The violin is a pretty straightforward instrument, but it can be really frustrating when your tuning pegs 'slip,' or refuse to stay put. Humidity and temperature may be making your violin scroll to warp a bit, which causes your tuning pegs...
Securing the Peg in the Scroll
Place your middle or pointer finger beneath the finicky string. Find the specific peg and string that won't tune properly, then use your finger to lift and separate it from the other 3 strings. For the safety of your instrument, only adjust 1 string at a time.[2]
Turn the problematic peg 1-2 times to unwind the string. Twist the peg with your opposite hand, providing more slack to the string as you turn. Continue lifting the string with your finger so it's easier to distinguish and work with.[3]When you're first starting out with this method, it may be easier to work with the violin in your lap. Once you get the hang of it, you can adjust your instrument while it's on your shoulder.Did you know? You have to spin left and right pegs in different directions to loosen and tighten the strings. Left pegs, or the G and D strings, are tightened when spun counter-clockwise and loosened when turned clockwise. Right pegs, or the A and E strings, are secured in place when spun clockwise, and loosened when turned counter-clockwise.[4]
Pull the loosened string in the direction of the peg. Take your pointer or middle finger and tug the string to the left or right. Ideally, try to pull the string 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) to the left or right of your violin's neck.[5]If you're adjusting a D or G string, pull it to the left of the violin neck. If you're working with an A or E string, tug it to the right.[6]Rotate the peg slowly to wind the string onto the peg. Work in slow, careful rotations, keeping the string in your opposite hand as you go. If you're holding the violin in your lap, turn the peg towards you.[7]
Push the peg gently into the scroll while you wind. Apply slight pressure as you continue winding the string onto the peg. Don't jam the peg into the scroll—instead, push gently while you rotate the peg. Keep in mind that as you push the peg into the scroll, it will become more difficult to turn. Continue rotating the peg until it's tightly attached to the rest of the instrument.[8]Pushing the peg helps realign it into the scroll box. When you adjust your tuning pegs this way, they're more likely to stay put for several weeks or months at a time.Tune the string to make sure your peg is tight. Play a basic note on your string, then use a digital tuner to see if it's in tune. Use your refitted tuning peg to adjust the note up or down so all your music sounds beautiful and in tune.[9]
Using Peg Compound
Turn the finicky peg to remove it and the string from the scroll. Carefully unwind the string from the peg, then set it aside.[10] At this point, check that the tuning peg is in good condition, and that it isn't cracked or damaged in some way.[11]A functioning tuning peg has a visible, shiny band going around the shaft, which is where the peg rubs against the rest of the scroll box.If your tuning peg is damaged, take your instrument to a repair specialist for help.If you're working with a left peg, turn your peg clockwise to remove it. If you're dealing with a right peg, turn it counter-clockwise.Rub peg compound along the shaft of the loose peg. Visit your local music store and pick up some peg compound, which looks pretty similar to a block of resin. Rub the compound all around the sides of the peg so it can slide more easily into the instrument.[12]You can also use a regular bar of soap if you don't have any peg compound on hand.[13]You may want to rub the compound into the peg with your fingers, in case there's any excess product.Insert and spin the peg in the scroll to spread the compound around. Take the stringless peg and push it back into its proper place on the scroll box. Rotate the peg to spread the compound around the edges of the hole, which will make it easier to spin and adjust your tuning peg.[14]
Lubricate the peg with more compound. Pick up your block of compound and rub around the bottom of the peg one more time. You don't need to rub too much on there—just enough to cover the surface of the peg lightly.[15]
Secure the peg onto your violin and restring it. Check that your peg is snug in the scroll box, then thread the original violin string through the hole on the peg. If you're working with a left peg (the G and D strings), turn the peg counter-clockwise to wind the string. If you're handling the right peg (or the A and E strings), spin the peg clockwise instead.[16]
Tune your violin to see if your peg is tight. Play a basic note on your violin, focusing on the tuning peg that you just adjusted. Check the pitch with a digital tuner, then rotate your peg to adjust the string.[17]If the peg still slips, try using a tiny bit more peg compound on the finicky peg.Tip: Peg drops can also be used if you don't have any compound on hand. Remove the tuning pegs from the scroll, then squeeze a drop of product onto the shaft of the peg. If the peg stays in place, restring it as you normally would.[18]
David PacUpdate 15 April 2020
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