Of course, most dulcimers will fall somewhere between these extremes. Oil finishes will give the dulcimer a softer, warmer, and fuzzier tone. Aesthetically, wooden pegs are sometimes used. Aesthetically, wooden pegs complement the dulcimer perfectly, but they spell trouble for getting in tune. They consist of a 2-piece metal shaft and collar, with a plastic button for turning.
Tension is adjusted via a small screw at the tip of the button.
Geared tuning machines are far superior to all friction pegs. This allows for extremely precise adjustment. Fingerboard Sight down the length of the strings. The fingerboard surface must be level. A dime should just fit between the strings and the 3rd fret.