Recommended capo for 12 string

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: banjoman
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 06:52 AM

Have used Keysers on 6 and 12 strings for years. I bought their specific capo for 12 strings about 10 years ago and have never had any problems. I have replaced the rubber pad once - a bit difficult- after years of use.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: GUEST,mauvepink
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 06:49 AM

I have 5 guitars which includes two 12's. I use 12 string Shubbs on all of them with no trouble at all even on the first fret. No damage to my strings has been noticed and believe me they do take a battering on some nights.

I recommend the Shubb to everyone

mp

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: PHJim
Date: 20 Jul 12 - 12:05 AM

I have never liked the spring loaded non-adjustable capos like the Keysers or Dunlops. They always need retuning on any instrument. I find Shubbs and Paiges are great if you use them right next to the fret on a six string or a banjo and only apply enough tension to stop the buzzing. My twelve string had a Paige capo permanently applied to the 2nd fret and then tuned to standard pitch. I didn't use another capo on the twelve because I never found one that worked without requiring retuning on a twelve string, but I never tried Rick Fielding's modified capo.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 11:49 PM

I use a Jim Dunlop capo at the second fret of my Fylde Falstaff twelve-string and tune to dropped-D from there. The Dunlop capo stays there most of the time. I park a Shubb twelve-string capo at the first fret. Using the Shubb anywhere up to seventh fret while leaving the Dunlop in place doesn't usually require any re-tuning, intonation stays good, only after that would I have to adjust the bass E-string, but I rarely capo so high up the neck.

Why two makes of capo? Just historical. The Dunlop was the best of its time, and when the Shubb came along its simplicity of operation and the reduced need for re-tuning justified the extra expense - but not enough for two for the same instrument!

Ross

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Brian May
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 04:52 PM

+ 1 for the Shubb on my Martin D12-28

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:28 PM

Passing on a point or two - I've played 12 string exclusively since the early 70's and tried many capo's over those years. The Kyser capo is probably the best I've used - quick and effortless operation - although if you use sensitive, medium gauge, low tension strings such as the Dr Thomastik's, you may have to give the rubber pad on the capo some attention. To get the best overall tuning stability, especially in a studio, you'll still have to file progressive grooves for the bass strings to avoid the dreaded distortion on the octave strings. Also if you keep the rubber pad well conditioned, it spreads nicely over the bass strings and helps.

Cheers,

Tony

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From:
Date: 23 Oct 04 - 09:37 PM

I don't know why anyone would bother with one of those "screwy" capos.
A Kyser or Dunlop spring loaded capo is quick and sure. I own a Guild D-212 and I never have to re-adjust. I prefer the Dunlop.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 22 Oct 04 - 05:54 PM

Right, right. A resounding SHUBB!

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Lanfranc
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 06:11 PM

This link should work for the Heriba Capo!

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: dwditty
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 04:26 PM

Probably so Rick, but I am dw not ddw. In any event, in looking at my shubb, I will employ your technique and see if that does the trick.

Thanks for the responses, friends. I appreciate it.

dw
(not ddw)

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 02:38 PM

Thanks Mick. I could have sworn I showed that trick to "Ddw" when I was there. Works likwe a dream.

Best wished my dear Mick. I think about you of ten.

Rick

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: GUEST,Big Mick
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 01:03 PM

I have one of the "Fielding solution" capo's that Rick modified for me the last time I was in Toronto. It is for a 12 string. It is a "Paige" style in that it is a u shaped capo, with the pivoting bar that goes across the strings and has a hasp to hold it. Then you tighten the knurled nut from the bottom. Key to these, whether Paige or other manufacturers, is to place it close behind the fret and tighten it only as much as is needed to produce a clear note on all strings. I often see folks tighten them down so hard it takes pliers to get it off. Close to the fret allows one to get the clear tones with minimun distortion of the string shape. Rick filed grooves in it that correspond in width and depth to the appropriate string. I must tell you that it is the best capo I have ever put on a 12 string.

There is such a disparity in string sizes on these instruments that the idea that a uniform pressure across the strings, while it may be adequate, will not give you optimum performance. Rick's solution is the best I have seen.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: open mike
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 04:41 AM

heriba in capo museum

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 03:28 AM

That link for the heriba does not work

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Sep 03 - 03:07 AM

Last February I discovered the Victor Capo in Santa Barbara, California. I bought one for my six string and have resolved to buy one for my 12 at some point. Otherwise I just use the Keyser.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Ironmule
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:39 PM

WesleyS, whatdaya use when you have my Gibson 12 to retune?

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: cobber
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 07:44 PM

I'm with Alan. I've used a Heriba for about twenty years and it's never let me down

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Wesley S
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 01:37 PM

I agree on the Keyser. It just so happens to be made near here in Arlington Texas. I use one on my Lowden 12 string.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: open mike
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:11 PM

the Keyser quick-change is the best capo I use.
they make an extra-long one which is wide enough
for 12 strings. also extra short ones for drop-D
or partial capoing. here is a Capo Museum
the ones with rubber band bungi cord which wrap around
are good hair clips, but seldom have enough "snap" to
hold down strings!

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:44 AM

See this thread and this thread.

Steve

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Lanfranc
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 11:15 AM

I have always preferred the Heriba Capo for use with a 12-string, the comb-like pressure area seems to work fine, even when heavier-gauge strings are used.

And the guitar stays in tune!

Alan

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Greycap
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 10:18 AM

yeah, the Shubb works fine on a Santa Cruz 12-string. You have got to get it right on the fret, though.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: Mooh
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:40 AM

Search this site for capo suggestions and you'll discover Fielding's Solution. It is essentially a Shubb with small cuts in the rubber to let it conform to the strings of various diameters. If you're not sold on that, try a Golden Gate (similar to a Paige in operation) but replace the rubber with hydraulic hose for better contact. There are several high end capos not easily found in stores but a web search will turn them up for you.

Shubb is still the best (imho) and the deluxe one with the roller on a spring works very smoothly.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: GUEST,woody
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 09:25 AM

I don't think you'll find a better capo for your 12 String than the Shubb.
I've used Gibson, various elasticated ones, sprung clamp type and a dunlop which left identations on the neck and fret board.
The Shubb is the kindest to the neck and strings that you will find.

Hope this is of some use to you.

Subject: Recommended capo for 12 string
From: dwditty
Date: 15 Sep 03 - 12:29 AM

I use a Shubb capo on my six string, so I purchased a Shubb 12 string capo for my 12. In order to apply enough pressure to hold down the sympathetic strings (that's what I call the higher of the two strings, anyway), it feels like I am about to completely crush the larger diameter strings. I imagine it has to do with the surface that is in contact with the strings. In any event, please let me know what capos work on your 12 string guitars, if you use one. Thanks.

dw