Two types of compound bearing surfaces of peg are visible as shiny bands Historically, pins were also tapered (see image of bone peg, right), but they are now generally threaded, instead (see below). Tapered tuning pins are similar, but must be turned with a tuning tool, usually called a tuning key, tuning lever, or tuning wrench. 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. The taper allows the peg to turn more easily when pulled out slightly, and to hold firmly when pushed in while being turned.

19th century and earlier pegs, for use with stretchier gut strings, typically had an even steeper taper of 1:20. Modern cello pegs have a slightly more aggressive 1:25 taper. Modern pegs for violin and viola have conical shafts, turned to a 1:30 taper, changing in diameter by 1 mm over a distance of 30 mm. The tension of the string is controlled by turning the peg, and the peg is held in place by friction in its hole (in contrast to tuning machines, below).Ī properly working peg will turn easily and hold reliably, that is, it will neither stick nor slip.

Other tuning systems include screw-and-lever tuners, geared tuners, and the konso friction tuning system (using braided leather rings).Ī tapered peg is simply a smooth peg with a string wound around it. Some tuning pegs are ornamented with shell, metal, or plastic inlays, beads (pips) or rings. Some tuning pegs and pins are tapered, some threaded. Turning the peg or pin tightens or loosens the string. Tuning pins are used on instruments where there is no space for a knob on each string, such as pianos and harps. The socket on the tuning lever fits over the pin and allows it to be turned. A tuning pin is a tuning peg with a detachable grip, called a tuning lever. A peg has a grip or knob on it to allow it to be turned. Most change the pitch produced when the string is played by adjusting the tension of the strings.Ī tuning peg in a pegbox is perhaps the most common system. JSTOR ( October 2013) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message)Ī variety of methods are used to tune different stringed instruments.Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.įind sources: 'Tuning mechanisms for stringed instruments' – news Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources.

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Airline guitar tuning pegs