Jonny8040 - Posted - 11/19/2019:  18:24:33

Hey everybody!

I am in the business for a new capo. I play flatpicking guitar in bluegrass music, and want a capo that's discreet, and doesn't cause any tone changes. Its probably between the shubb and the d'addaroo planet waves right now. Which one would you all recommend? I have a Martin D-18 so neck size and shape is a consideration. Which ones best for me?



Thank you!



In Jesus,

Jonny

Edited by - Jonny8040 on 11/19/2019 18:25:17

Dragonslayer - Posted - 11/20/2019:  02:05:53

I'm not familiar with either of those capos, but I would recommend buying them both (unless they're super expensive?) And see which one works best.
I like the Paige style capos, but I haven't used them on guitar

Jonny8040 - Posted - 11/20/2019:  03:27:25

Thank you so much!

Texasbanjo - Posted - 11/20/2019:  04:56:50

l like the Shubb. It's adjustable so your strings aren't being pinched so much they go out of tune. It's easy to put on and take off. It will not fit above the strings on the headstock, but it'll fit in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. That's what I have for both my banjo and my Martin guitar.

Jim Yates - Posted - 11/22/2019:  13:38:04

I like the Paige a lot. It's very discreet if you get the black one. It can be stored above the nut if you don't have a volute like the D-28. Works perfectly on a D-18. As Sherry says, it is adjustable; you just tighten it enough to stop the buzzing and you're set to go.
I like to take the padded sleeve off and bend the bar to match the radius of the fingerboard as close as possible. When you put the sleeve back on, you'll find that you don't have to retune when you apply the capo.
The Planet Waves is a nice capo too. It's adjustable and discreet. I don't have a guitar model, but I use these on my banjos.
Shubb is a great capo as well. It's not as discreet, but they work so well that I like 'em. My wife uses a Shubb on her guitar.

I would stay clear of spring loaded capos like Keyser and Triggers. They push the strings right down to the board and pull the guitar out of tune.

Jim Yates - Posted - 12/04/2019:  09:00:28

Another reason for avoiding spring loaded capos is the temptation to store them on the headstock when you're not using them which uglies up your guitar.

I've never seen this warning on capo packaging, but the clip-on tuners say:



C A U T I O N : I N S T R U M E N T  F I N I S H E S .

R E A D  T H I S  B E F O R E  U S I N G  T H E  S N A R K  T U N E R :



T h e  g e n e r a l  r u l e  i s : D o  n o t  l e a v e  a n y  i t e m

a t t a c h e d  t o  y o u r  i n s t r u m e n t  l o n g e r  t h a n

n e c e s s a ry .   W e  r e c o m m e n d  y o u  r e m o v e

t h e  S n a r k  t u n e r   f r o m  y o u r  i n s t r u m e n t

a s  s o o n  a s  y o u  f i n i s h  t u n i n g .   P l e a s e

b e  a w a r e  t h a t  a n y  l a c q u e r  t y p e  f i n i s h

c a n  b e  a d v e r s e l y  a f f e c t e d  i f  t h e

r u b b e r  p a d  o f  t u n e r  i s  l e f t  i n  c o n t a c t

w i t h  t h e  f i n i s h  f o r  a  p e r i o d  o f  t i m e .



I realise that nobody ever reads the instructions that come with a Snark (Similar to the instructions on a shampoo bottle - Everyone figures that they know how it works).  I know a guy who lost part of his Martin decal from a clip-on tuner.  This is true also of vinyl backed straps or leaving your guitar on a Naugahyde covered chair.



I clip my Snark to the mic stand after I tune.  It's nice and handy when I need it.

Edited by - Jim Yates on 12/04/2019 09:13:02

Pickerwannbee - Posted - 12/20/2019:  04:52:53

Personally I like the Shubb. I play mainly rhythm guitar and the Shubb never gets in my way when making certain chords. As already mentioned, it's fully adjustable so you don't ruin the instruments tuning. When not in use it goes in my pocket. JMHO.

Bignote - Posted - 05/11/2020:  15:50:49

I have tried alot of capos. Bang for the buck and functionality, Paige wins every time. There are some more expensive capos out there but I prefer the Paige.

Dick Hauser - Posted - 09/06/2020:  14:31:15

Since I started using Shubb capos, I haven't used anything else. Never had any problems with them. I had thought of getting a better capo, but changed my mind when I discovered the price of capos better than the Shubb cost over $100.

kimmattis123 - Posted - 09/13/2020:  09:10:02

I have a Paige and a Shubb- both very good- not in the way. HOWEVER I've lost 4 Shubbs [because you can't store them ON the guitar I forget them everywhere] the Paige stays on forever. I also have about 4 other capos. Shubb works [sounds] about the best. Its a shame you cannot just try out capos without buying one.