peg dope

peg dope (uncountable)

1. A substance used to lubricate the pegs of a string instrument and to provide friction between the pegs and the strings
   • 1997, Larry Sandberg, Complete Banjo Repair‎, page 21:

     It also helps to rub down the shaft with a product called peg dope which is available from violin shops. It does the same thing that the right wax does for a pair of skis: provides smoothness when you need it (as you turn the peg) and friction when you need it (when you let go of the peg and it has to resist string pressure).

   • 1997, Hideo Kamimoto, Complete Guitar Repair‎:

     The final step in fitting the peg, after work with the reamer and peg shaper, is to apply peg dope to the peg shank.

   • 2012, Katherine Rapaport, Violins For Dummies, 2nd Edition‎, page 34:

     The compound is commonly sold in a small stick, like a tube of lipstick, and it used to be labeled "Peg Dope" before too many shipments got held up in customs (But many violinists still call it "peg dope" anyway).