Banjo Tuning Pegs
For avid musicians, tuning a stringed instrument is something that comes almost natural. Just like guitars and basses, banjos need to be tuned in order to be played correctly. The original banjos were built with strings and loops, which were used to bring the instrument to the right key. Nowadays, they come with banjo tuning pegs, which are turned until they pull the string enough to produce the key that is desired. These pegs can be made of different types of materials, such as nickel and gold. However, there is still a high demand for vintage banjo tuning pegs, such as those that were made prior to the First World War. If you can’t find original ones, you can still shop for pegs that are made as replicas of the pre-war ones.
Why Tuning is Important
Regardless of the type of banjo you have, the process of tuning is extremely important. Even though it may be a tad difficult at first, it’s essential that you don’t forget to tune your banjo consistently. In order to do this, you need to turn the banjo tuning pegs until you reach the key that is desired. If you’re a beginner, it might be difficult to distinguish the difference between one key and the other. That’s why it’s suggested that you train your ear by listening to others as often as you can. If you happen to be part of a music club or group, be sure to pay attention when other banjo players are tuning their instrument. This will give you a better idea on how your banjo is supposed to sound once it’s tuned. If any of your pegs happen to break, you can shop on the internet for just banjo tuning pegs, rather than purchasing a brand new instrument.
Types of Banjo and Pegs
Usually, you will find three main types of banjos, which are: four-string, five-string and six-string. The last one is perhaps the newest modification to the original banjo, but it still remains less popular than the other two. When it comes time to shop for banjo tuning pegs replacements, make sure you look for those that are compatible with the model of your banjo. The most common banjo tuning pegs are nickel plated and gold plated, and they come in sets of four; some stores also offer them individually. Despite the fact that some people believe that newer is better, the vintage tuning pegs are the ones that have the highest demand. You may still find original ones that date back to the early 1920s at a higher price.
Prices and Where to Buy
Prices for banjo tuning pegs can vary depending on the store and location that you purchase them from. Nonetheless, the following information can serve as a point of reference for your shopping:
- Janet Davis Music – Vintage Reproduction Grover Style Geared Set of 4 (nickel) - $105.97 Gold - $135.97 / Keith Tuning Pegs Set of 2 – $109.95
- Elderly Instruments –Gold plated 5-star individual peg – $32
- Stew Mac –Waverly Classic Banjo Tuning Pegs Set of 4 (Nickel) – $94.25 Gold – $125
Take note that their prices are subject to change, make sure to contact the stores directly on their website for current prices.
