Capo Recommendations

JustMunkee · #1 11-20-2019, 08:26 AM

Hi all

Currently I'm using a G7th Performance 2 capo, which I'm very happy with, but I'm thinking about getting a second - one can live in my case, one can live at home and I don't have to worry about remembering to take it with me...

So, I've been having a look around. Obviously I can pick up a traditional Shubb style one very cheaply, I could get another G7th, or I've seen the Thalia ones, which are interesting...

Does anybody have any preferences, any definite no-nos?

One thing to consider - I don't want a large trigger style, I much prefer a smaller, less intrusive design.

Oh, and another thing is that I'm in the UK, so getting hold of things isn't always easy - I know Thalia will ship for example, but there is more cost and more waiting...

Cheers!

Dbone · #2 11-20-2019, 08:30 AM

Vote here for Thalia. Optimal fittings available for various guitar brands. Not a one size fits all approach like some brands.

Cheers

Quebec Picker · #3 11-20-2019, 08:42 AM

Planet Waves NS pro. Small, discrete, works super well and can be stored on nut when not in use. Probably the best all round capo I have, and I have several.

pieterh · #4 11-20-2019, 08:44 AM

I have all three that you mention and here’s my subjective experience:

The Thalia is a gorgeous expression of craft; it looks great and does the job very well. The need to squeeze the capo is just a different method from the others and you get used to it. The fact that they ship with two sets of inserts is a big plus. The aren’t the cheapest and they are the heaviest of the three but they feel solid, look great and work!

The G7th is also a modern classic. I don’t always find mine clamps evenly everywhere on the neck but it seems to like my Guild D35 so it usually sits in the Guild case when not being used.

Shubb are still my go-to capos. Elegant simplicity of design and they do the job. Cost wise they are far and away the best value for money imho. Getting new rubber sheaths (no jokes please) is fairly easy and one capo usually works on various guitars (ie the regular model will work on most acoustics and electrics). I have several including the model designed for nylon-stringed guitars.

At the moment I am looking to get a capo for my new 12-string and it is likely to be either the G7 for 12 string or the Shubb C3.

I live in Sweden where a major retail chain recently went bankrupt and ceased trading. It means I am more likely to order online and put up with shipping. On those occasions I use Thomann and to be honest if you are buying a capo why not add a couple of sets of strings and other accessories you need, then the £10 (or so) shipping charge won’t seem so excessive. If you’re buying a guitar case at the same time it might even be free...!

sloar · #5 11-20-2019, 09:03 AM

I really like my Shubb capos.

jaymarsch · #6 11-20-2019, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dbone

Vote here for Thalia. Optimal fittings available for various guitar brands. Not a one size fits all approach like some brands.

Cheers

OP mentioned that they like a small unobtrusive design. Thalia's have a pretty big footprint and are heavier than many other capos. They certainly have their place but light and unobtrusive isn't one of their strengths. Planet Waves NS is very easy to use, to adjust, and is lightweight. I use the Shubb for a clamp style but mostly am a fan of the yoke style capos. I bought an Elliott years ago and I love the light weight and small profile as much as how it never gets in the way of the tone of my guitar. But it is pricey.

Best,
Jayne

llew · #7 11-20-2019, 09:04 AM

Another vote for Planet Waves. I have a bunch of different capos but use the Planet Waves consistently every time I play. And like Jayne the Elliott is very nice but is pricey?

RalphH · #8 11-20-2019, 09:07 AM

I like my Shubb one - adjustable tension means that you don't have tuning issues (or crush your neck). My friend has a capo with a spring so fierce I can barely work it. No way in hell that would go on one of my guitars!

RustyAxe · #9 11-20-2019, 09:31 AM

Shubb for me. I have one in each case, and specialty models for my 12-string and v-neck models. There's always one or two laying around in my "studio", too.

Arthur Slowhand · #10 11-20-2019, 09:31 AM

Shubb C2. They do a 'partial' one too, to fit over three strings - with the C2 it can gives some interesting tunings... like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC6yKD5sJMU

ljguitar · #11 11-20-2019, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustMunkee

Hi all

Currently I'm using a G7th Performance 2 capo, which I'm very happy with, but I'm thinking about getting a second - one can live in my case, one can live at home and I don't have to worry about remembering to take it with me...

So, I've been having a look around. Obviously I can pick up a traditional Shubb style one very cheaply, I could get another G7th, or I've seen the Thalia ones, which are interesting...

Does anybody have any preferences, any definite no-nos?

One thing to consider - I don't want a large trigger style, I much prefer a smaller, less intrusive design.

Oh, and another thing is that I'm in the UK, so getting hold of things isn't always easy - I know Thalia will ship for example, but there is more cost and more waiting...

Cheers!

Hi JM

It's really hard to beat the Planet Waves NS capo (Black Aluminum frame). It works well on 6 strings, and 12 strings. ($14 USD Nov-2019)

Just don't buy the plastic frame version (don't know if it's still made but some sellers may have them in stock).

I own a McKinney/Elliott for my Olson, but it's worn plenty of Planet Waves NS models too.

davidd · #12 11-20-2019, 09:42 AM

I was gifted a Thalia. Nice capo if you have decent hand strength. Having arthritis makes it cumbersome for me. I much prefer my old Shubb. I think the Thalia is also unnecessarily thick and heavy.

GmanJeff · #13 11-20-2019, 09:59 AM

I just bought a G7 Performance 3 capo to keep with a guitar which did not have a dedicated unit in its case. My others are all Planet Waves NS capos. Both types work quite well. The G7 feels more substantial, but the NS models are adequate even if lighter. Both designs are compact and easy to adjust to the tension level required.

UncleJesse · #14 11-20-2019, 10:02 AM

You could try one of the Colorado Capos that Maury's carries now. They look like a good design that stays out of the way of your fingers. I've been wanting to pick one up.

https://www.maurysmusic.com/guitar_capos

Dbone · #15 11-20-2019, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaymarsch

OP mentioned that they like a small unobtrusive design. Thalia's have a pretty big footprint and are heavier than many other capos. They certainly have their place but light and unobtrusive isn't one of their strengths. Planet Waves NS is very easy to use, to adjust, and is lightweight. I use the Shubb for a clamp style but mostly am a fan of the yoke style capos. I bought an Elliott years ago and I love the light weight and small profile as much as how it never gets in the way of the tone of my guitar. But it is pricey.

Best,
Jayne

I suppose large is subjective...I don’t find that Thalias are large.

The only point I was trying to make is that you should never have a fit problem with a Thalia given the “sure fit” system they use. To me that’s important.

I have seen many a complaint of this capo working with this guitar okay, but not this one, etc...

Everyone needs to prioritize for themselves what’s important to them in a capo. For me it is generalized effectiveness and quality. Thalia has this in spades.

This is not to suggest that there are not other great products out there.

To keep things simple I would suggest the OP sticks to what they know and gets another G7th.