Mike's Oud Forums

Problems

richardhancock13 - 2-10-2013 at 02:26 PM

Okay so a few weeks ago I bought an Iraqi 9 String Oud from a music shop in Irbid, Jordan...where I am studying abroad. I am running into a few issues.

First off a few of my tuning pegs won't hold the note when I tune it. Ill tune it to D for instance and then the peg will immediately slip.

Also, a few of my strings keep buzzing. I am joining the music club here at Yarmouk University in Irbid and they should be able to help.

But I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions.

Thanks!

Franck - 2-11-2013 at 07:08 AM

For your peg problem: apply chalk at the points of friction where the pegs are inserted in the peg box. If you have the opposite problem, i.e. the pegs get stuck, apply a little soap (from a soap bar, not liquid) so they'll slide better.

Jody Stecher - 2-11-2013 at 07:25 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Franck  
For your peg problem: apply chalk at the points of friction where the pegs are inserted in the peg box. If you have the opposite problem, i.e. the pegs get stuck, apply a little soap (from a soap bar, not liquid) so they'll slide better.


Soap may cause other problems, including attracting moisture from the air and adversely affecting the wood it touches. Hill's Peg Compound (not other brands) is better. Also check how the string is connected to the peg. It may be attached at an angle that is pulling the peg out. Sometimes the culprit is the placement of the string hole, not the person who wound the string. A new hole may be drilled. But I've been warned against soap. I've never tried it myself (on pegs) so this is second hand information but I trust my sources.

Matthias - 2-11-2013 at 12:28 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Jody Stecher  
Quote: Originally posted by Franck  
But I've been warned against soap. I've never tried it myself (on pegs) so this is second hand information but I trust my sources.


Hello Jody,

since over 25 years I'm using chalk and soap for my pegs with good success and no problems.
The soap must be as dry as it is possible. I use a around 80 years old piece.
If you want to try something else have a look at this:
http://music-strings.de/navi.php?a=13979&lang=eng&
This is very good too. All other options I cannot recommend.

Matthias

Franck - 2-12-2013 at 06:28 AM

I've been using soap for 15 years now without problems myself, dry soap is preferable as suggested by Matthias.

muhssin - 4-3-2013 at 08:10 AM

and where would any one get 80 year old soap??

Brian Prunka - 4-3-2013 at 12:51 PM

You don't say how long you've been playing oud, but if it is new to you, the problem may simply be that you are not used to pushing the pegs in as you tune them.