Capo’d Note Choke

[davismanLV]

Is that a Hamilton on the left? Horrible devices, even worse than the elastic ones.

I'm not sure. There's no identifying marks or anything on it. I tried using it one time. By the time I got it ON and then SITUATED, and then ADJUSTED.... I could've had a Shubb or Kyser on and played 3 songs already!!

 

[adorshki]

I'm not sure. There's no identifying marks or anything on it. I tried using it one time. By the time I got it ON and then SITUATED, and then ADJUSTED.... I could've had a Shubb or Kyser on and played 3 songs already!!

But think of all the fun you would've missed out on.

 

[GSFV]

Sorry. I should have clarified. I meant during live use, where does it stay. I don’t always have a music stand or something hand to rest on. Pocket seems like an obvious option I should have thought of.

I just tested my shubb and it sounds the same as my D’Addario. It looses life, and body. Still in tune, just really lacking the energy and expression compared to no capo. So It’s looking more and more like I’ll need a set up. It’s probably over due anyway.

And I guess if that doesnt resolve it, then maybe my guitar just doesn’t like capos?

 

[GSFV]

I've never had good luck with spring-loaded capos, like the Kyser. I would not use one in a performance.

My capo keeps things in tune, which is more than I can say for anything I’ve ever tried on Kyser.

 

[Rocky]

My capo keeps things in tune, which is more than I can say for anything I’ve ever tried on Kyser.

I imagine it can have a lot to do with fret height and string gauges. Kyser does have models with different pressures - 6 string and 12-string, probably having something to do with spring pressure, geometry or both. Not that I've actually noticed a difference with my instruments.

If convenience of all of the capos I've tried were equal, I'd probably choose the Shubb over the others, even though it doesn't really work with some fat-necked guitars. It just pops off my telecaster, for instance. The G7 works fine, but the lack of work getting it attached is somehow disconcerting.

 

[adorshki]

Sorry. I should have clarified. I meant during live use, where does it stay. I don’t always have a music stand or something hand to rest on. Pocket seems like an obvious option I should have thought of.

I just tested my shubb and it sounds the same as my D’Addario. It looses life, and body. Still in tune, just really lacking the energy and expression compared to no capo. So It’s looking more and more like I’ll need a set up. It’s probably over due anyway.

And I guess if that doesnt resolve it, then maybe my guitar just doesn’t like capos?

Could be. Same as with strings, maybe?

One last ditch possibility: I'm thinking fretboard radius vs capo radius.

They're supposed to be "adjustable" but I suspect there's a basic radius to the cross arm that's really "tempered" with padding? That might reduce effective tension in less than perfect matches? Maybe unequal or insufficient pressure through/across the padding creates a muffling effect?

Are there capos with a truly adjustable radius, like something that would flex the cross arm to change its curvature??

 

[Rocky]

Are there capos with a truly adjustable radius, like something that would flex the cross arm to change its curvature??

I've never seen one. It's usually something with a ~10" radius, with foam or plastic tubing to compensate. I would think an adjustable one would just be too much machinery/bother. I would think capos made with 7.5", 9.5" and 16" arches would be sufficient.

 

[adorshki]

I've never seen one. It's usually something with a ~10" radius, with foam or plastic tubing to compensate. I would think an adjustable one would just be too much machinery/bother. I would think capos made with 7.5", 9.5" and 16" arches would be sufficient.

In '97 at least, in the 1st Guild Gallery, Jim Inman said Guild had standardized on a 12" fretboard radius (just above "Saddle-style Transducer"):

Just sayin'

 

[chazmo]

Sorry. I should have clarified. I meant during live use, where does it stay. I don’t always have a music stand or something hand to rest on. Pocket seems like an obvious option I should have thought of.

I just tested my shubb and it sounds the same as my D’Addario. It looses life, and body. Still in tune, just really lacking the energy and expression compared to no capo. So It’s looking more and more like I’ll need a set up. It’s probably over due anyway.

And I guess if that doesnt resolve it, then maybe my guitar just doesn’t like capos?

Well, so much for the capo being at fault. Yeah, bring it in for a check out. Loose brace(s) might be a problem too. Good luck, GSFV.

 

[Rocky]

In '97 at least, in the 1st Guild Gallery, Jim Inman said Guild had standardized on a 12" fretboard radius (just above "Saddle-style Transducer"):

Just sayin'

I meant having 3 or 4 different arches for capos would be close enough.

 

[GSFV]

Well….I feel a little silly. Not so silly I’m embarrassed. But a little silly. I went to my tech yesterday (if you’re in northeast Florida you gotta go visit Chip!!!). Who suggested I move my capo closer to the fret.

At first I wanted to roll my eyes because I had tried that. But then he moved the capo REALLY CLOSE. I mean. Touching the fret close. And everything rang out beautifully!!


So here’s what he said. He said that my action was appropriate, and the neck was straight. BUT the frets were low. No need for a refret. But very low. He said that the capo probably needed some extra pressure to allow the string to really ring out. Which may explain why my barre chords sounded a little better because my hands provided more pressure compared to the capo.


SO! I’m all set. He didn’t charge me because I’m in there all the time and he only placed a capo on the strings. Also! I feel better about my beloved acoustic. I was scared I might have to go shopping soon. But alas! I’m safe from G.A.S. ….for now…. 🫣

 

[chazmo]

Hey, don't be embarrassed. In fact I admire that you sucked it up and got back to us on that.

We're all guilty of "user error" once in a while. I hope you now enjoy the capoed guitar as you should!!!

Well, you should plan for a refret then if/when you decide that the guitar needs a setup. Also, I recommend looking around at different capos so that you can be satisfied with your live performances. There are some straps that have a capo pocket in which you can put anything.

Best wishes!

 

[GSFV]

I wanted to make sure that the thread was at least concluded or settled should someone come upon it later.

And for everyone saying to look for differences between the guitars (fret board radius, set up, etc) I think the differences could come down to fret size.

 

[chazmo]

Oh, definitely. Guild is hardly the onlly manufacture that has varied their fret wires over the years. Happy Thanksgiving weekend, GSFV!