Maintenance

of stringed instruments

  • At outdoor temperatures between -5 and -30 degrees, leave the instrument for 10 min. in unopened box when you come indoors. Then open the case and allow it to acclimatize for a few minutes before playing the instrument.
  • When you are not playing the instrument, always leave it in the case. This prevents accidents and evens out temperature and humidity changes.
  • Do not tighten the chinrest too much, because it can damage the ribs.
  • Do not leave the instrument (even when in the case) near radiators, in direct sunlight or close to other heat sources. This can potentially cause major damage to the instrument.
  • Wipe the rosin dust of the instrument carefully with a soft cotton cloth after every use. Remember to clean under the fingerboard and the tailpiece as well. Cotton or silk works well, do not use microfiber. Buy a new cloth at regular intervals.
  • Always wash your hands before touching the instrument.
  • Keep the pegs well lubricated. Use a special peg compound for this. Use special soap. Here is a video that shows how to fasten the strings correctly:
  • Avoid touching too much the varnished parts of the instrument. Think about how you hold it, even when there are long breaks in the orchestra.
  • Attach the shoulder support to the inside of the box, or place it in a pocket. Do not leave this or other loose objects lying freely inside the box, as this can quickly damage the instrument.
  • Pay attention to the position and angle of the chair, especially when changing strings. See picture at the bottom of this page. If you are unsure, take it to a professional to have it checked.
  • Use a very soft grade pencil in the grooves on the upper nut. This makes tuning easier.
  • Check the instrument regularly for cracks, open seams or other damage.
  • Be careful when using ”Damp-It” humidifier inside the instrument. I recommend the ”Stretto” humidifying system. If you keep the case closed, it is easier to maintain a “microclimate” and the right humidity in the case. Used only when the humidity is below 30%.
  • Check that all parts that touch the instrument on the shoulder rest are covered with rubber or other soft material. Replace worn rubber if necessary.

Knelling Perfection Planetary Pegs

HOW TO USE THEM

Perfection pegs require no maintenance throughout the life of the peg. The internal gear mechanism is packed with a high viscosity grease at manufacture and then permanently sealed. DO NOT LUBRICATE your Perfection pegs as this will damage the mechanism. Lubricating a peg will void the Warranty.

Operation/Action

Perfection pegs work in much the same way as conventional pegs, but more accurately and reliably. Turn the peg head to change the pitch. Press the head inwards to make the peg more firm and hold string tension. Pull the head outwards to soften the peg action. Whatever the “firmness” setting, the head can be turned without risk of damaging the mechanism. When you are satisfied with the feel of the peg simply turn the head to tune sharp or flat.

When a string is tuned to pitch a variable-friction brake holds the gears in position against the tension of the string. The player controls the degree of friction by exerting a light inward pressure on the peg head as a string is tuned. Friction is increased by pressing the peg head inwards as it is turned, and can be released to let the peg turn more freely by pulling the peg head gently outwards during rotation.

To get a feel for the tuning action: back the peg off a couple of turns (so there’s no danger of breaking a string) and work the head backwards and forwards a few times, a half turn each way, as you apply gentle inward pressure to the head. Now do the same thing while gently pulling outwards on the head. You will quickly discover how to adjust the peg for ease of turning and optimal hold.

If at some stage you find that the string is not holding, apply an inward pressure as you turn the head and this will make the action more firm. Or, if the peg becomes difficult to turn, gently pull the peg head away from the peg box as you turn and you will feel the action become easier.

Chuck Herin is a cellist and an engineer who became intrigued by the problems caused by string instruments’ archaic method of tuning and realized that there must be a better way. While all string players are aware of the difficulties caused by conventional pegs, Chuck was the only one who felt he could actually do something about it. He got busy and in 2000, after 20 years of research and development, released the first PegHed precision planetary geared tuning peg. The PegHed technology was then licensed and the Perfection planetary pegs for violin, viola and cello were developed.

Perfection pegs maintain the appearance and the character of the instrument, to the extent that the most obvious indication they have been fitted is an absence of fine tuners on the tailpiece. Perfection pegs provide string instruments with a geared tuning action that is precise, reliable and stable under all weather conditions. They will never wear out and once fitted you will never again need to have your pegs maintained or repaired.

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Email: jacob@vonderlippe.com
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