Can't go wrong with Gotoh. Smakula.com has the best price.

Thanks for a speedy response.

dsalling

post a picture of your minstrel banjo. There may be options better than Gotoh for your banjo.

Bob Smakula

Pegheds are geared tuners that look like fiddle pegs. They would look appropriate on a minstrel banjo. I expect they cost more than Gotoh tuners but they would look more like what a minstrel banjo should have.

Not that there's anything wrong with Pegheds, but wooden friction pegs should work just fine (with gut or synthetic strings, NOT steel!)-- IF they're correctly fitted and lubed (doped). Anyone who works on fiddles will have the tools and skills needed to get them right, at a lot less cost than a new set of pegs.

What's wrong with the way yours are working?

For whatever reason, I am having trouble uploading a pic.  I sent you a PM.

Thank you.
quote:

---

Originally posted by Bob Smakula

dsalling

post a picture of your minstrel banjo. There may be options better than Gotoh for your banjo.

Bob Smakula

---

quote:

Not that there's anything wrong with Pegheds, but wooden friction pegs should work just fine (with gut or synthetic strings, NOT steel!)-- IF they're correctly fitted and lubed (doped). Anyone who works on fiddles will have the tools and skills needed to get them right, at a lot less cost than a new set of pegs.

What's wrong with the way yours are working?

---

To Dan's point, this is a bread and butter job for any fiddle shop. Not only will they have the 2° cutters and reamers needed, but they will have a variety of pegs including fractional sizes so that you can get an appropriate match.

There's always the possibility that your pegs are fine but that the decades have wallowed out the peghead and distorted the pegs. Installing wooden bushings into the headstock and re-shaping the peg shafts is, again, a common repair.

If you want to dope the pegs yourself (recommended), get the crayon type—the liquid type is for experienced luthiers. Draw a line around the peg that looks like Charlie Brown's shirt. Repeat every 5 years or so. Whatever you do, ignore the advice to use abrasives such as graphite or worse, Lava soap — these will accelerate wear over time. The Hill crayon is a time tested solution — $12 or so on Amazon.

Hill Peg Dope Crayon

Make a stripe like this. Accuracy is not important but not applying too much is counterproductive.

I've been using Lava soap on my pegs for several decades, and yes it has a bit of pumice in it, which is abrasive, but quite mildly so, in my experience. I haven't noticed any premature wear on my pegs or peg holes.

Graphite is not at all abrasive, but it sure is messy. I cannot imagine using that on pegs.

Regarding what the banjo looks like, OP bought this kit: carverbanjos.com/product/minst...bent-rim/

It's possible @brncrvr who produces the kit has some advice as well.

Caspari tuners are also an option. They were old mechanical friction style tuners that were designed to look like violin pegs. Very finicky to install and adjust but once you got them dialed in they are pretty smooth… for what they are. You can find them pretty cheap on eBay from violin shops. I guess it was pretty normal for these to be on older mid range violins and would immediately be swapped out for standard ebony pegs.

Thank you for the information. I will check it out.

Sticking is a big problem and it is extremely difficult to turn the pegs. I'd love to be able to change tuning to play various songs but the thought of going through the process is discouraging.  My Deering stays in tune and is a breeze to tune up.  I realize they are different breeds but I don't want to lose the desire to learn how to play the minstrel because of the mechanics.
quote:

---

Originally posted by Dan Gellert

I've been using Lava soap on my pegs for several decades, and yes it has a bit of pumice in it, which is abrasive, but quite mildly so, in my experience. I haven't noticed any premature wear on my pegs or peg holes.

Graphite is not at all abrasive, but it sure is messy. I cannot imagine using that on pegs.

---

Yes, I did reach out to Brian.  I know he is busy so may not hear back for a bit.
quote:

---

Originally posted by A Drum On A Stick

Regarding what the banjo looks like, OP bought this kit: carverbanjos.com/product/minst...bent-rim/

It's possible @brncrvr who produces the kit has some advice as well.

---

I put together the minstrel kit from Carver banjos about 3 months ago and followed the instructions. Pegs are sticking and difficult to turn.  Nylon strings are not over wound. I do have a luthier who is experienced in working on cellos and violins. I was thinking of having him install the pegheads with internal gears. 
quote:

---

Originally posted by mikehalloran

quote:

Not that there's anything wrong with Pegheds, but wooden friction pegs should work just fine (with gut or synthetic strings, NOT steel!)-- IF they're correctly fitted and lubed (doped). Anyone who works on fiddles will have the tools and skills needed to get them right, at a lot less cost than a new set of pegs.

What's wrong with the way yours are working?

---

To Dan's point, this is a bread and butter job for any fiddle shop. Not only will they have the 2° cutters and reamers needed, but they will have a variety of pegs including fractional sizes so that you can get an appropriate match.

There's always the possibility that your pegs are fine but that the decades have wallowed out the peghead and distorted the pegs. Installing wooden bushings into the headstock and re-shaping the peg shafts is, again, a common repair.

If you want to dope the pegs yourself (recommended), get the crayon type—the liquid type is for experienced luthiers. Draw a line around the peg that looks like Charlie Brown's shirt. Repeat every 5 years or so. Whatever you do, ignore the advice to use abrasives such as graphite or worse, Lava soap — these will accelerate wear over time. The Hill crayon is a time tested solution — $12 or so on Amazon.

Hill Peg Dope Crayon

Make a stripe like this. Accuracy is not important but not applying too much is counterproductive.

---

I would try peg dope first. 

We’re changing seasons now moving into summer. Being made of wood and metal, instruments shift around with the changes. Fret ends sticking out the sides of fingerboards, and pegs not holding. Bread and butter for our friendly luthier. Most of the fiddlers I know use Pegdope especially in the summer.

I agree with Dan Gellert and Mike Halloran.

Graphite is abrasive though. I know of one gent who polished out windshield scratches using graphite and apiece of soft leather. It's pretty mild, though.

Graphite will make a mess, though, and can turn one's fingers black for days. Personally, I'd go with store-bought "peg dope."

With fiddle-type pegs, even though they may be fitted just fine, still require some finesse and practice to master. Too many people, I feel, give up on them too soon. Violinists have been using wooden pegs for a few centuries, as have many flamenco guitar players. They are light weight, and once in tune, stay put very well.

Thanks to everyone for sharing your insights and knowledge. I picked up some peg dope and it worked well on sticky, difficult to turn pegs. I also have a source for geared pegs should I find that I’m still not happy with the the friction tuners. You all are great members!