Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

When I put a capo on my tuning seems to get affected...
Is that possible?

What do I need to do to prevent this, it didn't use to do that until just recently.

Don't tighten it up so much

What kind of capo are you using, and on what guitar? Have you recently changed the capo, the string gauge, or both?

I always try to place the capo nearly on top of the fret that I want (without going so far to dampen)
this works well for a kyser quick change capo. If you put it inbetween frets and clamp down, you will be sharp, unless you use huge strings

Yeah I'm using one of those Kyser ones, the one with the fancy little handle sticking out...
It's on my 370.
I actually changed strings somewhat recently but I didn't think it would've been because that.
There's a small difference in gauge for certain strings then what I had on it earlier.

Alright I just tested it out and your right if I place it pretty much on the fret it doesn't alter the pitch of the strings...
Now it's just a bit in the way... Hehe

When I usually put on a capo, I re-tune with the capo on. I find I obviously then have to retune with the capo off.

It also depends on how heavy the strings are.

I've always had to retune with a capo. Very, very seldom you get it on there with having to.
Just part of the capo territory.

Get yourself a Shubb. You can adjust the tension and still have a lever action. Note that you have to adjust it for different fret positions due to the thickness of the neck.

Love my Shubb, too.

Here's another vote for the Shubb - the adjustable tension is invaluable, particularly if you're using it with a number of different guitars.

Has anyone here tried the G7 capo?

Why this sight is so great: I agree with everything that was said, but it took me years of trial and error to come up with it (love/hate relationship with capos). I found the Shubb about 3 years ago, so I am firmly on the love side, but it is still best to lay it on evenly and as close to the fret as possible, etc.

sight/site

Different capos have different spring tensions. Some capos work well on one guitar but pull a different instrument out of tune. As suggested, the adjustable cam on the Shubb will set the tension, which will minimize the problem.

You can prove this to yourself. Fret a string, and vary the pressure with which you push down on the string. The harder you press (to a point), the sharper it gets. This is what a capo with an industrial spring will do.

Personally, I usually use a Kyser (even though I have a Shubb or two) because it's more convenient in a live situation. You're never in perfect tune, anyway. And what's a little dissonance between friends?

"Has anyone here tried the G7 capo?"

- I made one once, I took a Keyser and cut two notches out of it, just goofing around, and it was actually pretty cool. I'd use two capos and slide them both up and down.
That was in my highly experimental Sonic Youth / Leo Kottke days.

I used a Hamilton Fret Spanner for awhile. Very precise, works great for recording. Unfortunately it's kind of bulky for quick changes or stage work. I'm using the Kysers now. I agree with Adam's observation on perfect tune. Try a few different ones, if one sounds good to you, go with it.