Capo use on 12-string

[lyronva]

Sorry if this has been covered elsewhere, but I didn't locate much during a search (forum and web).

Problem: When using a capo on a 12-string guitar, you often get buzzing (or no discernable sound) from the high string for strings 3-6 due to the difference in string gauge for each of strings 3-6. What are suggestions for the equipment solution for this? Is there a hack? Specialized capos that have flexible material (if so, some suggestions)? Something?

Thanks very much -

B

[cmac]

You don't say if you are using an actual 12-string capo or not? Shubb make one that I used for a number of years on a 12 string.

I may have had to clamp it quite tight to get the skinny G held down, but I don't remember it being a challenge.

[Norsepicker]

I use the G7 12 string capo that has cuts for individual strigs (that’s the one to get, not the smooth one). It works great.

[ifret]

The G7th Newport with Compensated String Pad:

https://www.g7th.com/new-compensated...for-12-strings

My review of it:

http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarfor...p?topic=9090.0

[rmp]

Originally Posted by Norsepicker

I use the G7 12 string capo that has cuts for individual strigs (that’s the one to get, not the smooth one). It works great.

This....... I also use a newport 12, it works great.

[rsmillbern]

I use a G7th Heritage capo and (for me) it works great.
I have used the Newport as well with good results (I like yoke style capos).

[MikeBmusic]

I've got a G7th Nashville 6 string capo that works on my 12 string, barely wide enough, but works.

[cliff_the_stiff]

not sure if anyone else has mentioned the G7th...

[merlin666]

I use the Planet Waves NS PRO which works very well on both 6 and 12 strings with widely different neck profiles and nut widths. It is compact yet adjustable.

[jemartin]

I totally gave up on capoing my 12 string guitars after trying several good capos. Recently i took the price plunge and bought the G7th Heritage capo. It seems to solve those issues that you mentioned on both of my 12 string guitars. I am hopeful now that i can take the 12 string to use for worship with another player. I can leave it tuned down 1 full step (with heavier medium gauge strings) and capo at the 2nd fret on songs that i need to do... and play it open without capo.. on songs which i can transpose in my mind on the fly...since we are not using digital software yet. ( i never know which songs we will be playing )... I always definitely prefer the open tone of the 12 string without a capo... even one that works well... but this will make the 12 string more useful to me.

[Steve DeRosa]

My wife has an old Kyser capo that works like a charm on her Guild Starfire 12-string - in fact she prefers it to the G7 12-string capo...

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Norsepicker

I use the G7 12 string capo that has cuts for individual strigs (that’s the one to get, not the smooth one). It works great.

So.... I see one for $30, and I see another one for $220 (!). Comments?

[M Sarad]

I keep a brass Shubb 12string capo in my pocket. It works on everything.

[L20A]

I have struggles with 12 string capos for many years.
The best one for me was the Kyser 12 string capo until G7th came up with the compensated pad for their 12 string guitars capos.

The G7th is by far the best 12 string capo for 12 string intonation.

I hope that Kyser and Shubb will follow the example and produce compensated pads for their 12 string capos.

[jemartin]

Originally Posted by L20A

I have struggles with 12 string capos for many years.
The best one for me was the Kyser 12 string capo until G7th came up with the compensated pad for their 12 string guitars capos.

The G7th is by far the best 12 string capo for 12 string intonation.

I hope that Kyser and Shubb will follow the example and produce compensated pads for their 12 string capos.

I agree.... intonation is what the biggest problem is with me being able to play a guitar. I even had a luthier widen the saddle slot on my old 79 Guild F512 and use a thicker saddle so that he had enough room to intonate the individual strings. It worked great.
And then to use a capo which would pull the strings out of tune just hurt my ears... so i gave up on them till the G7th 12 string capo came along.