Tuning An Instrument With Pegs

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 No Comments

Tuning an instrument equipped with pegs instead of tuning machines can be a frustrating task when problems are present.

First of all the strings must be in good condition. Worn or frayed strings cannot be tuned well.

It is essential that the pegs be fitted well, and lightly lubricated if needed. Use peg dope or peg compound when the pegs squeak when turned. No lubrication is preferable to too much. “Peg Drops” is a useful product for a quick, temporary fix to slipping pegs.

When the peg is first turned, it is good to feel and/or hear a click.  This tells us that the peg will stick correctly after tuning.  After the click, the peg should turn smoothly.

 

The peg is fitted on a taper with the thicker end toward the peg head. It is the nature of this tapered peg to push its way out.  The string will quickly unwind if this is allowed to happen.  It is also essential that the pegs be held in while tuning.  If you have to hold the instrument with both hands and push the peg in very hard in order to get them to stick, or if your pegs are constantly slipping, consider taking the instrument to our shop for correction and adjustment.  Firmly holding the pegs in while turning should suffice.

If the string is just a half step or less off, just use the fine tuners.  

Pegs whose string holes are too far to the wrong side of the peg box can and will keep the pegs from being held in.  These pegs must have new string holes drilled in order to function correctly.  This is a delicate process best handled by a luthier/string technician.   

 Paige’s stringed instrument repair shop is here to help you keep your instrument in its best condition.  Play well and enjoy!

Music Education Equips People To Be Better Team Players

Tuesday, February 9, 2016 No Comments
Seven in ten Americans (71%) say that the learnings and habits from music education equip people to be better team players in their careers.
~ July 2014 Harris Poll

Music Education Is A Quality Component

Monday, February 8, 2016 No Comments
Eight in 10 teachers and more than seven in 10 parents believe the number of minutes of music education required every week is an important quality component.
~ NAMM Foundation and Grunwald Associates LLC (2015). Striking a Chord: The Public’s Hopes and Beliefs for K–12 Music Education in the United States: 2015.

Teachers And Parents Support Music Professional Development For All Educators

Friday, February 5, 2016 No Comments
Nearly half of parents and teachers support integrating music into the professional development of all educators
~ NAMM Foundation and Grunwald Associates LLC (2015). Striking a Chord: The Public’s Hopes and Beliefs for K–12 Music Education in the United States: 2015.

Both Teachers And Parents View Student Access To Music As Very Important

Thursday, February 4, 2016 No Comments
Substantial majorities of both teachers and parents view student access to music and arts education as “extremely” or “very” important.
~ NAMM Foundation and Grunwald Associates LLC (2015). Striking a Chord: The Public’s Hopes and Beliefs for K–12 Music Education in
the United States: 2015.

New from NAMM 2016

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 No Comments

buffet-tradition-clarinetA couple of weeks ago a few of us from Paige’s Music had the pleasure of traveling to sunny Anaheim, California to attend the annual winter NAMM Show (National Association of Music Merchants). There we had the opportunity to meet with our vendors to review current products, as well as see and learn about new products hitting the market in 2016. One of the most notable products on the winds side came from Buffet where they introduced us to their new Tradition clarinet.

Expected to launch next month, the Tradition is being described by its creators as being “inspired by a pre-1950’s design while taking into account the needs of modern musical repertoire and performance practice”. Featuring a cylindrical bore that compliments the R13 and RC bore families, Buffet has stated this new instrument is “Le son à l’état pur,” or “Sound at its purest level”. They also go on to say:

“The project was completed with the objective of offering a clarinet in its most natural form, with no unnecessary changes or overstated technology. The new bore concept traces its inspiration to one of the earliest modern professional clarinets, the fabled Buffet Crampon BC20. Featuring a cylindrical bore design, the new clarinet harkens back to the purity of sound produced by the BC20, with a tone hole placement inspired by the Tosca design. The result is an instrument that presents a clear, focused, rich sound suitable for any acoustic environment and an even scale for consistent intonation throughout all registers. These innovations allow the amateur or professional clarinetist to focus on making music, rather than constantly adjusting their embouchure and voicing.”

We here at Paige’s Music are excited for the introduction of this new professional model clarinet to add to our ever evolving step up selection. Once it arrives to our store, we welcome beginning and professional clarinetists alike to come try the Buffet Tradition and provide us with your feedback!

Technical Specifications

Keys: Bb, A/ Pitch: 440?442 Hz
Features:
Body:

  • Stained African blackwood
  • Cylindrical bore
  • Delivered with 2 barrels

65 and 66mm for Bb
64 and 65mm for A
Keywork:

  • 18 keys, 6 rings
  • Eb left hand lever
  • Adjustable thumb rest
  • Silver plated or Nickel plated keywork
  • Blue steel springs

Pads:

  • GT – leather and natural cork

Posts:

  • Unplated

Case:

  • Single (Bb) or double (Bb and A), dark naugahyde, new generation pochette style

Perseverance Is Developed And Strengthened Through Music Education

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 No Comments
Perserverance is developed and strengthened through music education.
~ Scott, L. (1992). Attention and Perseverance Behaviors of Preschool Children Enrolled in Suzuki Violin Lessons and Other Activities. Journal of Research in Music Education, 40(3), 225-235.

The Arts Play A Significant Role In Children’s Development

Monday, February 1, 2016 No Comments
“At this time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and program decisions…I write to bring to your attention the importance of the arts as a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act defines the arts as a core subject, and the arts play a significant role in children’s development and learning process. The arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively.”
~ Arne Duncan, Secretary of Education, Letter to Schools and Community Leaders, 2009.