Problem Pegs

1. For slipping pegs, use peg compound. Hill pegdope works best but String Drops will also work. In emergencies, use chalk, or rosin. As a last resort, try winding the string tight against the scroll to force the peg in.

2. For sticking pegs, use peg compound. In emergencies use dry soap.

3. If pegs don't respond, check for uneven wear on the shaft of the peg. Check to be sure that the string hole in the peg is clear of the sides of the scroll.

Bridge Basics

1. The back face of the bridge should stay perpendicular to the plane of the top. The front face will lean slightly at an angle.

2. The bridge is placed between the two inside notches on the f-holes. Use both hands when adjusting the bridge, bracing them against the body of the instrument.

3. Check for correct arching. Sight across the bridge and line up the E, A, and D strings. When E and D strings are lined up, the A string will rise above by a sixteenth of an inch (for violin). Adjustments can be made by using a small file. In the same way, check the G, D, and A strings. You can shim individual strings with paper, but be sure the shim doesn't project past the front of the bridge.

Soundpost Situations

1. The basic soundpost position should directly line up with the treble foot of the bridge, and should be behind the foot a distance of about one-half the thickness of the foot.

2. A properly fitted soundpost should stay in place without problems, though the hardbumps and weather changes can cause it to fall.

3. Learn to use a soundpost setter. There are two types; the S type and the scissor type. The S type is the "professional" model used by violin shops. With practice, both can give good results. Loosen the strings before setting the post, but leave the bridge on so that you will have a reference point. For most instruments, insert the soundpost through the f-hole on the soundpost side. On small violins, 1/8 to 1/32, the post is easier to insert through the bass bar side. The post should stand vertically between the top and back. It should be snug so that the movement of the instrument will not cause the post to fall. You can take the strings, tailpiece and endpin off and sight through the endpin hole if you want to recheck the soundpost fit and position Nuts! The string should clear the fingerboard by one business card thickness. If too low, shim with paper. Lubricate the string notch by rubbing with a pencil so the string will slide smoothly.

Tailpiece Topics

1. The tailpiece should be close to the saddle (roughly 1/8" for violin, 1/2" for cello, 1" for bass). Adjust or replace the tailpiece loop as necessary. Keep one in your desk.

2. On violins, check to see that the chinrest isn't touching the tailpiece.