Retractable cello C-peg

[jerrytheshycellist]

Hello, my luthier has been kind enough to lend me an instrument while mine is being repaired. I live in the countryside and my luthier is a 3 hour drive from where I live. When I picked up the loaner cello, I didn't realize that the C peg was actually missing (I was just too happy to have a very decent loaner instrument during the months my cello is being repaired).

So my question is:

1) What kind of peg is it?

2) Can I tune my C string with some kind of tool/screwdriver. I've tried all kinds of allen wrenches, but they are actually too small or too big (and I don't want to damage the instrument).

Thanks for any information you can give me

 

[The Violin Beautiful]

It’s a Posture Peg. There is a special key that fits into the peg so you can tune the instrument. It’s a square hole, so regular Allen keys won’t fit properly. Ask the luthier for the key if it’s not in the case pocket.

That style of peg is designed to remove the peg head from the instrument on the C string so that cellists can avoid the peg hitting them while playing.

[jerrytheshycellist]

Many thanks for the information.

If all posture pegs are similar, I will probably buy one online...this will save me 6 hours of driving.

Thanks

[Brad Dorsey]

A customer once left me his cello, with this type of peg for the C and G strings, but he forgot to leave me the key.  Since I needed to turn the pegs, I made a key from an extra screwdriver by shortening the blade and filing the end to a square that fit in the pegs' sockets.  It worked, but I found that something flatish like the knob of a peg is much easier to turn the pegs with than a round screwdriver handle.  So, if you're mechanically inclined and you want to try making your own key, find something with a flattened handle to make it out of.  Or, if you can't find something with a flat handle, drill a cross-hole in a round handle and stick something through it to make a T-handle.

Since then, another customer gave me her extra key.  Here's what it looks like:

[Violadamore]

It looks to me like some standard size of square (one of the many anti-tampering styles) screwdriver bit would fit it.  Check at Harbor Freight, Home Depot, Tractor Supply, or whatever your local hardware store is.  Shouldn't cost much, even if you have to buy a set.  

[Mark Norfleet]

Yes, a trip to your local hardware store should do it.  A square drive bit with a common holder.  It’s not perfect, but will work.

[Nick Allen]

1 hour ago, Mark Norfleet said:

Yes, a trip to your local hardware store should do it.  A square drive bit with a common holder.  It’s not perfect, but will work.

This works well. 

I also use the tang of a file or rasp in a pinch. 

[The Violin Beautiful]

I’ve also used a rasp tang in an emergency, just completely forgot about it until Nick mentioned doing it. A square driver makes sense as an alternative as well. I have a couple spare keys I’ve salvaged over the years so I’ve got a key at my bench and in my travel bag if a customer doesn’t have one on them. 

[David Burgess]

17 hours ago, Brad Dorsey said:

 

Since then, another customer gave me her extra key.  Here's what it looks like:

This highly resembles an automotive key fob, so I am wondering if it will remotely start the cello to warm or cool it before you start playing it, or at least lock and unlock it?

[jacobsaunders]

26 minutes ago, David Burgess said:

This highly resembles an automotive key fob, so I am wondering if it will remotely start the cello to warm or cool it before you start playing it, or at least lock and unlock it?

Only sissies tune the C string

[jerrytheshycellist]

Many thanks to all for these very informative answers.

If it was my old companion of many years (my cello), i will run to Home Depot and try a 1/8 square screwdriver. However in the present case, it is a loaner, and I am terrified at the idea of damaging it, and therefore, I purchased the official key. Anyway, as mentionned by Jacob, no need to tune the C string!   I love the idea to use the key as a FOB the car...

Once again many thanks to all, this is very appreciated

[The Violin Beautiful]

The key is a little bit ridiculous, but I think they make it big like that to fit into the palm of a hand easily. It’s not dissimilar from a car key fob but does a lot less, and the actual key component doesn’t even pop out with spring action!

 

[Brad Dorsey]

9 hours ago, The Violin Beautiful said:

...I think they make it...like that to fit into the palm of a hand easily...

I think they make it like that because it's about the same size and shape as the knob of a normal cello peg.