itself. As such, tuners apply a technique known as “stretch-tuning” to adjust the octaves appropriately to provide the most pleasing sound.

3. The main tool of a piano tuner is the tuning hammer (or lever). This specialized wrench allows a tuner to adjust the piano's tuning pins, which in turn control the tension of the strings.

4. Piano tuning is a test of endurance. The process requires patience and meticulous attention to detail. Each of the piano's 88 keys has to be individually tuned, and each key can have up to three strings. This means a piano tuner might make up to 232 individual adjustments during a single tuning session.

5. A well-trained ear is still key. Despite the advent of electronic tuning devices, the best piano tuners primarily rely on their trained ears to achieve the best results. This is because the human ear is extremely sensitive to subtle musical nuances that electronics might miss.

6. Climate matters. Humidity can wreak havoc on a piano's tuning stability. In general, the more stable the surrounding environment, the better the piano will hold its tune. This explains why concert halls and recording studios go to great lengths to control their environmental conditions.

7. The theory of Equal Temperament is fundamental. This tuning system, where every pair of adjacent notes has an identical frequency ratio, is now the standard for piano tuning. But achieving it requires a deep understanding of intervals and frequency ratios - a topic that would be right at home in a mathematics or physics lecture.

8. Regular tuning is crucial. Pianos are subject to the laws of entropy - disorder and decay over time. Regular tuning not only ensures optimal sound but helps maintain the overall health of the instrument.

9. Piano tuning is a timeless skill. Despite the evolution of technology, the basic principles and tools of piano tuning have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The craft continues to require a human touch and a discerning ear.

10. Not all piano tuners are created equal. Qualifications and experience vary widely within the industry. A member of the Piano Technicians Guild, for example, is required to pass a series of rigorous exams demonstrating their proficiency in piano tuning and repair.

11. Finally, piano tuning is an investment. The benefits go beyond maintaining your instrument's sound. Regular tuning can increase the longevity of your piano, enhance your enjoyment and satisfaction in playing, and even contribute to your overall musical development by training your ear to discern minute differences in pitch.

In conclusion, piano tuning is an art form rooted in scientific principles. It's a fascinating confluence of acoustics, physics, mathematics, and meticulous manual labor. Understanding these complexities can not only help you appreciate the tuners' craft but also make more informed decisions when it comes to maintaining your own instrument.