Capo Recommendation

[roadbiker]

So I have been through a bunch of Capo's in my 30+ years of playing. I've had the kinds that used straps and elastic to hold down the strings, and most recently I bought a Shubb GC-20A capo (below). I seems to do a decent job - much better than anything I have ever owned. I still have to adjust the tuning when I put it on, especially the low E string, but I like it. Even so, I am always on a quest to find a better one and am wondernig what kind of capo's everyone else is using.

Thanx, Jim

 

[kdavid]

i use the same thing. ive tried G7 & dunlops, & keep coming back to the old standby

 

[AlohaJoe]

I still have to adjust the tuning when I put it on, especially the low E string, Thanx, Jim

you may be over tightening it and/or snugging it right up behind the fret. It shouldn't be any tighter than needed to stay on and not buzz, and if it's right up behind the fret it will pull the strings sharp, most noticeably on the low E. I hope that helps.

 

[Ian]

Good thread,

I too started with the elastic band version, then I graduated to the shubb. Problem I found with the shubb is that it fouled my thumb and I found it difficult to get to the chord shapes I wanted without moving my thumb somewhere uncomfortable. Next I went to a Kyser, but recently I've gone back to the method of transposing everything to a key of G: no capo reqd !!!

Cheers, Ian

 

[frettedstrings]

I use several capos inorder to get the alternative tunings that I want. I use several Kyser Capos but I bought a Dean Markley Full Capo a few year ago and I like it, too, even though I can not seem to find a link for the Dean Markley Capo.


Kyser "Short Cut" Capo:

http://www.kysermusical.com/product.php?productid=16146&cat=265&page=2


Kyser 6 String Full Capo:

http://www.kysermusical.com/product.php?productid=16133&cat=265&page=1


Kyser 12 String Full Capo:

http://www.kysermusical.com/product.php?productid=16134&cat=265&page=1

 

[Frosty]

I agree with Alohajoe on capo placement and tuning.

I was a Schubb man for 20+ years, carried the same capo in my left pocket next to my picks every day. Until I lost the thing one Saturday morning at the hardware store. I started using the Planet Waves NS capo about 10 years ago and I like it very much. Quick, one hand operation, light weight and you can dial in the exact tension. Plus, it will fit some vintage Gibson-style necks... which can be very chunky. The Schubb would pop off.

My $.02 on the subject.

 

[evenkeel]

Kyser. Short ones, long ones. Easy to use. When playing onstage I clip them on the mic stand, another plus for me.

 

[killdeer43]

I like Kysers, too, for both 6 and 12 strings.
They work for me. :wink:

Joe

 

[cjd-player]

Planet Waves NS.
Light and simple.
Form follows function perfection. :mrgreen:

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

Kysers on both 6- and 12-strings...they work great!

When 1st introduced (before my beard turned white and my head hair turned loose :lol: ), I was given a couple of the prototypes (used to work around the corner from the first manufacturing spot)...one's spring finally broke about 4 years ago, and I've had to replace the cushion on both a few times, but, all-in-all, these are very well designed!

 

[livemusic]

I think Kysers are bad ugly. And I have way too many of them. I bet I have a half dozen. The work fine, though. As for that style, I bought a G7 Nashville capo based on recommendations and it's a good one and a simpler, cleaner design. But, it still looks weird with this contraption stuck up in the air. I prefer low profile. The Shubb like in the OP is the standard, I suppose. Can't go wrong there. But recently, I bought a Paige Clik and I do like it. I still haven't figured out the "click" thing. Yes, I can make it click but I don't get the point of that. I just put it on and screw it down. It's as low a profile as I have seen. You can also "store" it above the nut.

I use cut capo's quite a bit and the Shubb, same style as in the OP, is my fave, as it is low profile. This is essential for a cut capo for me, as sometimes, I will fret a note "behind" the capo, on the neck side of the cut capo.

 

[Scratch]

Got 'em all; must have thirty or forty laying around. Cheap ones to 'did I really pay that much for a dang capo?'.

I keep going back to Kysers. Fast, easy, and they do the job on 6ers and 12ers....

 

[Ridgemont]

I have used Shubb and Dunlop. The Dunlop is easy but requires retuning the guitar. The Shubb is nice because the tension is adjustable which results in less retuning. I like the Shubb, but it is not very good for thicker necks.

 

[GardMan]

I have four Shubbs. They work for me, and are more or less indestructable (you do need to change the rubber pad every 20 years of so).

 

[killdeer43]

I keep going back to Kysers. Fast, easy, and they do the job on 6ers and 12ers....

I can attest to Ken's Kysers....

....and to his herd of beautiful Guilds, as well!

Capo cheers,
Joe

 

[Brad Little]

I've tried a ton of different ones, first choice: Shubb, second choice: Kyser. Not fond of the G7. Have a Paige for 12, but haven't decided yet.
Brad

 

[valleyguy]

Started years ago with the elastic type (they still make those?), bought 2 kysers, but didn't like the "death grip" they have, plus they're always throwing strings out of tune. They're only convenience is being able to clip them on the headstock so they are always readily available. Bought two Shubbs, and big improvement. Used those for quite awhile. I tried someone's G7 and liked it a lot, but couldn't bring myself to spend that much on one. Then I bought a Planet Waves NS capo. Ah, the holy grail, perfect AND inexpensive. They're very light, small, and can quickly be positioned and tightened to get the perfect pressure on the fret. Strings stay in tune, yippee.

 

[AlohaJoe]

(before my beard turned white and my head hair turned loose :lol: )

My hair isn't falling out, it's just migrating to my ears.

 

[Terry Allan Hall]

(before my beard turned white and my head hair turned loose :lol: )

My hair isn't falling out, it's just migrating to my ears.

Getting old ain't for wimps! :lol: :shock:

 

[dayuhan]

Always thought of Shubb as the Capo di tutti capi...

...and always wanted to use that line in a post!