Tuning peg replacement question
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Ok, I received the lighter strings today (Vega light banjo strings - 9, 10, 13, 20, 9). Promptly broke both 9's and the 20 trying to string them up. Interestingly, it wasn't while tuning - this dulcimer has one 3/16" diameter knob (sticking out about 1/4") on the bridge end on which to fit the string loops (as opposed to screws or multiple knobs). In order to do that, the loops have to be slightly stretched due to the size of the knob. That seems to sometimes weaken the loops, causing them to break. I think I saw banjo string sets that claim to have larger loops, so I might try them.
In addition, I slightly sanded the pegs, as Randy had recommended, only allowed for a few wraps before cutting off the excess at the pegs as Ken said, and installed the strings left to right - for some reason I had been connecting the bass string to what was the middle peg (see my prior photos). I'm back to 12, 12 and 22, in C G G tuning. The pegs seem to hold, but it's maddening to get them tuned just right, even to each other - I'm reading that that is an acquired skill.
So thanks to all of you, I'm getting there!