Is Something Odd About These Pegheads?

CPG · Aug 3, 2020

Hey luthiers,

A while ago I bought an old uke with wooden pegs from a friend, and they included some sets of Pegheads they had never gotten around to installing. I recently opened them up as I was thinking about installing them and noticed that the threading on two of them (presumably the reverse threaded ones) looked odd. I realize there is supposed to be a left threaded pair and a right threaded pair so that string tension will only pull them in tighter, but in all the pics I've seen both pairs look the same. In my set one of the pairs has the threads lower down on the shaft as seen in the bottom two in this photo: https://photos.app.goo.gl/akpgq8ExtbaFvxpEA

What's the deal with this? Is this normal? Did they used to be made this way and is this an older set? Are they not actually ukulele Pegheads but for another instrument?

Any help is appreciated.

resoman · Aug 3, 2020

Every set of the Pegheads, not my favorite, have 2 left and 2 right handed threads. I never liked them and always felt they were really fragile. My favorites are the Gotoh UPTL
Here's a little tutorial on the Peghead installation. You have to have the correct reamer for these too as they're tapered
http://www.pohakuukulele.com/how-to-install-peghead-tuners

CPG · Aug 3, 2020

Thanks resoman. I prefer UPTs too but for this one I want to keep closer to the original peg look. I know they are supposed to have a left threaded pair and a right threaded pair, but what I was wondering is if it is normal for one pair to have the threading in a different location, lower on the shaft.

All the photos I've seen online look like this: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/...E3CJOOwAGcs0/Pegheads-Tech-06.jpg?format=300w

On mine, one pair has the threads lower down on the shaft as seen here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/akpgq8ExtbaFvxpEA

I've seen that tutorial. No I don't have the proper reamer yet, but I'm actually gonna send this one out for a setup so I might just have the Pegheads installed then. Otherwise, I'll just order the reamer.

Thanks again!

resoman · Aug 3, 2020

Every set I've installed had the threading in equal lengths and positions from one tuner to another. Sorry I didn't get your original question. I have a set out in the shop and went to look and every tuner is equal except for the left and right handed threading. Judging from your photo I'd guess that the sets were mixed at the packaging. Hope this helps
terry

Moore Bettah Ukuleles · Aug 3, 2020

I’ve never had issues with Pegheds. They are precision made, light and work well. Having said that, there are several different styles and sizes of Pegheds available. It seems you have a mis matched set. I can’t tell if they’ll both be compatible on your ukulele because you don’t mention the thickness of your headstock. If the ukulele has any value to you to might want to consider installing a matching set. (The ones I use are of the all treaded type as shown on the top of your photo.)

Ukecaster · Aug 3, 2020

Yes, I see what you mean. The bottom 2 have much less thread, which would be grabbing less than the full threaded version, and further towards the back of the tuner holes. The ones I've used all had full threads, like the top 2. Also, the bottom 2 appear slightly thinner in diameter at the thick end of the shafts, but that could be my eyes playing tricks on me. Craftedcow (who has posted here about Pegheds many times) may know more, or maybe email Peter at Pohahu ukes. http://www.pohakuukulele.com/store

CPG · Aug 3, 2020

Thanks to all of you! This is what I needed to know.

This is very strange indeed. I also was thinking that they got mixed with a set for another instrument.

I had been scouring the internet looking for what instrument they might be for and I think I just figured it out. Looks like the odd balls might be banjo tuners: https://gregboyd.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/PegHedBanjoIvoriod_3.jpg

What's really weird is I actually have TWO mismatched sets in two different size. I agree with you Chuck, I will invest in a proper set rather than risk hurting my beloved 100 year old Weymann.

I have no idea where these were originally purchased from. My friend included them with the uke and they had never opened them. So strange.

EDW · Aug 3, 2020

I had Pegheds on a couple of instruments over the years and always found them to work well. They would make a good choice for that instrument. It will git the look and make them more functional for you

CPG · Aug 3, 2020

EDW said:
I had Pegheds on a couple of instruments over the years and always found them to work well. They would make a good choice for that instrument. It will git the look and make them more functional for you

I have some on another uke. I like them. I like UPTs better, but for this Pegheads are the only way to go.

PetalumaRescuke · Aug 4, 2020

They may be designed for a slot head with the smooth section there for support. I have never seen ones like it.

Michael Smith · Aug 4, 2020

Looks like two of them didn't get threaded all the way.

RPA_Ukuleles · Aug 5, 2020

Pegheds makes a number of different sizes and styled pegs. You simply have a mismatched set.

CPG · Aug 5, 2020

Thanks all. It definitely seems to be a mismatched set. From what I can tell looking at online pictures, I believe the two oddballs are intended for banjo. They might work in a uke, but if I decide to get rid of the wooden pegs in this uke I'm just going to buy a new set to be. I appreciate all your insights! Thanks again.

Is Something Odd About These Pegheads?

CPG

Well-known member

resoman

Well-known member

CPG

Well-known member

resoman

Well-known member

Moore Bettah Ukuleles

Well-known member

Ukecaster

Well-known member

CPG

Well-known member

EDW

Well-known member

CPG

Well-known member

PetalumaRescuke

Well-known member

Michael Smith

Well-known member

RPA_Ukuleles

Well-known member

CPG

Well-known member

Similar threads