Tuning peg slip
Back Harp-Helps
Slipping tuning pegs are a common "problem" with harps....but usually
not really a problem. The hole that the peg goes into is tapired, as is the
tuning peg itself....this allows the peg to hold the tension of the string.
IF the peg is slipping it usually means that the peg is not 'snugly'
wedged in the hole. The most common reason for this is wear, caused by
tuning....this can be remedied by putting a little inward 'push' on the wrench as you tune a string, this will re-seat the peg.
If the peg goes in too deep or still won't hold .....
Sometimes the peg
  "screws"into the harp head....... and still won't hold?
       
    Or after replacing a string, the tuning peg
  slips.....tap it lightly with a hammer (from
  the key side) to re-seat it. The best practice
  is to apply "push" pressure on the key while
  you tune up, there-by keeping the peg
  constantly re-seated.......
*      If you tap the peg in beyond the other
  pegs, or if you have tried everything and
  your string still  slips...then.....Tap the peg
  right out and place a piece of nylon string
  (.025") in the hole.....then tap the pin back
  in, then slice off the protruding pieces with
  a cutting knife (using it flat against the harp
  so as not to mark it) Then try again. If that
  does not hold....try again with a thicker
  piece of string (.028")
       If that does not hold, check the string
  chart to make sure you are not using a
  thicker string as this will not only cause
  "string-slip" but will put extra stress on
  the bow and could eventually cause serious
  damage.......

   When winding strings to pitch, you may
  need to frequently tap the pegs back, so that
  they do not wedge too tightly and possibly
  split the harp head. (both pegs and holes are
  tapired)
     This may seem like "Too much trouble" but by
doing this you will "pad" out the hole in the peg
and eliminate frequent string breakages......

     For strings  .036" or greater.........
  Wind the string once behind the tail, then cross
  over, then wind on to correct pitch.......

   As you wind your strings to the correct
  pitch.......you may need to tap the peg back
  every turn or so to stop the peg from
  "Screwing" itself into the harp head.
   (If you don't do this, you may enlarge the
  hole, and prevent the peg from holding the
  string tight.)
Main Page