Violin Forum/Message Board

[Sky]

I'm not exactly sure where to post this, so if this is the wrong place, I apologize.

I'm having trouble tuning my violin. Like just today, while I was playing, I had it perfectly tuned, [As perfect as I could get it] and then I had to set my violin down for a minute, and when I came, it sounded horrible. I think its mostly the E string. The G and D string are easily tuned and stay tuned, but the A and E don't. Is it just my violin, or is it common and I am doing something wrong?

Thanks for your time.
-Sky

[Lemuel]

This is not uncommon. It happens to me as well. It's more likely to happen if the strings are relatively new, or you are using gut strings, or there are large fluctuations or changes in temperature or humidity.

[Sky]

Okay, thank you. The strings are new, but I don't think are very good quality. It might be the humidity. Should I replace the pegs? They do not stay in place, I have to push them in sometimes while playing, and they slip a lot. I think I'm probably going to go rent a violin next weekend, and compare my violin to the rented violin.

Thanks

[Lemuel]

In your case, I doubt that it is the strings or the humidity.

The three common causes of slipping pegs I've experienced are:

1. Improper string winding around the peg shaft. Please read and look at the first two photos on this webpage.

http://www.violins.ca/info/tune_a_violin_peg_problems.html

2. Inferior or insufficient peg paste. The best peg paste I have ever used is Hill's peg paste which provides a balance between lubrication (easy tuning) and friction (keeping the pegs in place). If you look further down on the same webpage, you'll see more detailed information on this.

3. A mismatch between the taper of the peg's shaft and the holes of the peg box. Although I doubt this is the case with you, I would investigate this only if you didn't solve the problem after trying the above two methods.

[Sky]

I do not think it is improper string winding. I was looking at it this morning, and it seemed fine. I will have to look at the paste you suggested.

Thank you

[Stradsman]

I wonder why they haven't come up with a better mechanism for keeping the strings tuned that the traditional pegs. You would think that with today's engineering and technology someone would invent a more precise design. Sometimes I think I spend 20 percent of my practice time tuning the thing.
_________________
"No one should be allowed to play the violin until he has mastered it."
Jim Fiebig

[Lemuel]