Removing Peg Compound
The shop that I purchased my instrument from is not exactly known for their attention to detail... When my pegs were incessantly sticking I brought it in, and they put peg compound on them (which honestly only fixed about half of the problem, but I resigned to fine tuners until it bothers me too much to have it properly looked at). However, the lady who applied the compound put it all over the entire peg. Being that I have rosewood pegs their is a hideous dark graphite appearing stain left on the entire cylindrical portion of every peg, and I was hoping someone new of a safe way to clean it off.
Replies (12)
They don't want to remove the compound where the peg contacts the pegbox, one possible suggestion, with the string off turn the peg in the hole and use a Q tip inside the pegbox to clean the area between the pegbox walls, almost any method involving cleaning the peg removed from the pegbox will remove needed compound from the peg contact points, honestly I use Hill compound and tend to not try to remove it between the pegbox walls, but its a brown colour not graphite colour.
*cough*
gear pegs.
Individually packaged alcohol wipes will get it all off. Also useful for cleaning strings/fingerboard. Just don't use on anything else, including bow hairs.
I think I've got whatever got Paul, *cough*
Wouldn't the alcohol dry out/rot the rosewood, being that they probably aren't treated with anything. I mean I personally have not tried it, so I have no idea. However, I know that alcohol is a key ingredient in any skin product that seeks to dry out the skin.
Don't guitars and ukuleles use geared pegs? Are some posters writing on the wrong site ;-)
Cheers Carlo
Either have some new pegs professionally installed by a luthier or have them fit geared pegs and never have to worry about anything like this ever again.
Or, much easier, simply get the right peg compound on your present pegs to make them work properly.
I would not expect peg compound to be soluble in alcohol, but the varnish on your violin probably is. I'd think the most harmless solvent to clean peg compound would be mineral spirits.
Recommendations for south suburbs - downtown chicago luthiers? none that will break the bank it's only a $1200 instrument
Hi Bailey. I live in Will county, south of Chicago and go to Michael Becker in Park Ridge Il. It's a fairly long drive but worth it. Best prices I have found, and always (in my experience) does a first rate job, regardless of the value of the instrument.
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September 14, 2016 at 08:46 AM · Remove each peg, one at a time, and wipe the shaft clean with a micro-fibre cloth. Replace before doing the next peg. Job done!
Cheers Carlo