Capo Question

[GUITKRAZY]

I use Dunlop Capos, and I have noticed recently on my acoustics, (I have a few, but now I am mainly using Alvarez) The guitar is tuned and sounds great without the capo, but when I put it on, the Low E string sounds a bit flat, but the other strings are fine- and I tried my other Alvarez, and Takamine and the same result, I even tried other Dunlop capo's and the same thing- I am not sure what I am going to have to do to resolve this issue? Any recommendations are always greatly appreciated!

[spdolan]

I use the trigger myself, and havent noticed this issue. Borrow (or pick up) a Keyser and see if you notice the same thing - that will tell you whether its a capo or guitar issue.

Dolan

[smatel]

I have learned a couple of things about capos.

First there are variables, including the size of the frets and the tension of the capo. I use Shubb, for the most part, because I can control the tension against the strings, with it.

What I think may be happening, in your situation, is the capo may be pulling most of the strings sharp. I usually experience the opposite; the 6th string is pulled sharper than the others, by the capo, and I have to retune. In my experience, I's almost always necessary to retune/finetune after application of the capo, however, this is minimized by the Shubb.

The Shubb is not as convenient in performance as a Dunlop or Kaiser, but it doesn't affect tuning as much.

[dmn23]

Any capo is going to snag the strings a bit. My Taylor is pretty good about how it behaves with a capo, but if I put one on the Lowden the low E will always go a bit sharp.

 

My suggestion would be to try a different capo and see if you get better results. I love Shubbs -- you can dial them in very precisely. Other folks like Kysers a lot, and I'm not sure what else is out there.

[EvilTwin]

I have learned a couple of things about capos. First there are variables, including the size of the frets and the tension of the capo. I use Shubb, for the most part, because I can control the tension against the strings, with it. What I think may be happening, in your situation, is the capo may be pulling most of the strings sharp. I usually experience the opposite; the 6th string is pulled sharper than the others, by the capo, and I have to retune. In my experience, I's almost always necessary to retune/finetune after application of the capo, however, this is minimized by the Shubb. The Shubb is not as convenient in performance as a Dunlop or Kaiser, but it doesn't affect tuning as much.

Exactly why I have a Shubb.

[Hudman]

Usually a capo will pull notes sharp.

 

It sounds like you have an intonation problem on your low E string.

[DeepEnd]

I had a similar problem after I bought my current guitar. I was using the style of Dunlop capo that has a nylon strap that goes around the neck. I honestly wondered if there was something wrong with the guitar. I went back to the shop where I bought it and told the guy who sold it to me what was happening. I got a free lesson in how to use a capo and ended up buying a Shubb. The problem you're having is twofold: It's hard to adjust the tension with some capos so you end up putting too much pressure on some or all the strings, which throws the tuning off. The second thing is to get the capo as close to the fret as possible, which minimizes the previous effect. The best solution is to buy a capo with finely adjustable tension like a Shubb or Paige.

[Hudman]

I had a similar problem after I bought my current guitar. I was using the style of Dunlop capo that has a nylon strap that goes around the neck. I honestly wondered if there was something wrong with the guitar. I went back to the shop where I bought it and told the guy who sold it to me what was happening. I got a free lesson in how to use a capo and ended up buying a Shubb. The problem you're having is twofold: It's hard to adjust the tension with some capos so you end up putting too much pressure on some or all the strings, which throws the tuning off. The second thing is to get the capo as close to the fret as possible, which minimizes the previous effect. The best solution is to buy a capo with finely adjustable tension like a Shubb or Paige.

 

I'm a big fan of the Planet Waves adjustable capo.

 

 

It's the best adjustable capo I ever used:

[GUITKRAZY]

Just a quick follow up on my Capo pursuit- I have been using Dunlop (trigger) capos for a few years and got ok results- but the E string always pulled sharp- I had the same issue with the Kyser- After reading everyones input (Thanks again!) I went and purchased a Shub, with the thumb screw - and it worked perfectly! Though, I have to say I don't like the fact that you can't clip it onto the headstock when not using it- and the fact that it takes two hands to put it on- unlike the other quick clips! But nontheless that Capo worked perfectly!

[rsgars]

I'm experimenting with the G7 capo right now. The Kyser always worked fine for me but now I have a couple of guitars with jumbo frets and it seems to just mash the strings down too hard.

Jury is still out on the G7. Putting it on is simple enough, and I can adjust the tension perfectly so it doesn't pull the strings sharp. My biggest gripe is it doesn't easily attach to the headstock and stay put. It tends to fall off. So I need to decide if it's worth the extra hassle or should I just lear to play without one?

[bigby]

Exactly why I have a Shubb.

Another shubb user...

[Dave W.]

Shubb user also, they even make a flat one for my classicals, but I always have to tweak the tuning after putting it on. Careful adjustment will minimize this, but in my case has never eliminated it.