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My Cello is out of Tune ... What's Going On?
The most common question we get, especially in November and December, has to do with the cello going out of tune, or even the strings coming completely loose. This is usually only a concern for beginners, especially those who have yet to start tuning with the pegs. |
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Here is what is going on.
First of all, there is nothing wrong with your cello. Cellos are made from wood, in fact several types of wood. The peg box is maple and the pegs are ebony. Wood can change up to 20% of its volume based on the water content of the wood. When the relative humidity changes, so does the shape and size of your pegs and peg holes. November is the worst since our weather in Ohio is so unpredictable. As soon as the heat kicks on in your home, the relative humidity in the air drops drastically. Often from around 40% to 15 – 20 %. The result? The pegs shrink and the holes get bigger. Since the pegs are just held in by friction and their conical shape, it is common (and normal) for them to simply “let loose”.
There are only two things that can counteract this phenomenon:
Since most beginners do not learn to tune with the pegs for quite some time, and many beginners are told “not to touch the pegs”, this will be difficult at best. Novice tuners will experience a lot of frustration and broken strings until the skills are developed. Tuning with the fine tuners on the tailpiece will not help those pegs adjust to the regular changes in relative humidity. Experienced players do not experience the same frustration since they tune daily (or more often) with the pegs.
Also, keeping our homes, or even a specified room, at 40% relative humidity in the winter is very difficult. A small humidifier is a good option. Not only is humid air better for your cello, it is healthier for you, too.
So what can you do?
When those changes in humidity cause the strings to go out of tune, and it will, take it to a qualified luthier or to your instructor. The more often the cello is tuned with the pegs (not the fine tuners) the better it will stay in tune. We do not recommend letting your guitar playing friends or relatives try to tune it since the mechanics are completely different. No one breaks more cello strings than well meaning guitar players! For now, you are in “cello purgatory”. The problem will go away as soon as the player learns to tune with the pegs.
Please contact us if you have any questions at (614)267-7221 or at [email protected]
First of all, there is nothing wrong with your cello. Cellos are made from wood, in fact several types of wood. The peg box is maple and the pegs are ebony. Wood can change up to 20% of its volume based on the water content of the wood. When the relative humidity changes, so does the shape and size of your pegs and peg holes. November is the worst since our weather in Ohio is so unpredictable. As soon as the heat kicks on in your home, the relative humidity in the air drops drastically. Often from around 40% to 15 – 20 %. The result? The pegs shrink and the holes get bigger. Since the pegs are just held in by friction and their conical shape, it is common (and normal) for them to simply “let loose”.
There are only two things that can counteract this phenomenon:
- Tuning daily (or more often) with the pegs and,
- Keeping the cello in a humidity controlled environment (they really like @ 40 – 50% humidity).
Since most beginners do not learn to tune with the pegs for quite some time, and many beginners are told “not to touch the pegs”, this will be difficult at best. Novice tuners will experience a lot of frustration and broken strings until the skills are developed. Tuning with the fine tuners on the tailpiece will not help those pegs adjust to the regular changes in relative humidity. Experienced players do not experience the same frustration since they tune daily (or more often) with the pegs.
Also, keeping our homes, or even a specified room, at 40% relative humidity in the winter is very difficult. A small humidifier is a good option. Not only is humid air better for your cello, it is healthier for you, too.
So what can you do?
When those changes in humidity cause the strings to go out of tune, and it will, take it to a qualified luthier or to your instructor. The more often the cello is tuned with the pegs (not the fine tuners) the better it will stay in tune. We do not recommend letting your guitar playing friends or relatives try to tune it since the mechanics are completely different. No one breaks more cello strings than well meaning guitar players! For now, you are in “cello purgatory”. The problem will go away as soon as the player learns to tune with the pegs.
Please contact us if you have any questions at (614)267-7221 or at [email protected]