Fixing a Slipping Peg
Two Simple Tricks
Hey there, and welcome!
This Substack is a bit of an experiment—a space to share ideas, notes, and observations from a life in music. I hope it sparks conversation, so if anything here resonates, or if you have thoughts or experiences to add, drop a comment. I’d love to hear from you.
Today, I want to tackle something every string player deals with at some point: a slipping peg.
Why Pegs Slip—Especially in Winter
If it’s winter where you are (it is for me), you might notice your pegs acting up more than usual. That’s because wood reacts to temperature and humidity changes. Cold, dry air outside and heated indoor spaces cause the wood to contract, loosening the friction fit that keeps the peg in place. If you’re moving between indoor and outdoor environments—like heading to a lesson, rehearsal, or performance—the sudden shifts can make things even worse. The result? An unwelcome surprise when you take your instrument out of the case.
Beginner string players struggle with this a lot, but even experienced musicians—like teachers who have to tune several instruments at once in a beginner orchestra—tell me that tuning, especially cellos, is one of their least favorite tasks.
If that sounds familiar, this trick might help.
Two Quick Fixes
Rather than fighting with the peg or cranking it tighter, here’s a simple trick that works every time. Watch the video:
Another simple trick? Chalk. If your peg keeps slipping, try rubbing a small amount of chalk on it before reinserting it. Chalk adds just enough grip to help the peg hold its place without sticking. I’ve found this especially useful in dry weather when pegs tend to slip the most. Check out the video below to see exactly how it’s done:
Give it a try, and let me know if it helps! If you’re interested in more tips, stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of music, subscribe and stick around. Feel free to ask questions and share your thoughts. I hope this grows into a space for sharing ideas and insights—a community of curious, engaged people. More soon!