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Talk:Tuning mechanisms for stringed instruments

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Just plain Bill (talk | contribs) at 20:14, 26 June 2018 (→Is peg dope beneficial: yes, it is). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

The Geared pegs section has no references and does mention specific events that hopefully can be sourced. Does anyone have sources for this passage?

zithers & harps?

What about the tuning pins used with any number of instruments, from the autoharp to the piano? Though these need to be wrench-turned, the principle is identical to the friction peg.

I'm also unsure how a "tuning peg" differs from a "friction peg."
Weeb Dingle (talk) 06:32, 17 April 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Is peg dope beneficial

The current draft of the article asserts unambiguously that using peg dope on a sticking or slipping peg is beneficial for the instrument. My (limited) understanding is that luthiers are not unanimous on that point. For example, in http://stringsmagazine.com/a-primer-on-pegs/, it is stated that "Used in excess, [peg dope] builds up, hardens, and increases wear, which is why some people recommend avoiding it. Some shops recommend a liquid called Peg Drops for slipping pegs, while others advise against it." I would welcome an edit of the article regarding this point by someone who has more expertise than I do. 71.58.74.4 (talk) 02:20, 26 June 2018 (UTC)[reply]

Looking at an overview "Primer on Pegs" article in Strings magazine, I don't think it is a reliable source for saying "some people recommend avoiding [peg dope]" in the encyclopedia. The article's author places that statement, weasel words and all, near a quote from noted violin accessory maker Eric Meyer, but does not attribute it to him.
"Avoiding" peg dope depends on context. Without it, freshly shaved pegs in freshly reamed holes face a near certainty of becoming stuck in wet weather, stuck so firmly that a trip to the luthier is in order. Occasional sensible application by attentive players helps (not only by lubricating the pegs, but also by giving them a feel for how evenly the peg turns around a full circle as they warm the compound into the wood) and poses a vanishing chance of doing harm. I would rather see a player bring an instrument into my shop with a block of peg soap or a tube of Hill's compound in the case and pegs that turn quietly, than one with pegs needing to be hammered loose.
Of course, that is anecdotal, as is my opinion that "peg drops" are low on a list of preferable peg treatments. My sense (olfactory, and tactile from rubbing them between my fingers) is that their ingredients will not stay stable over time. They might find a place in the emergency kit of a busy school orchestra director, since they can be applied without unstringing pegs.
I've seen chalk and rosin used on slipping pegs, but that is controversial, and I don't do it. Next thing I do will be edit the article to reflect that. Just plain Bill (talk) 20:14, 26 June 2018 (UTC)[reply]
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