MoTomCat - Posted - 07/06/2007:  20:14:52

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Hi.

Isn't there some sort of a compound or lubricant that is made for use on friction pegs of a fiddle? Can someone tell me what it does, and if it's something that is needed, where to get it online?

Thanks,

Tom

M-D - Posted - 07/06/2007:  21:47:42

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Hill's Peg Dope. Looks like a tube of lip-stick. It lubricates the peg and hole, but also negates slippage. Hard to imagine it can do both, huh? Seems like it's made from Plasticine and jeweler's rouge, if I recall correctly. As to needed, it's certainly something that reduces peg/hole wear and tear. There are many places that sell it on line, but www.internationalviolin.com

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M-D

Bill Rogers - Posted - 07/06/2007:  22:30:57

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Yeah, that's a good one. But if you live off in the boonies, you can get away with a judicious combination of bar soap and chalk--of course if you play old-time fiddle, that's what you should do.

Bill

MoTomCat - Posted - 07/06/2007:  22:34:57

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Thanks guys. I do have bar soap and chalk, but not sure what my wife would say about me taking that to her fiddle! I'll probably end up ordering some of the Hill's peg dope compound.

Tom

hyldemoer - Posted - 07/07/2007:  01:29:22

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quote:

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Originally posted by MoTomCat

Hi.

Isn't there some sort of a compound or lubricant that is made for use on friction pegs of a fiddle? Can someone tell me what it does, and if it's something that is needed, where to get it online?

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Tom, what's going on with your fiddle that you think it needs a compound or lubricant on its pegs?

Its currently summer. If you live in an area with high humidity the pegs on your fiddle (which are made of a different wood than the peg box they sit in) might have absorbed too much moisture from the air and swelled up a tad.
When that happens, the pegs are going to stick.
If you put you fiddle in an air conditioned room the drier air will remedy the problem in a day or so.

If you live in a dry climate or use extreme humidity reducing AC, just the opposite could happen.
The drier air would cause your fiddle's pegs to dry out too much and slip out of tune easy.
If that's the case, invest in an in the case device for adding humidity.

MoTomCat - Posted - 07/07/2007:  02:55:54

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There is really no problem with it, at least I don't think there is, at this time. The pegs are a little harder to turn than I think they should be, but not being experienced with fiddles, I don't know how hard is too hard to turn. The pegs do not seem to be slipping during practice once it is tuned, but it does have to be retuned every day when it is played, as some strings will go a little flat.
Is the lubrication needed to keep the holes or pegs from wearing out prematurely? Or to make them tune easier? Or is it something that is not used unless there is a problem? I am just wanting to do what is needed to take care of the fiddle and keep it working correctly.

Thanks,

Tom

monradon - Posted - 07/07/2007:  09:11:19

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Does it have fine tuners ?? Then the pegs dont need touching as often but harder is better than loose invest in the peg dope stewmac.com has it online

Hobbit

woodwiz - Posted - 07/07/2007:  10:06:18

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We put peg dope on all pegs as a routine step in setups or service. It makes the pegs both turn easier and stick better. Seems contradictory, but true.

You can make your pegs tighter or looser by pushing in or pulling out on them a little bit while tuning, but peg dope is a big help. Only put it on the parts of the pegs that touch the peg holes.

You can order it on line from the sources mentioned above, or any string shop and most general music stores will carry it. TomCat, you ought to be able to find it in Columbia, or next time you're in KC, stop by and say Hello.

Michael R

www.kcstrings.com

MoTomCat - Posted - 07/08/2007:  00:02:21

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Thanks again for the replies. Michael, you may be right. I may be able to find the peg dope in Columbia, so I'll check that out. I like to support the more local businesses when I can. I don't have much luck with the Columbia music stores when it comes to acoustic guitar or banjo items, but they probably stock more for violins.

We may get to the KC area again this summer, and I'd love to stop by your shop if we do. May even bring the fiddle along to see if y'all can do some magic on it!

Tom

allenadale - Posted - 07/08/2007:  10:06:01

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You can simply pull your pegs and run your bow along them to coat them with rosin if you are having a problem with slippage.