THE CURE
Peg dope is a commercially available compound that, used sparingly, helps sticking pegs turn smoothly and stay in place at the same time—not unlike ski wax, says Meyer. Used in excess, it builds up, hardens, and increases wear, which is why some people recommend avoiding it. Some shops recommend a liquid called Peg Drops for slipping pegs, while others advise against it. Avoid folk remedies like chalk and rosin. They may work in a pinch but will abrade the surfaces faster, increasing the problem in the long run.

To apply peg dope, loosen the string and pull out the peg. Draw a line of compound around the part that contacts the hole, then reinsert and turn the peg to work the compound in until it turns smoothly without squeaking.

When peg dope doesn’t do the job, take the instrument to an experienced luthier for an evaluation. A light shaving of the peg or reaming of the hole may be all that’s necessary, or the pegs may be replaced. Adjustment removes a little material each time, so pegs start out oversized. A new set will have enough extra material for several reshapings before the pegs must be replaced. The peg box, however, cannot be replaced. The holes can only get so big before new wood, called a bushing, must be inserted. The hole may be filled with new wood and redrilled, or a long, thin shaving of maple, called a spiral bushing, may be glued inside. A spiral bushing is very strong and has the advantage of being nearly invisible.

The quality of fittings is difficult for the consumer to judge. Poor-quality wood is cheaper, initially, but wears out faster and will require more frequent adjustment. If you’re replacing the pegs, invest in reasonably good quality. If you’re buying a new instrument, make sure the pegs work. If they don’t, insist that they do before you buy.

WHAT’S THE BEST WOOD FOR PEGS?
Any suitable hardwood can be used for pegs. Italian pegs in Strad’s time were jujube while the French and English used boxwood. Ebony, a colonial resource, gained popularity in the 19th century, which continued on in Germany after the French turned to rosewood in the 20th century.

But which wood is best? “Opinions are like noses. They’re all different and everybody has one,” replies peg maker Eric Meyer. His first choice is mountain mahogany, which grows at high elevations throughout the western United States and looks like old boxwood. Mountain mahogany was introduced to the trade by master maker and restorer Hans Weisshaar of Los Angeles, who Meyer says noticed it growing near his vacation cabin in Big Bear, California. Meyer finds it has the perfect density for turning, “like plastic, or hard butter” with “super-tight grain.”

It’s also virtually unaffected by changes in the weather. Meyer attributes its resilience to the high-desert climate of intensely hot days and bitter cold nights.