minstrel: Friction pegs

[dglenn at radix.net]

Quoth Tadhg O Cuileannain:
> Can anyone offer advice on the care and feeding of friction pegs?  My
> new oud has some pegs that tend to slip, some that stick.  I bought some
> peg dope, but I've been afraid to use it for fear it will make things
> worse (by making pegs too slippery).  I welcome suggestions from those
> more experienced.

I can't offer as much advice as you'd probably like (any violin,
gamba, or cello player should be able to, and probably will), but
I do have one observation that _may_ be of use.  I don't know how
nice an oud you've got, but mine's a real cheap one and gave me
plenty of tuning troubles until I took it to a repair shop and
had them find cello pegs that fit it.

When I brought it in, they said they weren't sure whether cello or
viola pegs would fit, but they'd try to find some the right size.
Well they did, and it was almost like a whole new instrument as far
as ease and stability of tuning.  It's still a bit tempremental, 
but with the original pegs it was downright impossible.

I imagine a higher quality oud wouldn't need this basic upgrade.
I mention it only as a "just in case" bit of advice.

					-- Glenn, who is thankful for 
					   the geared tuning machines
					   on my guitars and mandolins
					   every time I perform with 
					   my oud.