Shubb Classic question

[tonyg]

I was thinking about getting one of those original brass capos from Shubb which don't have the roller. Any significent difference without the roller upgrade? I used to have an old model without the roller, and I can't remember having any complaints about it or even noticing any dramatic improvement when I got the newer version, but thought I'd check with you guys. thanks...

[Bob from Brooklyn]

The roller versions are a tad bit smoother but they're good capos either way.

[ifret]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

The roller versions are a tad bit smoother but they're good capos either way.

I agree, I have several of both and don't see a big difference with the roller.

Where I would offer a piece of advice.....I have had a couple of the brass capos and wouldn't buy another. They look nice when new, but tarnish and dull to the point where they don't look nearly as good as new. One of mine even got to the point where I could no longer turn the adjusting screw and I had to pitch it. The only Shubb that failed me, and I've had them for over 40 years. I have had probably a dozen Shubbs of all sorts (stainless, nickel, brass, lite (aluminum), etc.) and my least favorite was the brass. (In fact, I'm probably going to replace my other brass one with the capo noir (black)). Just my $.02.

If I were to want a gold colored capo again, I would get the lite in gold:
https://www.amazon.com/Shubb-Acousti...r=8-4-fkmrnull

And for those who may try to blame high humidity as the cause of my issue with brass Shubbs.....humidity is NOT an issue with my instruments and gear. I have a very well controlled environment in my house and 40+ years experience. No issues whatsoever with any instruments or other gear. I think the one that failed was an exception and not the rule. But, I'm still done with brass.

[godfreydaniel]

I have a couple of the older ones, but I prefer the roller type. It sets into position smoother, and I find I can tweak the adjustment screw easier when attaching it.

[Paddy1951]

The brass version Shubbs do tarnish as they age and that doesn't bother me at all. It must be a very humid environment if some folks are experiencing corrosion and failure of the brass versions.

I have about 12 Shubbs and about a 50/50 mix- stainless or brass. They seem to work equally well.

It does appear the Shubb is slowly moving away from the older design and brass. It is a practical move, IMO.

[tonyg]

There's something else I didn't mention about the original Shubbs that I preferred, and I just noticed it's the same on the Lite version as well: the release lever is a bit shorter and is squared off as well. I'm probably the only person this happens to, but somehow my fretting hand inadvertently trips the release lever occasionally on the upgraded version. In fact, I lopped mine off with a Dremel tool and polished and smoothed it as well, and I've had no further issues. But like I said, this probably doesn't happen to anyone other than myself.

[ifret]

Originally Posted by Paddy1951

The brass version Shubbs do tarnish as they age and that doesn't bother me at all. It must be a very humid environment if some folks are experiencing corrosion and failure of the brass versions.

Humidity is NOT an issue with my instruments and gear. I have a very well controlled environment in my house and 40+ years experience. No issues whatsoever with any instruments or other gear.

[Paddy1951]

Originally Posted by frets4fun

Humidity is NOT an issue with my instruments and gear. I have a very well controlled environment in my house and 40+ years experience. No issues whatsoever with any instruments or other gear.

Then I don't know what could be causing the corrosion issue. Maybe the brass is interacting with some other material?

Some of my brass Shubbs are 20 years old or more and they just keep going.
That said, the newer models, esp. The stainless steel versions make a lot of sense.

[semolinapilcher]

I prefer the brass version because of the patina. I’ve never had an issue.

I do own a couple newer style versions, and I don’t notice a difference when I use them.

[AndrewG]

Brass tarnishes; it's what it does (ever seen a brass Zippo after two weeks?). Of course you could lacquer it or polish it, but a capo? Life's too short!

[ifret]

Originally Posted by Paddy1951

Then I don't know what could be causing the corrosion issue. Maybe the brass is interacting with some other material?

Some of my brass Shubbs are 20 years old or more and they just keep going.
That said, the newer models, esp. The stainless steel versions make a lot of sense.

Yes, I don't know. I think my one was the exception, not the rule. But they do tarnish.

Some of my Shubbs are over 30 years old. They are work horses! I do love all the other versions.

[Yrksman]

Originally Posted by godfreydaniel

I have a couple of the older ones, but I prefer the roller type. It sets into position smoother, and I find I can tweak the adjustment screw easier when attaching it.

This I agree with 100% and the smoothness is more noticeable as we age!

[L20A]

I own 3 different generations of Shubbs.
My oldest 2 are brass with a metal to metal contact.
One a 6 string and one a 12 string.
Last year I decided to give them a face-lift.
Polished them with Brasso and got derlin stems and new rubber sleeves from Shubb.
The derlin stems are for the second generation Shubb but they thread into the original Shubb screw.

I love the way they turned out.
So much smoother to use now and the new pad helps with intonation.
Like having two new Shubb Capos.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

One other thing... I use 12-string capos for everything.

[Jeff Scott]

One of the reasons I sold off my two Alembic basses was due to the monthly ritual of removing and polishing the brass hardware.

I have both a roller version, and the older one without (even without the rubber nub) and overall prefer the older one. IME, the roller version can be popped off too easily, and as mentioned above, the older, squared off lever helps to prevent that from occurring, again, IME.