Tips for using a Capo on a 12 string

[dgt178]

Originally Posted by JohnW63

I;ve had good results with a G7th capo, because I can adjust the tension with the capo in place and dial it in. So, I guess I tune the capo instead of the string.

.....if you're tuning the capo, aren't you still checking each string with a tuner?...not sure how that procedure would save any time....

[Glennwillow]

I have found no capo of any type that can be placed on a 12-string, provide good sustain, and still be in tune. I just retune the guitar once the capo is on. With modern head stock tuners retuning even on a 12-string doesn't take a great deal of time unless you are up in front of people on stage. Most of us are not.

It does make a difference how the capo is mounted and locating the capo as close behind the fret wire as possible really minimizes how much the strings are pulled sharp.

In fact, I have concluded that even 6-string guitars are routinely thrown out of tune by the use of a capo, but some are worse than others. The yoke-style capos that are best for sustain tend to throw guitars out of tune the most. The capos designed not to throw the guitar out of tune do the most damping of the guitar's sustain.

I have stopped worrying about capos and bought better tuners.

- Glenn

[dgt178]

.....I actually get pretty good sustain with my Shubb.......and it usually takes me less than a minute to fine tune.....which shouldn't pose a problem, even on stage.....

[Dolo]

I have tried many capo’s over the years but the best by far that I have found is the G7th 6 string capo ......expensive but IMO it is the best design and most reliable out there. I actually purchased the G7th 12 string capo but it made the low e on my Taylor 756CE and Guild F212CNT buzz where the 6 string works perfectly on both.

[L20A]

Old thread but new capo.
G7th now makes a 12 string capo that is compensated for the octive strings.
It comes in 2 different styles.
BEST CAPO OUT THERE NOW!!!
I can't recommend it enough!.

[6L6]

Just get your guitar in tune in open configuration.

Then place your capo as close as you can to the fret. I prefer a Schubb 12 string capo or a Victor capo.

You're good to go!

[donlyn]

Tips for using a Capo on a 12 string

Most important tip I have is to use the right capo.

While it will only work for 12 string guitars that are strung the traditional way (where the octave string is first one contacted on a downward strum), the G7th Newport 12 string capo with compensated string pad is the hands down winner in my book. Tossed my Shubb capo after using this one. The pad has teeth that contact the strings at different points providing an equivalent amount of pressure to all strings. No need for re-tuning with this one.

One other possible issue can be solved by trying one first. I have heard some noise that a narrow neck can be an issue. I have two Taylor 12 string guitars, and both have a nut width of 1+7/8" as I remember it. Anyway the capo works perfectly, again, without needing any re-tuning to use it properly. If you have a radical neck radius, you might want to look into the Heritage model, which has the Adaptive Radius Technology too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-x9EDoqGsqo

Don

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by L20A

Old thread but new capo.
G7th now makes a 12 string capo that is compensated for the octive strings.
It comes in 2 different styles.
BEST CAPO OUT THERE NOW!!!
I can't recommend it enough!.

I'm betting 30 bucks you're right. My typical problem with a 12-string capo is the octave A string is dulled out, doesn't ring true. The G7th compensated sounds like the right solution. I'm looking forward to trying it out!

[bil]

Kyser just about on the fret works pretty good on my 44 year old Tak 12.

[sonic romp]

Just ordered the G7th Heritage capo with compensated pad. Can't wait to give it a spin. I typically have a capo somewhere on any guitar, 6 or 12-string, so it'll get its use.

In other news; I did set my Shubb on/over the fret and had a slightly better experience, but I could not stand the way it crowded my fingering on the first fret. G7th instructs to place the capo 1/8" behind the fret, and I like that option without the crowding.

[L20A]

I hope that Shubb will offer a compensated pad for their capos.
That would be the best of the best!

[Mike McLenison]

Another Shubb 12 string capo user here. I even use it on my 6 string when capoing up on the 7th fret where the neck is wider. I swear my Martin sounds much better with the stainless capo than a light aluminum type.

[guitarwebguy]

Over the years I’ve tried a variety of capos for my 12 string instruments and this year I tried G7’s compensated 12 string capo and I finally have a 12 string capo that does what a capo should do, so I bought 2 more!

[Doug Young]

Originally Posted by L20A

Old thread but new capo.
G7th now makes a 12 string capo that is compensated for the octive strings.
It comes in 2 different styles.
BEST CAPO OUT THERE NOW!!!
I can't recommend it enough!.

Yep! it works very well. It also actually works ok on a 6-string as well, so it's not limited to just 12s