Violin peg is way too tight?

Question

Okay this is what happened

I haven't touched my violin since my summer break. so its basically 1 whole month

I took it out and tried to tune it but all the 4 pegs are really really really hard to move.

I dont wanna take risk showing all my power.

so what should I do?

someone told me to take my violin (with the case) to my bathroom when i bath. would that work?

is it just humidity problem?

Answer 1

Look here for a good description of what you might do: http://cauer.com/content/view/21/42/

Do NOT put your violin in the bathroom with you.  Water causes wood to swell, which will make your pegs even tighter.  You might try gentle pressure away from the intrument (like you are pulling the peg out of the hole) as you turn it.  Try combining this technique with a little peg lube.  

If you have more time, turn on the air conditioning in the house (this will dry out the air and open the peg holes.

Don't use too much force!  Its better to pay a pro to loosen the pegs then to break one off in the hole.

Answer 2

Don't worry about showing force here. The keys are made of ebony which is the strongest wood available and you will not break it.

The headstock is also very strong on a violin. Take a piece of clotha and put it over the key and use pliers over the material. Gently turn clockwise and counter clockwie. The key will unblock. Don't push nor pull....turn it.

Forget the bathroom....the wood will swell.