A violin has different parts that enable it to produce the music we all hear. Of these parts is the peg, which is an integral part of the violin. The peg holds the strings taut or loose depending on the setting and makes it possible for a violinist to tune the violin.
That then means all pegs do the same thing in all the violins. But then, it makes you wonder, are all violin pegs the same? The simple answer to this is No. They might have the same function in a violin, but the pegs can’t be the same. They will mainly vary in material and size.
Violin Peg Sizes
Violin pegs are available in the following sizes: 0.5mm, 7.3mm, 11.00mm, 12.00mm, 34.00mm, 37.5mm, 38.00mm, and 37.00mm. Other sizes are available based on the violin size, such as 7.8mm for 4/4 and ¾-1/2 violins, 8.5mm for 4/4 and larger violins, and 9.00mm for 4/4 and larger violins.
Let’s have a more in-depth look at whether all violin pegs are the same.
Types of Violin Pegs
Now that we have established that violin pegs can’t be the same, that would warrant us discussing the different violin pegs. Violin pegs are of so many styles, even if they do essentially the same thing.
Differences in violins are primarily; brought about by the material used to make them. That gives us the below type of violin pegs.
Plastic Pegs
These are the synthetic violin pegs made with synthetic materials (read plastic). They are popular among some people because they are usually relatively cheap and come in several sizes. However, that’s precisely what makes them quite unpopular and, honestly, the worst possible pegs you can purchase.
If we were to advise you to buy a violin peg, we wouldn’t advise you to get a plastic peg. The main issue is that functionality is becoming a massive problem for them. If you’re buying a plastic part for an instrument that’s mostly wood, then you’re bound to have some issues.
They will thus struggle to help you tune the strings and might even bend when you tighten them. That means they would fail in the essential role of all violin pegs. No one wants such a peg for their violin.
Wooden
Wooden pegs are the more natural fit for your violin. That’s beyond why you will buy a wooden part for a wooden instrument. They are also quite strong. These don’t struggle to tune the violin since they robustly stay in place and grip the strings firmly.
They are the best option, especially if you will overwork your violin. Like plastic pegs, they are also available in different sizes depending on the violin you are buying them for.
It is also worth mentioning that large violins (4/4, for instance) will only work with wooden pegs. Therefore, don’t think of getting plastic pegs for your large violin, no matter how broke you might be.
Wooden violin pegs are of different types.
Ebony
This is the most durable type of wooden peg. You can get it in size, and you will be sure it will serve you well for many years to come. Ebony is one of the hardest wood types, which means it will be the hardest of these three peg types.
That also means you won’t have to worry about the peg suddenly snapping off when playing. You will typically want to go for the hardest peg you can get since you are sure it will serve you for long.
Rosewood
The only advantage rosewood pegs have over ebony pegs is the varying colors they can come in. While with ebony, you only have to deal with black, rosewood can have anything between light and medium brown.
Boxwood
Humans are experimental beings, and even violin pegs haven’t been left behind in that respect. Boxwood pegs are modern pegs made with newer types of wood. Most violin specialists deem them to be lighter than rosewood and ebony.
How are These Pegs Different From Each other?
The pegs only vary from each other based on the material they were made from. The synthetic plastic types are made with plastic, while the wooden pegs are made with different kinds of wood.
The different types of pegs might vary in the material, but they are all meant to do the same thing. The distinguishing factor is that some will do it better than others, and that’s when the quality of the materials comes in.
That explains why wooden pegs are the more popular option for most violinists.
The Importance of Pegs to Violin Users
You might think that pegs are only an integral part of the violin because they complete it. But did you know how critical they are to violin users? Without the pegs, then there’s no functioning from the violin.
Here’s why.
Violin pegs are integral to the tuning of the violin. As you know, violin pegs hold the strings on the violin. Therefore, if a violin user wants to tune the violin, they will rotate the pegs and make the strings taut.
Making the strings taut will then affect the sound they produce. That’s why you can’t have a violin without pegs. If the pegs sustain any damage, you need to get replacement pegs.
Although most violins come with their pegs, it’s possible to get replacement pegs when the original pegs sustain damage. However, the specifics for this will need an experienced luthier to help you decide the best replacement pegs.
Which is the Best Peg Type to Choose
We might appear biased against the plastic pegs, but if we are, to be honest, they don’t match up to the other types of pegs. Therefore, the best peg you can choose for your violin is the wooden peg.
Under the wooden peg, you might do yourself a favor and go for the ebony type. If you can’t get that, settling for the lightest wood types(boxwood) would still be a better option than plastic pegs.
Wooden pegs are strong, durable, and have top functionality. They don’t easily bend even when you tune the strings and might take some real beating before they can break.
Moreover, wooden pegs are a natural fit for your violin that will be 99% guaranteed to be made of wood.
Guide on How to Fit Violin Pegs
Now that you know the different types of pegs are, you might want to know how to fit them onto your violin. If you’re wondering, it is possible to buy new pegs for your violin and replace the original ones that came with the violin when you first bought it.
Pegs can’t work properly until they’re fitted in the exact tapered hole. Before you begin feeding the peg into the hole:
- Remove the pegs of the fiddle and the strings.
- Place the reamer in the string’s holes and twist it a few times gently. Once you notice fresh wood on the wall holes, you can move on to the next hole.
- Place each peg in their designated peg box as you shape them
- Often experts also utilize peg lubes to fit the pegs into the holes seamlessly. Moreover, violinists also use T-handles reamers to shape the peg holes if needed. Shapers allow the pegs to be shaved in the required shape so that they glide in smoothly.
- After installing them all, you can measure the distance between the peg’s collar and peg box. You can assure that they’re at 3/8″ apart. If the pegs are installed too far apart, you won’t be able to put the fiddle away either.
The trick about violin pegs fitting perfectly is that they’re tapered. Therefore, while replacing or fitting the strings and pegs in the violins, you must maintain the order. Pegs will function accordingly only if they fit in their designated tapered holes too. If the fiddle has more or less taper than the peg hole, it will have difficulty contacting the pegbox.
Another issue that most users face is placing the strings correctly. With violins, the tuning pegs and strings must be oriented in a specific manner. Follow this rule to ensure that you’re inserting the correct string in the right peg hole.
- E string goes at the very bottom.
- G string goes on the bottom left.
- D string goes on the top left.
- A string goes on the top right.
If you still need more information, you can watch this guide below
Final Thoughts
Are all violin pegs the same? You bet they aren’t. Violin pegs will vary in size and more prominently in the material. You can have plastic or wooden pegs, and they would still work with your violin.
Whether they will give your desired performances is something else. We hope we have provided you with all the answers you were looking for. Yes, you can replace your pegs, and yes, the pegs won’t be of the same size or material and are thus not the same.
A good note about violin pegs is that they require effortless maintenance. If you acquire the proper fit and an anti-humid, anti-shrinkage, and dry retention piece, you can spend a prolonged time with them. Moreover, it will be an excellent investment as they will serve you with good tuning and pitch in the long run. Pegs are a vital component needed to save and nourish the overall health of your violin, viola, or cello. After all, learning the violin doesn’t only require your skill level, but the instrument’s accuracy too
