Need help with pipa strings

[guijo4385]

Hi everyone,

I just received a pipa today and I am brand new to the instrument. The low first string is the only one that came not strung/tuned. When I try to tune it/wind it tighter, the tuning peg just pops out. It also seems like the string is not attached the same at the bottom as the other ones are. I know absolutely nothing about stringing this instrument, can anyone help me or does anyone know of a good resource?

Thanks, I appreciate it

[davidmdahl]

You might find the following helpful for showing how the strings attach to the pegs.

www.eason.com.sg/products/pics/pipa/large/TBPP16-3.jpg

I am not sure what you mean by "the string is not attached the same at the bottom...". Do you mean at the bridge? A photo might help us to advise you.

When tuning, you will need to push in on the peg to get it to grip in the hole. It can take some force, but it helps if you twist the peg while you push in. It gets easier with practice.

Best wishes,

David

[guijo4385]

Thanks David, I did get it to stay in. However, now I am having problems getting the strings tight enough to tune to ADEA. Actually, it came tuned to C (the one that was unhinged, assuming it was C) F Bb C. I changed it to C F G C as it is the closest I can seem to get it without the pegs falling loose again. Any tips you can offer? Also, is it normal for the pegs to come loose if bumped even slightly, or am I not pushing in hard enough?

Thanks for all your help!

[sanmenxia]

Yes, push the pegs in harder. Try tuning again, if they still slip then push in harder again.

[oltrelogo]

I think the exercises really shine best in bowed string situations. Each string has its own bridge, which can be moved to change the pitch. One can get very interesting bent pitch effects, by pressing down on the string on one side of the bridge, either before, or after you pluck the note on the other side.