Capo that does not go out of tune

[bbigsby]

I have been playing guitar for 30 years and just learned how to properly attach a Kyser style capo. For years I placed it just before the fret and some strings would stretch out of tune. I always ended up putting the capo on then fine tunning it with a tuner... Now intonnation problems no more, I don't know why but last night I decided to put the capo directly on top of the fret and presto, perfect intonnation. I can't believe I did not discover this sooner.

 

[flea]

The G7 and Shubb capos are great, the key is to just put enough pressure to bar it off, but not too much to pull it sharp. When I used to use a Kyser, I had the same problems you described, but not anymore.

 

[Staticbuster]

I was doing the same thing, mostly because I tune my guitars a step down for my current band. I found that with the lesser string tension and the super pinch of the Kyser capo'ing on the fret was the only way I could get even close to in tune.

It was still a bee-otch though, most times I still had to fine-tune before launching into the song. I switch up to Shubb capos and don't have any problems now. Although I still capo on the fret, FWIW.

One trick you might want to try is using a rubber band or hair tie wrapped around the handles of the Kyser to lessen the grip of the capo. I've seen lots of guys do it, but never messed with it myself.

 

[John Coloccia]

I put my capos on a bit crooked. Closer to the fret on the bass side, and further away on the treble side.

 

[nodepression]

I've got a Shubb I used for a few years. Great capo, but since I tried a Paige, it's all I use now.

No tuning issues, low profile, stored behind the nut on most guitars.

 

[Dashface]

I've gotta try a Shubb. I have the same problem as the above poster: Play in a band that is tuned down and uses a capo constantly. It drives me nuts having to re-tune all the damn time.

 

[oldman22]

I like the Planet Waves NS Lite capo. Adjustable and works. The Kyser capo pulls the strings too tight. The G7th capo I was really dissapointed with b/c no matter how hard I tried the strings still buzzed.

 

[Pietro]

First off, be REAL careful how you put the capo on. Right behind the fret (almost touching) and don't pull at the strings. Don't just slap it on there.

I've tried 'em all (I'm a HUGE capo user) and settled on the Planet Waves NS adjustable capos, both the single and dual action. I like the Shubb, but if you capo different places on a neck that isn't the same size up and down it can be a pain.

Planet Waves have several varieties. Listed here.

http://www.sweetwater.com/c931--Planet_Waves--Guitar_Capos

 

[frquent flyer]

THE Peterson strobe capo compensates for capo or heavy use in its fine tuning OR so they say.

 

[Morphious]

I like the Planet Waves NS Lite capo. Adjustable and works. The Kyser capo pulls the strings too tight. The G7th capo I was really dissapointed with b/c no matter how hard I tried the strings still buzzed.

+1. You can adjust it yourself.

 

[Jerry]

I've used a Shubb capo for years, but in the last year have come to favor the NS/Planetwaves and Paige capos. The Paige lives on my acoustic, the NS is in the case and will sometimes be used on my electrics.
Also, here's a video by James Taylor on tuning acoustics:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2xnXArjPts

 

[Trebor Renkluaf]

You're putting the capo directly on top of the fret? Doesn't that mute the sound of the open strings?

 

[TheGuildedAge]

I have a shub and keyser. I didn't notice how much the keyser pulled out of tune until I tried the Shubb. The Shubb isn't perfect, but I don't use it enough to care to test every capo out there.

 

[Patch]

G7 capo just behind the fret (almost touching) with just the right pressure on it.
No tuning issue.

 

[Paul-A]

All non-adjustable capos cause tuning problems. Shubb capos are pretty good and Elliot capos are great, though whether the difference in performance justifies the price you'd have to decide for yourself.

 

[billfoma]

Used Keyser capos for years until I got my G7 a year or two ago. I've tried them all, it seems, and now I have the one that works best for me.

 

[dallasblues]

The neck profile on many guitars changes along the length of the neck. I've kept a couple Shubb capos in my case for this reason. One is set for the lower frets, and the other is set for the higher frets. I don't capo very often so 2 is plenty. I just put a small strip of colored tape on one to differentiate at gigs.