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If anyone has a preference for using Bar Soap or one of the Peg Compounds available for hard to turn pegs, I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Kevin picked up a thrift store bargain a couple months ago, another 1/2 size violin, in hopes I'll prepare it up for sacrifice to the Grandkids. (lol) The pegs turn VERY hard - hoping it will be a little better now that the humidity will be dropping (I didn't want to force anything).
I was wondering if there is any weather related reason for favoring the use of Peg Compound over a Bar of Soap in this situation?
Is Peg Compound used for slipping AND stuck pegs?
This video favors Soap: "How to Lubricate a Sticky Violin Peg".
This video favors just loosening the peg & Peg Compound: "How to Fix Tight Pegs".
This video favors Liquid Peg Compound: "Violin Pegs: Alignment, Tune Easily, Peg Compound (liquid vs. solid)".
🤔... neither children nor fiddles come with instructions!
- Emily
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@Gordon Shumway -
Thank you - but please don't leave me hangin'.
Is this the only product you've used?
How often have you applied it?
Do you know of anyone who has tried the liquid form or used bar soap?
- Emily
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I had some Hidersine peg dope once, but it came rock solid and rattling in the tin - clearly old stock. The Hill is great - a bit too soft if you want criticism - perhaps keep it in the fridge? - it's like lipstick. Somewhere there's a Fiddlerman video showing you how to apply it (three times for luck) @Fiddlerman ? Soap might extract oils from the wood. These things have both to lubricate and also have "stiction". I'd be surprised if soap is good.
Andrew
Verified human - the ignominy!
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I use Hill and try and remember to apply it when changing strings.
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@Gordon Shumway , @ABitRusty -
Thank you, both - appreciate your help!
The liquid compound seemed easiest, but I can't imagine it lasting as long as the solid - the videos I linked showed how to apply all of them.
I'll order the Hill Peg Compound.
- Emily
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I have to agree the Hill compound works good.
Sadly it was close to 2 years before I got mine my second violin was a bear to tune as the pegs loved to jump on it.
I read mixed advice on compounds and was sort of afraid to use it I only put a light bit of the Hill on my pegs and during a string change did a bit of a turn and pushed in to make sure the pegs were going to stay in place,it works like a charm.
But aren't you using a CF viola and a CF violin?
Not sure how that will work I hope you will post something about the results latter.
Tim
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Oop's!
Forgive me I thought you were talking about using it on your instruments.
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I haven't tried soap. I suppose it could be good.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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@Fiddlerman -
Thanks!
Actually, bar soap is kind of a moot point - I only have liquid soaps in the house, but not a bad idea for spur of the moment/emergency.
I was just going to buy the Hill compound, but got to thinking more about the Kivun Kal Peg Paste. Even though it's more expensive, looks like it could be less messy (too many little Grandkids) - possibly last longer?
What's your take on Kivun Kal vs. Hill compound?
@Tim317 -
Thanks!
Yeah, this is for a couple 1/2 size wood violins. 😁
My Glasser instruments have geared pegs.
- Emily
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I've used lave soap, hills compound peg dope and currently using Kivun Kal Peg Paste, which I like the best.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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@Mark -
THANK YOU!
Glad I didn't rush to get Hill - I'll be ordering Kivun Kal!
- Emily
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Of course it may depend on whether you tune with your pegs or with fine tuners.
Andrew
Verified human - the ignominy!
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Gordon Shumway said
Of course it may depend on whether you tune with your pegs or with fine tuners.
I use both. Pegs to get close and fine tuners to get exact. That way I don't risk my strings, the E in particular.
I wonder what exactly is in Peg compound?
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@RDP -
Fiddlershop has this in the Hill Compound description:
Blend of:
Graphite Powder
Petroleum Jelly
China Clay
Talc
Red Iron Oxide
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ELCBK said
@RDP -
Fiddlershop has this in the Hill Compound description:
Blend of:
Graphite Powder
Petroleum Jelly
China Clay
Talc
Red Iron Oxide
So...
Slippy
Gooey
Sticky
Powdery
and...
...a daily dose of Vitamins/Minerals?
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I've always used the Hill, but I think I might try that Kivun Kal Peg Paste on my August Kohr violin--the D peg in particular tends to stick.
Characterize people by their actions and you will never be fooled by their words.
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Personally I prefer Hill over Kivun Kal! I do also like the idea of being able to use soap or make your own. lol
Course that doesn't help Fiddlershop. 🤣
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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