Looking for capo recommendations

jp

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Being mostly an electric player, I almost never use a capo. I still have a couple of the old simple strap kind that I've had for years. Lately, I've been giving my youngest guitar lessons, which has prompted me to look for a newer alternative. They seem so much more dependable and easy to use.

Which kinds do you guys use, like, or recommend -- especially you acoustic players?
 

Stuball48

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I like the G7th Newport. It was recommended to me by fellow LTG member and works great for my needs
 

geoguy

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My current favorite is a very simple D'Addario "Lite" capo. Molded ABS plastic, very compact & lightweight, and easy to adjust to get the right tension.

And it won't break the bank.

I think they also make a couple of metallic versions called Pro and Pro Plus.

Here's a photo of the Lite version:
da_pw-cp-07_main_transparent.png
 

dreadnut

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PittPastor

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Unless I need to take it off, or move it in a hurry, I prefer the Shubb. You can set it to the perfect tension and the design lets you get right back there every time you put it on. And it's design leaves less hanging out over the neck so it doesn't get in the way of unusual finger positioning. The only thing you need to be careful of is that you line it up square to the string before clamping it down.

Shubb Deluxe S Series Steel String Capo

1589219756650.png
 

PittPastor

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davismanLV

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Shubb capos. Simple, effective, minimal size. Lowest profile of all capos to my knowledge. I have one for each guitar, one for mandolin, one for banjo.

What dread (and PP) said above!! You can't beat them. Adjustable. Easy to use. Low profile. They're the best!! I have four.....
 

mike1100

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I don't use a capo often, but I splurged and bought this one years ago. If there is a downside, it's that I can't change capo positions mid song, but I've never really needed to either.

Elliot Capo

They are a friendly company. Connie Elliot picked up the phone and helped me out when I was trying to decide which model I wanted. In the process I got quite an education as well. If I lost this capo, I would buy it again to support them.
 

dreadnut

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Of course, a capo's 2nd function is to hold your strings on the 2nd fret when you're changing strings...keeps 'em snug at the bridge while you diddle with wrapping them around the tuner posts, etc.
 

GuildFS4612CE

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The curve of the capo has to match the radius of your fretboard. That would be the first thing to check. I use a Kyser 12 string on the FS4612CE because it has a very flat fretboard...some of the other capos have too much curve for that particular guitar...normally I'd suggest going to a store and trying out a bunch...and the closer you can place the capo to the fret, if not actually on the fret, the less stretch/out of tune you'll get.
 

jp

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I appreciate all the great suggestions and advice. When I first started looking, I had no idea how may dizzying choices there were. Since I'm mostly going to use this on an acoustic, I'll only have to worry about one radius for now, although I may buy a couple to try out.

I was really drawn to the design and basic principles of the G7 Heritage and Elliot capos, but with how little I use one, I can't see myself spending $100+ on one. I saw that Taylor and Paige have similar designs at lower price points, so I might try one of those.

Also, with all the resounding support for the Shubb's, I think I may go that route. They seem to have solid build quality, and I like the tension adjustability too.

Thanks again folks! (y)
 

GardMan

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For years, I used Shubb capos... just the standard model, no roller bearing. They work great, and I still have them. Got a G7 Heritage for Xmas a couple years back, and it has become my go to capo. Thinking of getting another in gold, to match the hardware on my DV-72MK and D-70...
 

GAD

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Capos, as you'll see, are a very personal thing. About 10 years ago I went and bought all of the ones I could see recommended, and for me, the Planet Waves NS and NS Tri-Action capos are hands down the winners. I did not care for the G7 at all. That doesn't mean my choices are the best for you, though! As you can see above some love Shubbs, some love the G7s, and I bet there are people out there that still prefer the old elastic ones.
 

dreadnut

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Then there's the good old golf pencil and rubber band method.
 

Cougar

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I've got a Shubb - works fine on a 6-string. For 12-string, gotta use a G7th Newport compensated pad.
 

HeyMikey

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I use the planet waves ns. Works great and so cheap I bought a second ... just in case.
 

wileypickett

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IMO, any adjustable capo -- Planet Waves, Shubb, G7, etc., -- is preferable to the spring-loaded, clamp-on, non-adjustable, one-pressure-fits-all style. The latter are likely to cause the guitar to require more retuning when you put them on.

I also glue a strip of thin mousepad material to the rubber piece that goes over the strings. These strips are particularly effective when used on 12-string guitars, where you have thin and thick strings adjacent to each other. The mushiness of the mousepad material very effectively clamps both pairs of strings without having to crank-up the pressure, which, again, can throw the tuning out of whack.
 

davismanLV

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I have a Kyser capo from long ago. The problem with that is they have that spring that's SO STRONG and you get that vice grip on the fretboard. The higher up you go you get sharpness and it doesn't need to be that tight. The capo just needs to fret the guitar and the adjustability on a Shubb (and many others) can help you with that without resorting to a huge amount of pressure that the Kyser relies on. But they're okay. Shubbs are better. Much.
 
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