Resolving Tuning Issues of Cello Pegs
Anybody who has ever played a cello or a violin is sure to have faced tuning problems. Slipping cello pegs is the most common issue faced by musicians. It’s important to keep your instrument perfectly tuned so that it never sounds out of sync during a performance. And as a professional player, it’s your responsibility to ensure that the cello hits the correct notes.
The tapered cello tuning peg is held in its place by a delicate friction system. That’s how the instrument has been played for hundreds of years. While the system itself is simple, pragmatic, and efficient, it does tend to go out of tune sometimes. In fact, an overwhelming majority of those playing bowed instruments, are concerned about tuning problems.
Whenever you face the problem of a slipping peg, first things first, check the string of your instrument that it’s wound correctly. The top part of the neck where the string wraps around the peg is called peg box. All strings have to pass over the little grooved ebony-colored piece called the nut. Each string then enters the peg box. If you hold the violin and look straight toward the peg box and fingerboard, the strings should continue parallel and straight along the side of the peg box. They should then wrap around the violin pegs. It’s perfectly normal if the strings gently brush aside the peg box.
One of the biggest contributing factors that cause tuning instability is the change in humidity, particularly when the weather becomes dryer. Cello pegs contract slightly in dry temperatures. But that’s enough to make them undone as you may find one day. This is also a common problem with violin pegs and there’s no fault with your instrument. Rewind the string and very gently push the peg back into the box until it reseats. You may have to repeat the process a few times until the peg sits perfectly.
Never make the mistake of loosening and tightening the cello pegs while trying to push it back into the box. This is one of the commonest ways to break the strings. Place your free hand on the other side of the box like a brace. It will ensure that you don’t exert pressure on the neck of your instrument. If you reef on the cello peg and cram it into the box with force, you risk splitting the box itself. That’s something you will want the least. For an older violin or cello, it’s advisable to wiggle the peg when you push it back into the box. This will ensure that the peg sits perfectly and is not wiggling in and out of its position. Older instruments usually have worn out cello pegs and boxes. Take your cello to a luthier for replacing the pegs or having the box re-bushed, in case that’s the issue.
You may still have instability issues even when the pegs are properly seated. A peg compound or a peg dope could be of help in that case. It looks similar to a lipstick holder. The compound has a red-brown color. The peg dope has to be applied on the shiny bands on the cello pegs where it touches the peg box. The dope is applied like a crayon. But don’t get confused. The dope is not a solid like crayon, but a liquid. The best part is that the dope lubricates the peg so that it moves smoothly. But never apply too much dope as it will act like glue. You then reassemble the string system. That does the trick in most cases.
Most cello and violin peg tuning issues can be solved in these ways. It usually doesn’t call for professional help.