Violin Pegs – An Introduction

Violin pegs rest in and on the scroll of the violin, what looks like a series of nested curved beads on a violin’s uppermost point. 

How Many Pegs

There are four pegs in total, and they are most frequently made of wood.

What Are Violin Pegs Used For

Violin pegs are what we use to turn the strings of a violin; up and down – upwards to tune them higher, down to tune them lower.

Ultimately, pegs serve the purpose of allowing us to both adjust or alter, as well as settle upon and put down a pitch, and in a process we call tuning. As a consequence, pegs, while movable, are also somewhat resistant to moving at the same time.

Pitch Adjustment

The resistance is what allows a peg to stay in its place, and a violin string, to which a peg is secured through a small hole in the peg, likewise. Moving the peg upwards tightens the peg, and moving the peg downwards loosens the peg.

The tightening makes the string sound higher; the loosening moves the string’s pitch downwards.

Special care should taken not to tighten and loosen the pegs too greatly if one is just beginning on the instrument – it is best left to the care of a violin teacher, mentor, or luthier, maker, or repairperson as too much movement too quickly could also result in the over tightening and also snapping of a string. 

Purchasing and Replacing Pegs – Ornament, Function

Pegs, too, are parts of a violin that came be purchased and replaced. Pegs, in fact, come in a variety of shoes, sizes, colours, and woods; even appearances – matte or polished.

They might even appear ornate or ornamental, bearing carvings.

They can also appear somewhat simple, or somewhere between both forms.

Depending on the design, shape, curvature, and material of the pegs, pegs may be harder to easier to tune for different instruments, and can be altered or replaced accordingly. 

Pegswax for Violin Pegs

If pegs are cinched too tight, pegswax can be purchased for application on the length of the peg, in order that they move more easily, and for ease of tuning.

Chalk for Violin Pegs

Conversely, a light application of chalk dust can help secure pegs more, and for a better grip. 

Individual Peg Adjustment

Depending on the design of the instrument, and how easily the strings sit on the bridge, more holes can be drilled into the peg in order to allow strings to be strung to the pegs without crossing which may sometimes result in a buzz on the instrument. 

One can do this with the help of a violin luthier, repair-person, and/or violin maker. They are often found at violin shops.

Further Information

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