How to Fit Violin Tuning Pegs
The fitting of violin tuning pegs needs time and careful movement and should not be rushed. The pegs must be tapered a little at a time by turning them inside a peg shaper. Violin pegs fit into holes in the peg box located near the top of the scroll on the neck. The holes in the peg box are prepared by using a reamer gently to expose a clean surface of fresh wood. Fitting violin turning pegs is the art of creating perfect balanced fit between the tapered pegs and the reamed holes.
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Things You'll Need
- Table vise
- Utility knife
- Reamer
- Peg shaper
- Ebony Pegs
- Pencil
- Saw
- Drill
- Fine rasp
- Sandpaper
Instructions
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1
Insert the reamer into the peg hole and turn it gently to remove enough wood to create a smooth surface. Do not use force with the reamer to avoid damaging the maple and creating a misshapen hole or cutting too much.
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2
Secure a new ebony peg in the table vise. Use a utility knife to carefully score (make a line, not a cut) the peg below the decorative ring. This will help the peg shaper to create a clean edge.
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3
Insert the peg into the peg shaper and turn it a few times to taper the peg. Select the shaper blade hole that will create the perfect size taper shape so the peg will slide through the hole on the violin neck and extend the correct distance exiting the hole. Continue the process of tapering the peg, checking the fit often, until you have the perfect fit between the peg and hole.
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4
Insert the peg into the hole and use a pencil to mark the end of the peg on the backside of the scroll where it should be cut and shortened. Mark the other end of the peg so you know at a glance which hole it belongs in. Insert the peg into the vice to secure it. Cut the end off the peg at the pencil mark with a fine saw. Use a fine rasp to gently round the end. Sand the peg with fine sandpaper.
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5
Mark the correct placement with a pencil for the string holes. Use a drill to create the string hole on each peg. Sand the hole lightly. Apply a light coat of beeswax to the peg for smooth turning.
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Tips & Warnings
Use peg drops to stop squeaking and slipping pegs without having to remove the peg from the violin.
Taper and ream slowly, using care not to remove too much wood to avoid expensive parts replacement or professional repairs. Work the procedure slowly, one step at a time. Check the fit of the peg each and every step of the process to avoid over cutting the peg or the holes
References
Resources
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