Thanks, catspaw! I'm actually not new to mudcat, just an infrequent user/visitor who doesn't know what the heck a cookie is, and only recently finally figured out how to log on again! I've seen your posts many times, always good ones. I started mudcatting back when Jean R used to post fairly frequently - got to meet her once - what a treat! I can't quite remember if I've ever met you - have you been to the FSGW Getaway? I've been a regular for the past - uh - 9 years? Anway, I'm going to try the peg dope and steel wool for sure, and see how it goes. And I think I'm inclined to get me my own dulcimer with geared pegs, and leave the other for my daughter to use as-is! It is hers, after all!