acoustic guitar capo questions!?

Question

hey I'm new to the guitar.
I need a capo, can anyone advise me on a type, and a basic price?? there's some on ebay for £5, would these be rubbish??
thanks, Lou x

Answer 1

The best one is a Kaiser & the easily clamp on or are removed with one hand. The old kind with stretchable nylon strap (standard in the 60s & 70s) are good but a bit of a pain. The Kaiser also clamps to the headstock when not in use, which is handy, Just about anything will work, it's just a matter of how often or quickly you want to remove it. I've seen some old Blues players use juat a stick wrapped in rubber bands and tied on. Try the Kaiser though, you'll really like it. Good luck!

Answer 2

I know of 2 types: One is like a big hair clip, the other is loops all the way around the neck.

I prefer the hair-clip variety, because you can easily snap it on and off. If you get one of these, make sure that the area that touches the strings has a silicone, leather or other soft material coating. Also, be sure the clip is longer than the width of your guitar's neck, or it won't work.

If you get the type that loops round the neck, then there are two choices. One locks down, like a latch. I don't like this. It's hard to handle and may damage the neck. The other type has springs that hold the bar in place to exert pressure on the strings. This is better, because the cap can easily be shifted off the strings, onto the head, without being removed altogether. However, the springs could lose tension over time.

Answer 3

I use a Kayser one handed capo - it's like a clamp with a straight bit that goes over the strings. It's really useful onstage for quick changes, but they're expensive. Jim Dunlop make a good cheaper lne, but go to your local guitar shop and see what they keep in stock. See what you can afford. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

That seems expensive for a capo (IMHO)...heck you can make one with bungie cord if you're in a pinch. Ask around your musician friends and see if they'll let you borrow one to try -- not every guitarist likes or has need of one.
Good luck!!