Tuning mechanisms for stringed instruments: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 14:12, 29 September 2007

Revision as of 14:17, 29 September 2007

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Friction pegs are most often used on [[violin family]] instruments (not on the [[double bass]], which typically uses geared tuning machines.) They are also used on older instruments, such as the Bulgarian [[gadulka]] and the [[hurdy gurdy]], as well as on [[flamenco guitar]]s.

A properly working peg will turn easily and hold reliably, that is, it will neither stick nor slip. Modern pegs for [[violin]] and [[viola]] have conical shafts, turned to a 30:1:30 taper, changing in diameter by 1 mm over a distance of 30 mm. (Modern [[cello]] pegs have a slightly more aggressive 1:25 taper. Earlier [[Baroque music|Baroque]] pegs, for use with gut strings. typically had a much more aggressive taper of 1:17.) The taper allows the peg to turn more easily when pulled out slightly, and to hold firmly when pushed in while being turned. Since the typical wear pattern on a peg shaft interferes with this action, pegs occasionally require refitting, a specialized job which amounts to reshaping both pegs and holes to a smooth circular conical taper.

==Geared pegs==