How Does Weather Affect the Tuning of Your Violin Or Fiddle?

Stringed instruments are very sensitive to extremes of heat and cold and variations in humidity. The biggest problem that violins experience in the winter is slipping pegs, which shrink in winter when the humidity drops. When they shrink, they release themselves from the box. Many people feel that applying "peg dope" will fix this problem. However, applying this material can actually make the problem worse because it is a lubricant and can therefore cause even more slippage.

One possible solution can be to make sure that the strings are wound in the box correctly. Start by inserting the string in the proper string holes and begin evenly winding them towards the wall of the box that is on the same side as the head of the peg. If your strings are wound to the edge of the box, this will help guard against slippage. Be careful not to wind the string so close to the wall that you can't turn the peg, or you damage the string.

In contrast, in the summer, the pegs take in humidity and swell. Thus, they can cease to turn smoothly or can get completely stuck. Never try to force them when stuck because it is easy to break the head. Try to decrease the humidity by keeping the instrument in air conditioning or putting a desiccant (drying agent) in your case. If you can't loosen the stuck peg take the instrument into your violin shop.

Try to keep your instrument in an environment that is fairly constant in temperature and humidity year round. If you are consistently having trouble with slippage, have them checked by your local violin maker to see if they are fitting properly or are in need of new string holes.