How to find the PERFECT CAPO - I discovered THE capo that works WITHOUT RETUNING.

[@jerryholder6999]

Hi. This is the first video of yours that I've ever seen. I too have a number of capos but more because I temporarily loose them. From Chubb$ to Thalia$$$. I just figured all capos are kinda crapo when it come to tuning and fitment. I tried this one you have recommended and, well, it's perfect. I can't even believe I'm saying this. It's really good! Thanks for a thoughtful review of the problems and a solid recommendation.

[@RobertCassard]

Ha! That’s how I felt, Jerry. I couldn’t believe how I could movie it from guitar to guitar and fret to fret without radical re-tuning!

[@mebaugh1]

I bought the D’Addario Pro Plus capo. It works! Solves decades long issue. Thnx!

[@RobertCassard]

If a capo that really works makes you feel like I do, then hallellujah, @mebaugh1!

[@deecairoli2523]

Thanks Dave I discovered your channel yesterday and it’s fantastic info. I have been playing for 55 years and not much of a capo guy, but you resolved the problems I would have on different guitars with different radiuses and widths. I really like your content, thank you for sharing.

[@RobertCassard]

Welcome aboard, Dee! I'm happy you found my channel and are getting value from my content. Players like you are why I keep making videos featuring tips, tricks, and accessories like the Pro Plus. Who are your favorite artists? You may find some feature videos about them here. I've been doing a deep-dive series on singer-songwriters like James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Jimmy Buffett and Jim Croce. I have quite a few Beatles-related videos, including videos about what I learned from each member of the band and George Martin. And my "Blow Up the Song" series features the multi-track masters of classic songs and recordings. I hope you find much to enjoy and get inspired by here. Have fun! ->Robert

[@MashaT22]

I’ve had this D’addario NS Pro+ guitar capo for 4.5 years. It’s the only capo I’ve used because it works on steel string acoustic, nylon, and electric. I also have one for my ukulele. It’s low profile and highly adjustable - and never out of tune! It’s in amazing condition too because it’s made with quality in mind. Kudos on this video because the capo deserves recognition since its design is the best and worth every penny.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Masha. Do you use a full-size Pro Plus on your uke?

[@daddarioandco]

Thanks for giving the Pro Plus Capo a shot! Great video!

[@RobertCassard]

My pleasure. 100% sincere demo and review. Thank YOU (and Ned) for designing and manufacturing it!

[@davidtyler2012]

Shubb. .... like you, I've tried so many and this is now my first choice.

[@RobertCassard]

Do what works, David. I'm glad you found a capo that matches your guitar(s).

[@kweinfurt]

Played acoustic for 30 years and never thought this deeply about the frustrations of capos. I routinely capo at the 5, 6, or 7th fret. I’m so grateful for this video and just ordered 3 of these!

[@RobertCassard]

Happy to help, Kevin. I hope they work as well for you as they do for me.

[@davidjohn8743]

Much thanks. That was super informative AND you gave me something to add to my Christmas wish list. Cheers.

[@RobertCassard]

Glad it was helpful, David. I hope you love it when you start using it on Christmas Day!

[@Clearview68]

I used to have a multitude of different capos for different guitars. Couple years ago I tried the G7th Performance and never looked back. 1 capo that works on everything. Electric, acoustic, 6 string, 12 string, etc... No more screws to adjust, no springs, etc... Just squeeze to apply whatever amount of pressure you want. Easy on, easy off. I still use the Kysers just for around the house on acoustics but, not on stage.

[@RobertCassard]

I keep hearing great things about the G7th Performance. I haven't tried one, but will probably do it just for the sake of trying everything. It'll be interesting for me to see if it's easier to squeeze-in or dial-in the perfect pressure.

[@peterhaddock9754]

I have both the D'Addario NS and the G7 performance and I would say they are both great at keeping the guitar in tune. I find I tend to use the NS more often but if you're careful about putting them on either one works just as well.

[@RobertCassard]

@@peterhaddock9754 Thanks for sharing your experience, Peter!

[@MichaelStoneham]

I have a Shubb capo and a G7th Performance capo. Shubb: I find the shubb nice because its light and easy to use and it adjusts up and down the neck easily, G7th: I like the G7th as it just works and is even easier to use though it is a heavy capo. If they could make it lighter then it would be an even better capo.

[@MichaelStoneham]

Are the demo songs 1. Free Falling 2. Here Comes The Sun.

[@Jojopal333]

Robert, Tommy Emmanuel taught me to capo first then pulled strings upward with the right which pulls the bind out. It truly makes a difference to intonation. Along with your recommended capo I think we’re nearing perfection.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on. I like Tommy's trick and it definitely helps. But even after equalizing string tension, I find most capos leave me needing to re-tune or at least check tuning. That's the why the Pro Plus surprised me so much.

[@billshiff2060]

Perfect, just what I was looking for.

[@RobertCassard]

Excellent. I hope you love it, Bill!

[@matcoffidis1135]

I tried keeping the strings pressed down as I put the capo on. It KINDA worked. Kudos to your picking a 12 string. It sounds really clean. I always struggled with that. At least I was playing bass b4 doing it, so I had better calluses..

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Mat. One thing I love about this Pro Plus capo is how easy it is to dial in the perfect amount of pressure on the strings. Even with 12 of 'em!

[@scottbecker3485]

Excellent, highly appreciated input for all of us guitar players. You explained everything perfectly, and the sound samples across various guitars speak for themselves. I, too, have a huge collection of capos, and had so far settled mostly on the Shubb F1, also due to how it doesn‘t steal away any treble or responsiveness (as many do!). That said, I also have the Daddario Pro Plus, which I had (for whatever reasons) not really properly tested, so I‘m not enjoying trying it out on all my guitars. And I think you might have just given me a solution to needing various different capos for various guitars (neck profiles and widths, etc.). I might actually be able to make the Pro Plus work great for everything. Thanks for inspiring me to try it out again!

[@RobertCassard]

Sounds like our capo quests have been similar, Scott. Like you, I’ve had few complaints with my Shubb F1, but it doesn’t even fit my wide-necked guitars like the Takamine 12. Tell me how it goes with your Pro Plus!

[@scottbecker3485]

@@RobertCassard Yes, the issue with the F1 not fitting all guitars higher up the neck is real. The Pro Plus handles that brilliantly. I actually have all my guitars tuned down to C# standard tuning, which better suits my voice on several songs, and I just capo up from there as needed, mostly only up to the 5th fret at most. But there are a couple odd tunes where I have to capo up 7th or 8th, and even one on 9th. So it‘s great that the Pro Plus can handle that.

[@RobertCassard]

@@scottbecker3485 Tuning down to C# standard is a cool choice. You're halfway to a baritone. Madison Cunningham tunes quite low and I love her sound. What string gauge do you use?

[@KissmyBasss]

I think this is what I have on my 12 string. I'm glad I researched it to not waste the money you did.

[@RobertCassard]

I hope you're right, Willy...for your sake!

[@KissmyBasss]

It looks the same, and it works. It's one of those things you can easily over look and just throw money at. I've done it on other things. Great comparison and it should help many save our hard earned $!

[@RobertCassard]

@@KissmyBasss So far so good. I've gotten a lot of thanks from guitarists who had the patience to sit through this 25-minute demo!

[@KissmyBasss]

It's too easy to help others by sharing experience. I like doing the same and I appreciate you.

[@RobertCassard]

@@KissmyBasss So true. That's been my sole driver for keeping up this channel for 6 years now!

[@timruss3192]

This video came in very handy!! I ordered the D'addario today.

[@RobertCassard]

I’m glad, Tim. Stop back and tell me how you like it.

[@RobbCairnsMusic]

Thanks, Robert! I was actually evaluating my own collection of Capos when I ran across your latest video-- you saved me Time & Money! I bought one on your Link. Thanks, again!

[@RobertCassard]

Excellent, Robb. Glad this will help. It seems we're not alone in evaluating our capo collections!

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Back in the late 40's early 50's there wasn't too many choices as far as capos. Hamilton was about it back in those days. We use to slip a section of water hose on them to make a better contact when they started to wear out. We use to cut small slits in the water hose.... depending on which string.... no contact to make partial capos. Capos have came a long ways since back in those days. So many choices today.

[@RobertCassard]

I love this, Bryan. Thanks for the history lesson! When I started playing in the 70s, most of the capos were rubber-coated steel bars with elastic straps to hold them on the neck. They worked, but barely. We have come a very long way!!

[@enzoloveless132]

Gonna have to get me one, my favorite capo has been the G7th Performance 2 (and 3) capo

[@RobertCassard]

I haven't tried either of those, Enzo. I always assumed that squeezing the capo in place would be kind of inexact. What's been your experience?

[@bobmoffatt5529]

@@enzoloveless132 - I love the G7th too. I even bought their 12-string model.

[@wildmustang33]

Thank you I've been looking for the perfect capo for a very long time. I recently saw some similar to the one you recommend but they're like $80+ just too high. Then to see this one for $29. I ordered it today on Amazon with your link can't wait for it to come.

[@RobertCassard]

I’m glad you found my experience and real-world tests helpful, Mustang! Thanks for checking out my channel, too.

[@DubClark]

I discovered the D’Addario Pro Plus capo a year or so ago and find it is indeed superior. I’ve used D’Addario NS capos for a long time, partly because I could saw off the end of the blade so it didn’t get in the way of my noting hand on the lower frets. (Of course I can no longer use these above the 5th fret.) One of the cool things about the Pro Plus is that the pad is part of a sleeve. I can remove the whole sleeve, shorten the metal frame inside, shorten the sleeve at the base instead of the tip and slide it back on. This gives me a shorter blade that still looks original. I use this on my Tele and my archtop guitars. On my Dreadnoughts I use the Elliott-McKinney capos that park behind the nut. Many people don’t realize that the effective fretboard radius of a guitar with strings is larger (less curvature) than the radius of the fretboard without strings. This is because the strings aren’t all the same diameter. I use radius gages to measure the actual radius with the strings pressed against a fret. Then I adjust the capo’s radius to match that. This allows me to place the capo just behind the fret, apply only enough pressure to prevent buzz, and avoid needing to retune.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Dub. It’s like you’ve raised capo-ing to a fine art! Great point about the “effective radius” with strings. Also I hadn’t thought of doing capo surgery to shorten the metal frame for specific guitars, but it makes perfect sense. Thanks for watching and sharing your wisdom.

[@AlekVila]

Love the explanations you offered. I personally use a Shubb capo with the roller. Application is easy if you use set the screw so it's open, temporarily hold it in place with your right hand, and then tighten the screw to taste. Then you can use the quick release to remove and apply it. If you need to readjust it for different fret, just repeat. I love the Shubb because it's so quick to remove and apply and does a great job.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Alek. I'm glad you're having good results with your Shubb. Mine works really well on guitars that have a relatively standard neck width, thickness and radius. But I have numerous other guitars - Classical, vintage parlors with flat necks, and 12-strings - and the Shubb doesn't work well on those.

[@AlekVila]

@@RobertCassard Good to know! Thanks for sharing about a capo that works for them all. That's pretty exciting.

[@RobertCassard]

@@AlekVila Exciting to guitar geeks like us! 🤓

[@hbwhitmore878]

Just ordered one. Thank you!

[@RobertCassard]

I hope you enjoy it, HB!

[@jamujesperandersen8699]

Thank you!!! I will get one tomorrow for shure.

[@RobertCassard]

You’re welcome. I hope you like it! Come back and tell me how it works for you.

[@Brayman12345]

Great video. Thanks for the invaluable advice 👍🏻

[@RobertCassard]

My pleasure. Hopefully you can save a few hundred bucks (or more in my case). 😂

[@edwardpetersen4309]

I have 3 D'ADDARIO PRO PLUS CAPOS. 1.The regular, 2. their flat (and longer) classical guitar PRO PLUS and 3. a PRO PLUS banjo capo which is also flat and works on my ukuleles very well. Thanks for the video.

[@RobertCassard]

You’re well-equipped, Edward! I also got the banjo/mandolin capo but haven’t had an occasion to use or test it yet.

[@dukeofearl4117]

I have 7 Thalia capos. They are set for a specific guitar at no more than the 3rd fret and they are really pretty. I have several Shubs that I use for my electric guitars and a partial capo from Shub. But this D’Addario looks like the end all be all. I’m going to buy one through your link. Thanks for a very insightful video.

[@RobertCassard]

To a fellow capo addict, I hope you love the Pro Plus like I do!

[@mshadley]

Thanks to your video, I bought the Pro model. I only pay acoustic, it should suffice. I love it so far.

[@RobertCassard]

Really happy to hear that, Mark. Nice that it actually works as advertised, right?!

[@ricodeco2139]

just wanted to say thanks for the video. for the past few years i've been using one of those d'addario models w/the adjustable spring, easily my favorite capo overall up to now, but you got me curious enough to order one of these. have to say, in terms of absolute pitch control alone, this is better. i admit the lazy part of me does like the one handed action and clip on the headstock option of the other style, but this thing is almost eerily accurate, like you wonder if you're even hearing it right. also worth mention, i have sometimes turned to my shubb to maybe record a song or whatever (re-tuning as necessary) simply because the ultra-low profile never interferes with whatever your left hand is doing. this d'addario model has that virtue too, like almost nothing there. anyway, thanks again for the tip, this is a great capo. wishing you the best.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Rico. You're right about the ultra-low profile. This is a small capo that stays out of the way, but what a BIG job is does!

[@TeleCaster66]

It's the first cable I ever bought and I bought it because it was adjustable and even though I had no experience with Capo it just seemed to make the most sense.

[@RobertCassard]

Wow, Tele. Lucky 🍀 on your first go-around!

[@Bjossi]

You sold me this capo, I´ve already own more than 15, included 5 from THALIA. VERY, VERY good demo.

[@RobertCassard]

Sounds like you’ve been on the search, like me! I hope it works as well for you as it does for me. Please stop back and tell me what you think of it.

[@jertexjertex7880]

I appreciate the excellent review, I just used the link here and ordered it so you will get credit. I’ve been very dissatisfied with my capos, I have a Collings D2H & Collings 0002H 12 fret & I haven’t been able to find a capo that works well with the Collings necks, especially the wider 12-fret neck, I’m hoping that this is the one

[@RobertCassard]

I hope so too, jertex! Sounds like you have some fantastic guitars. They deserve a great capo. Please come back and tell us how it works.

[@rowbags3017]

Thanks for a really useful overview on capos and the heads up on the Pro Plus. I'll definitely check it out. I use a cradle-style capo at the moment - which I find works well, but can be a bit awkward to change quickly.

[@RobertCassard]

My recent second-favorite capo is the Shubb F1 cradle-style. But it's too narrow for some of my guitar necks.

[@piedpeter1]

The one I have uses pressure, you just place it over the fret you want and squeeze it as tight as YOU WANT and it locks in place, then just a little push a little release button. Super easy, fast and functional. It has a "G" on the swivel part, I paid $50, best one I ever used.

[@RobertCassard]

That's the G7th Performance capo, Peter. That's one of the rare capos I haven't tried, and some other folks in this thread have also said they love it.

[@MogoHoncho]

New subscriber. This was a very informative video. Thanks. I have two Martins...a D28 and a D12-20, and one Gibson SJ-200. From what I see here this capo will cover them all. I just ordered one and am anxious to be free of the "buzz". Thanks again.

[@RobertCassard]

I'm glad you found my channel, Bob. I'm excited for you to try the Pro Plus on your three (fabulous) guitars. I hope you'll come back and tell me how it works for you. So far, everyone seems very happy - as happy as I am!

[@MogoHoncho]

@@RobertCassard I'll let you know. As it is, I'm hoping it will stand out from the collection of over a dozen different brands I already own. I could become a reseller. 🙂

[@RobertCassard]

@@MogoHoncho LOL. Me too, obviously. YOu and I can open an "Abandoned Accessories" store on Reverb.com.

[@The..Butterfly..Effect]

You bought every CAPO that was in the store 🙈 I have this capo and it is wonderful

[@RobertCassard]

Pretty much, Butterfly! Of course, I bought them over many years, each time hoping I'd found a universal capo, but akways being a bit disappointed. But the Pro Plus is as good as I've found for the widest range of guitars. Finally!

[@brianmackey744]

It's important to make sure the keep always trade up-and-down.And how close you got it to the fridge or from the freight is also part of the whole game.I noticed the capo when you changed it a couple of times it was not straight or parallel with the frets perfectly

[@RobertCassard]

You’re correct, Brian. I didn’t always place the capo perfectly (straight up and down and close to the fret). That’s another I reason I love the Pro Plus capo. It’s forgiving when not placed perfectly!

[@joelglaser5657]

Thanks Robert. Like you, I've spent years and too much money looking for a better capo. Not sure how I missed this one (though I do have a D'Addario NS. While it's good, it isn't necessarily better than the Kysers or others that I have), but I just used your link to purchase a Pro Plus. Here's to success!! Again, thank you! Joel

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Joel. The D'Addario NS is okay, but not worth making a video about. LOL. I hope the Pro Plus works as well for you as it does for me...and all of my guitars. I think they appreciate the gentle capo pressure instead of the usual vise clamp!!

[@MarkRobinsonMusic]

Hi Robert, great, honest review, tackling that nemesis for all of us who play live. Over the years I've settled on the Shubb C1 with the wheel rather than the rubber cone, and I've become kind of resigned to having to retune my low E (at least) whenever I capo on most of my guitars. I tried another (UK made) capo called G7 that you squeezed on, and it had a release button, but whilst it worked reasonably well, it weighed a ton! I'm definitely going to try one of these D'Addario pro plus ones now - thank you so much for taking the time to put this together 👍

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks, Mark. I haven’t used the Shubb C1 with the wheel (I have the one with the cone, but I couldn’t find it when I made this video.) I had the same experience with the bass strings. Other folks have talked up the G7th Performance capo you mention, but no one has mentioned that it’s heavy. I gotta say, the Pro Plus is remarkably light and minimalist. Come back and tell me how you like it.

[@MarkRobinsonMusic]

Hi Robert, So, five days later, I'm seriously impressed; every one of my 'stage guitars' stays pretty near perfectly in tune at various frets. This capo definitely works better than what I've been using for years, and I'm a convert. I need to buy a second one though as if I lose this one at a gig I will be back to constantly re-tuning. A long time ago I used a 'bird of paradise' capo, which worked really well but it's a huge chunk of plastic and one has to position it carefully or it gets in the way of your hand. This D'Addario capo is most definitely the best I've ever used, and THANK YOU for spending your hard-earned cash and valuable time doing this research for us mere mortals 🙏

[@RobertCassard]

@@MarkRobinsonMusic I'm pleased the Pro Plus is working for you the way it does for me! As far as "mere mortals" go, my absurd levels of career-long capo purchasing and testing demonstrate that I'm even more "merely mortal" than most! LOL

[@MarkRobinsonMusic]

@RobertCassard Funny guy, too. 🤣 I wish I were in the US so I could come to one of your gigs, Robert - I reckon it would be a blast

[@RobertCassard]

@@MarkRobinsonMusic where are you located? UK?

[@scottbecker3485]

A few days later, I have not only given my Pro Plus a new chance, but also ended up discovering what you did: namely, that it helps me keep my guitars intonated across a wide range of neck placements. I now prefer it over all my other capos for that reason. The only thing I am not fond of (but am willing to accept) is that it does dampen the strings in such a way that some of the treble gets lost, unlike capos such as the Shubb F1. Oh, and it‘s not really practical to „park“ the Pro Plus up above the fretboard when not in use, which is something a love doing with my cradle-style capos. That said, having easy intonation is the main thing, so I‘m switching to the Pro Plus for all my guitars, and just purchased 3 more of them (for a total of 4) so I have one handy near each of my favorite guitars, upstairs and down, and in the practice room.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Scott. I’m glad you made the same discovery! As far as dampening goes, I can hear what you mean, but based on my test recordings, it seems like a bigger sonic difference to the player (positioned behind the guitar) than it does to the listener, audience or mic in front of it. In my own tests, that subtle dampening sounds identical to when I use my finger across the strings. They really did mimic the function, and sonic effect, of the human anatomy. Have fun with your new set of capos. I’m a little jealous…!

[@scottbecker3485]

@ Good point. I also assume that the capo will make zero difference in my live sound (as produced by a piezo pickup with a pedalboard including preamp, compression, EQ and ambient effects). You‘re right that only I, as the player playing unplugged, would notice anything. And even if the live sound is a tad less bright than with a different capo, that can easily be compensated for with a touch of EQ. Curious to know what you‘re jealous of. ;-) Me now having 4 such capos, or having so many guitars…? ;-))

[@RobertCassard]

@@scottbecker3485 yep, the differences are negligible when amplified and playing live. Jealousy? Yep, having 4 Pro Pluses! I'd like to leave one in every guitar case, and I have a LOT of guitars!

[@smandez2023]

Great capo review and analysis Robert! I'm a Shubb guy and currently have 4 of them; a couple of which have been modified into short-cut capos. I love that they have adjustability, but sometimes the fit just seems limited even with the tension screw. I just purchased one of these because I'm so impressed with your demo. D'addario does make some great products, their XS coated strings are the best I've ever played (and I've tried them all).

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for watching and saying hi. Come back and tell me how you like the Pro Plus in comparison with your Shubbs. I've long been an Elixir guy for my coated strings, but I've recently put D'Addario XS on a couple of acoustics and they are excellent! I'll have to do a side-by-side comparison when I feel like sacrificing a set of strings.

[@smandez2023]

​@@RobertCassard Hi Robert- the capo arrived today. I only have 2 guitars and this capo is excellent on both of them. Both 6-stringers, but one does have a beefier neck than the other. I think this capo is exactly what the chunky necked guitar needs, I will probably stick with my Shubb for the guitar with the narrower neck (Taylor). The Taylor is a prettier guitar for sure, so the rose gold Shubb is a better aesthetic match anyway. 😃

[@RobertCassard]

@ sounds like you’re equipped! I like to have a capo that works well with each guitar…quite a luxury. I’m glad the Pro Plus is working for you!

[@PatrickArp]

Thank you very much! For doing the work so I don't have to. I thought the Paige capo I've been using for years was as good as it gets. Just ordered the demonstrably GOAT capo. Cool 🙏🏼

[@RobertCassard]

Glad to help, Patrick. I've found cradle-style dial-pressure capos, like the Paige and Shubb F1, to be pretty darn good. But if you're looking for something truly universal, I'll think you'll be happy with the deceptively simple and compact Pro Plus. Come back and tell me how it works for you!

[@jackprice7828]

After many years of buying and trying dozens of capos for me for both electric and acoustic the Daddario NS seemed to be the best. It had the least impact of detuning the strings. I had one adjusted for my acoustic and one for my electric

[@RobertCassard]

Obviously, D’Addario puts a lot of thought into the design and engineering of their capos. I’ve generally enjoyed the NS capos I own, particularly the DADGAD partial capo that I’ve featured in multiple videos including this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWfGmK2PfLFnl8ksi=Zqg-8xy_p6SIHm7T

[@jackprice7828]

Not to get overly nerdy but one thing that is a challenge is the volume and string vibration can get slightly impeded causing an unwanted harmonic artifact. The NS seems to be very easy to clip on my headstock and move up and down the neck.

[@RobertCassard]

@@jackprice7828 One of the very few drawbacks of the Pro Plus is that you can't quickly clip it onto the headstock. That said, you can screw it on until it gently grips. Using super gentle pressure, I can also screw it on enough to leave behind the nut when not in use and still not affect the tuning..

[@islander4986]

Great "out of tune" grimace and "in tune" blissful face. I think my second capo was the Shubb, which seems great on most of my guitars, but I found that the lever locking mechanism and tension knob hanging under the neck could block my forefinger in an annoying way with certain chords. I found a Dunlop capo that I really like. It seems very similar to your D'addario, but with the knurled tension knob positioned even higher on the side, pretty much out of the way. I agree with you that capos are much more than crutches, they open up some great possibilities. Your wonderful rendition of Harris' "Here Comes The Sun" is a perfect illustration of that. One minor problem I've yet to solve is that any significant string bending while capoed causes the bent string to move offline under the capo-where it will get stuck and remain deflected. I wonder how Albert Collins dealt with that? Maybe some manufacturer will find a solution to this issue someday.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Islander. LOL about grimace and blissful faces! I'm intrigued about your issue with string bending and strings sticking out of alignment. I do quite a bit of bending but it tends to be at least a few frets up from the capo, where it doesn't cause string alignment issues for me. Do you do a lot of bends close to the capo?

[@islander4986]

@@RobertCassard Not after I realized what the consequences are, no. No full step bends or bends near the capo. I guess it's not much of an issue if the player takes it into account while playing with a capo and adjusts for it. I think most capo users are fingerstylists or focused on chords, Collins being an exception. Like you, I tighten my capo to exert the minimum pressure required to firmly hold the strings against the fret and get a clean-sounding note. This "just enough" pressure doesn't seem to be sufficient to prevent lateral displacement of the strings under the capo. I wondered if it wouldn't be possible to put some sort of toothed overhanging retainer on the device that would catch the strings but not touch the fingerboard or damage the strings. Imagine an inverted metal nut with wide slots that limit lateral movement of the strings, maybe on the back (nut) side of the capo? But... as you know, every guitar has unique neck width and string spacing, and I don't know if this concept could be made practical for use on multiple guitars. Maybe a set of two or three detachable "claws" with different spacing that could be swapped to fit particular guitars with different string spacing? Hmmm....

[@RobertCassard]

@@islander4986 Your issue is exactly what certain Paige capos (with separate inserts to fret each string) claim to solve. To quote the description on the Paige Pro ETI model, "The Paige Pro requires very light pressure greatly reducing the need for tuning as you move your capo. The ETI technology includes contoured inserts enabling your strings to return to the right pitch after string bending." paigecapo.com/product/paigepro-eti-wide-pp-6-eti-w/

[@vicstein288]

Thank you. I am off to a shop to buy one now.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Vic. Please come back and tell me how it works for you.

[@vicstein288]

@@RobertCassard great. Music shop is not far from my place in Sydney Australia. Bought it for $43 and now I am testing it and loving it. No BS. Thanks. Use it mainly for my Martin acoustic.

[@RobertCassard]

@@vicstein288 I'm glad you could find one so close to home, and I'm glad it's doing the job on your Martin like it does on mine!

[@MrGmooney]

I have been playing guitar over 50years, and I have tried them all. Only one that actually does work on my twelve string is the Shub, which is adjustable

[@RobertCassard]

You sound like me! Shubbs are generally really good, particularly if you have a separate one for each guitar. You can keep it dialed in with the perfect, or near-perfect pressure. Have you tried a Pro Plus on your 12-String?

[@andrewbecker3700]

The DiAddario pro plus capo I picked up last year, is the best one I could find on the market. Has the adjustment wheel that makes it almost infinitely tunable. No other capo I've seen works this precisely. Peace!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks Andrew. Yes! It's all about the precision and the ability to put the LEAST amount of pressure on the strings to fret them cleanly. I'm amazed how gently this capo works to do the job!

[@ZenoIV]

@@andrewbecker3700 I totally agree

[@attybong]

got all kinds of capo but ones i want to use are those that you can transition from one fret to another in the middle of a song .. dunlop trigger and kyser capos do just that and i love them ❤🎉

[@RobertCassard]

I'm glad they work for you. I usually find quick-change capos pull progressively more out of tune as I move them up the neck. But it's always about finding what works for you!

[@ronaldspencer3464]

Thank you for sussing all this out for us! Much appreciated!

[@RobertCassard]

I'm glad all my follies and mistakes can be of value, Ronald!

[@joshuahendrickson4854]

Thanks for such a great video. I have always used Kiser Capos in the past. I just ordered one of these capos, the pro plus model from my local music store. I could never get the hang of the g7 capos because I never knowledge could figur out how hard to get the capo on my guitar. Is this pro plus capo easy to put on? I’m totally blind and I’m still not quite sure how you put the capo on. Thanks again for such a great video. This is the first time I’ve thought about ever changing capos.

[@RobertCassard]

Your welcome, Joshua. This capo is one of the easiest to put on and get aligned properly. Lower the open side of the capo over your guitar neck neck until the upper side of the neck touches the inner curved rubber pad of the capo. Move the capo to the fret position you want, and make sure the fretboard pad of the capo is just behind the fret. Turn the dial gently while strumming until every note rings clear with no buzzing. It easier than it sounds!

[@vikingbeard]

Have used a Shubb for 30 years. Great quality and still as good as new, but always needs a retune, probably due to different radius capo/guitar. Actually can't find any info on the radius of the capo, too bad. Anyway will get the Pro Plus, thanks for the recommendation! And btw interesting comparison Gibson vs. Martin. Martin has more of everything, I prefer the more humble Gibson.

[@RobertCassard]

Thank you, Viking. You're so right about the Gibson and Martin. They are totally different but equally perfect. The real magic comes when I blend them in a stereo mix with the Gibson on one side and the Martin on the other.

[@jeffsurtees847]

I use one of those on mandolin and its great.

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Jeff!

[@josetobias8084]

I have to admit, I'm kind of a fan of D'Addario tuners and capos... they worth the dollar - and as you said, sometimes, they are way cheaper than other options. You know, sometimes we really have to appreciate technology... I presented this capo to a "senior guitar player" (my master, 82+yo now), and he was instantly hooked. The fact that you need very very low tension, and it sounds as good as perfectly, is such a gentle touch for very "vintage" and constantly used instruments. So, that's it, (not sponsored btw, I wish lol) I have to say D'Addario capos and tuners (and nylon strings too, may I add - and some other accessories) are the thing for me - after you test it, there is no comeback.

[@RobertCassard]

They’re doing impressive things. And the former Planet Waves product line is full of gems!

[@frodehau]

1st fret capo issues are caused by a tall nut. A perfect nut is as tall as an extra fret would have been. A luthier might set it slightly higher to account for some initial wear, but not enough to detune a capo on 1st.

[@RobertCassard]

Good point. That's why I always treat every guitar to a proper setup that includes setting the ideal nut height.

[@Jojopal333]

Still I’m trying to design a capo with a minimal fret like super low profile. I often trip on the bulky height of the traditional capo thicknesses.

[@RobertCassard]

When you mentioned low profile, I flashed back to a Dunlop "Toggle Capo" I owned way back in the 70s and lost one night at a gig. It worked surprisingly well, and it looks like them been making them since 1965! amzn.to/4i0srKg

[@MikeWh]

Excellent, thank you. G7 in their various forms are the best I've used. Especially the one for 12 string which has notches to compensate for the octave strings. The Taylor 12 string capo takes a few goes to get the 'dents' in the plastic tube to be permanent. Have only tried it on one 12 string, don't know if that arrangement would work on a different 12 string.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for sharing that, Mike. One thing I love about the Pro Plus is that it works equally well on 12-strings and 6-strings. And something I forgot to mention: it has a lifetime guarantee! I’ve had other 12-string specialty capos and they’ve ended up only working well on one guitar. One of my 12s is also reversed with the octave strings placed opposite of their normal positions.

[@MikeWh]

@@RobertCassard just ordered one and will give it a go. The lifetime guarantee is good to know (especially if it gets a 'groove memory' over time).

[@MikeWh]

@@RobertCassard It arrived today and works perfectly so far, very easy to get all the strings on a 12 string acoustic to fret correctly without loads of pressure. Then straight on to an electric 6 string and same good result. Over time I hope it maintains that flexibility. Thanks for the tip.

[@RobertCassard]

@@MikeWh I'm glad you're experiencing what I did! I hope you're right about the capo's longevity, but it has a lifetime guarantee if it ever starts to break down. And for $30, it barely matters anyway!

[@RobertCassard]

@@MikeWh I love that D'Addario stands behind their products 100%. Hopefully, we never need to exercise our rights in that way! LOL

[@carltonlarsen]

What I find is that if you use them right, its not a problem. The common mistake I see with any spring tension capo is to put the capo BETWEEN the frets. If you put the capo RIGHT behind the fret, (in the perfect hand position by the way) it does not push the string sharp. The closer to the fret you get, the less it pulls anything out of place. If you place that Kyser or Dunlop or Thalia$$$ almost touching or even slightly touching the fret, it will not require retuning if your compensation is right. By the way, the other common mistake is having the nose of the capo stick way down below the edge of the neck. The tip of the capo should not protrude and be in the way of your fretting hand. There is a whole world of problems with fretboard radius though if you have a compound radius fingerboard!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for this, Carlton. I would agree that it HELPS to keep the capo close to the fret, but it definitely doesn’t eliminate the need to tune with the majority of my capos. I have capos that are more nearly in tune when I put them right up against the fret, but the pressure problem still pulls them sharp as I go up the fretboard. This may not be an issue when I’m playing alone, but when playing with other instruments locked to 440 (like keyboards) it’s quite obvious. In my duo Cosmic Spin, we use vocal harmonizers that require me to be in near-perfect tune to create the proper harmonies without errors. This is how and why I got so obsessive about this! Also for me, I don’t like to have the capo so close to the fret. I just like a little more freedom.

[@nedsteinberger6618]

Thanks!

[@RobertCassard]

Wait…THE Ned Steinberger? If so, I love that you’re here on my channel. Thank YOU for designing this little marvel.

[@billmccormack3048]

When you put capo on ensure it is vertical not slightly slopping at a small angle between the frets, otherwise this changes the pressure on the strings very slightly, slightly changing the pitch, makes strings a fraction out of tune.

[@RobertCassard]

You mean to place it straight across the neck, right Bill? No doubt the combination of proximity to the frets and pressure on the individual strings can pull things subtly out of tune.

[@danconverse6553]

Well, this is the video I didn't know I needed but surely wanted. Thanks for that, but I do have a question - I play rhtym guitar for church services, so there's a fair amount of capo use on 3rd and 5th frets (i.e. Key of F? Capo 3, play in D!) But I can't really adjust a capo very easily between songs. Up to now, I've been using a D'Addario NS Tri Action (with an adjustable spring) that I keep at one setting. It works, it's fast, and I can take it off or move it as needed, but I can hear the string pitch issues, even if most of the congregation can't. I play a Yamaha acoustic-electric. Suggestions?

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Dan. Sounds like you’re used to using a trigger-spring type of capo. Technically, that can be moved up or down a couple of fret in about 3 seconds, if you’re making sure to line it up accurately and position it correctly side-to-side. The Pro Plus dial usually takes about 2 seconds to release (3 quick flicks or partial turns for me), another second to place properly, and another 3-4 seconds to dial in the ideal pressure. There’s no side-to-side guesswork. I can move it confidently and consistently in well under 10 seconds. For me, that’s a minimal (and very worthwhile) addition to between-song setup. I hope that works in your situation.

[@danconverse6553]

@RobertCassard thanks for the feedback. I'm sure I'll keep using a trigger spring capo for the church venues, but I ordered a Pro Plus for home and when situations make it practical! A little sacrifice of distortion when I need speed , and a little sacrifice of speed when I can opt for cleaner sound. It's all good! 👍🏼

[@RobertCassard]

@ have fun!

[@RobertCassard]

@@danconverse6553 If you dislike having your guitar out of tune as much as I do, I suspect you'll be using your Pro Plus everywhere as soon as you get comfortable moving it around. But do whatever works best for you!

[@practicerepobarrie]

Thank you for your time and effort, the price of that capo just doubled. (just kidding) The only thing I want to ask you is about tuning. I for one have most of my guitars tuned down a half step. I prefer the feel of the lower string tension. I assume this capo also does good job of fretting the first, to simulate standard tuning ? Is this something you do too or have tried ? In your opinion, how well does this work. I'm usually ok with it, as I'm not too picky and don't often use a pick.

[@RobertCassard]

Yes! Tuning down a half-step is a fairly common choice. (Hendrix got in that habit back when he played with horn sections, and never changed back.) As you can see from my tests in the video, the Pro Plus capo works really well at the 1st fret in standard tuning. I’m certain it’ll work well on a guitar that’s tuned down as well.

[@ewoltrev]

solution is to put the capo closer to the fret

[@RobertCassard]

Placing a capo close to the fret is helpful, but it doesn't solve the tuning issues for me. Until using the Pro Plus, I always had to check (and usually fix) tuning after putting on a capo, especially when playing with other musicians.

[@odzhak]

Has anyone had a chance to compare the D'Addario pro plus to a G7 Newport? I have the G7 and it pretty much acts the same way, with the additional clamp-on feature. Also have the G7 Performance capo, which does exactly the same as the screw-tightening but instead you just squeeze it to whatever pressure, and has a quick release button which sbaps it open. The Newport is lighter though, and cheaper, but I've had one fail. Thanks

[@RobertCassard]

The G7th Newport is a capo I HAVEN'T bought and tried. But I can see from the promotional video that they make a variety of that model - separate capos for Classical, 6-String, 12-String, etc. That indicates to me that it uses a more standard rubber fretboard pad (radiused) than the more universal FlexFit used on the Pro Plus.

[@Jamman610]

You tube keeps telling to play nice. Hmmm weird. Anyway this looks promising. Thanks 🙏

[@RobertCassard]

Not sure what you mean that KZbin “keeps telling to play nice”? But yes, this capo is promising!

[@Jamman610]

@ They have a notice that says not to have negative language or anything they deem insensitive or non polite. Something like that. It’s a monitored site. I like notched capos for chords shaping. But that’s a bit in involved notching all that material. The Capo Pro looks great 👍.

[@RobertCassard]

@@Jamman610 this capo took me by surprise. That’s why I did such a loooooong review and demo, testing it on so many guitars! 🎸

[@wolfgangwolfataccepted4value]

Thank you for the review she's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis

[@RobertCassard]

Indeed she is a good girl, Wolfgang, but more recently, I hear she's crazy 'bout Taylor Swift...

[@acimbobby]

Discovered from you a miracle from DD. They make very good guitars too. Almost perfect or as near as dammit

[@RobertCassard]

Right on, Robert. It does feel nearly miraculous to me. Are you already using a Pro Plus?

[@acimbobby]

@@RobertCassard I have a mate who runs a pro studio so I was telling him as he is a guitar player. I play bass. You have some nice guitars. What's your career in music like?

[@RobertCassard]

@@acimbobby Thanks for passing along the capo news to your studio-owner friend. As for me, thanks for asking. I've been a pro musician since the 70s, touching nearly every genre. My recent solo music. and music by my band Cosmic Spin, is available on KZbin, Spotify, Apple Music, and the rival streaming platforms. There's a short bio posted on my website at guitardiscoveries.com

[@davidgray4682]

Hi the only problem with capoes with a screw fixture is the screw wears very quickly and stops the use of the capo

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for saying hi, David. I've had a lot of screw-based capos and never had an issue with the screw wearing out. The screw on the Pro Plus is particularly smooth with a very fine gearing ratio. I'm guessing I'll get YEARS of wear out of it, and if anything goes worng, D'Addario offers a full money-back guarantee.

[@davidgray4682]

@RobertCassard I had a fender dragon capo and it wore the screw so you couldn't use I just assumed that all capoe's with a screw mechanism would wear after a while seems logical that's all only my opinion

[@RobertCassard]

@@davidgray4682 Never used a Fender Dragon. It must have a bad screw design!

[@TheMasonator777]

That’s the one I use. It is the ONLY capo I’ve ever been able to make work.

[@RobertCassard]

You obviously beat me to it! No idea how long it’s been on the market, but to me, it’s a little marvel. My partner in Cosmic Spin can’t believe how much less often I need to 🎶 tune up when we’re on stage!

[@TheMasonator777]

@@RobertCassard I like how it just sits evenly on the shoulder of the neck as you adjust it.

[@RobertCassard]

@@TheMasonator777 For sure.I assume that eliminating the variable of left-to-right capo position is part of why the Pro Plus works so consistently without re-tuning.

[@officialWWM]

The G7 is good but it’s stupid expensive!

[@RobertCassard]

Some of the more reliable capos, like cradle-style capos and the G7th Performance capo, are between $50-100 which is pretty steep. That's one reason this $30 Pro Plus is a marvel to me. It's a only a few bucks more than the most standard (and mediocre) spring capos.

[@officialWWM]

@ yes, it’s a relative bargain!

[@romeovelasco4151]

Why did you not test a taylor guitar?

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Romeo. I didn't test a Taylor because I don't own one. But I'm confident this capo will work equally well on any Taylor as it does on my Gibson or Martin.

[@StuartwasDrinkell]

Out of interest have you tried a spider capo or better still two at once.

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Stuart. I tried a Spider and was starting to have fun with it when it broke. I had a hard time with their customer service, and wasn’t willing to purchase another one given that the first was so flimsy. I know they have the potential to be a cool tool with amazing flexibility… how do you use yours, particularly in combination with a second one?

[@MrSupersidewinder]

Has anyone tried this on ukuleles 🤷‍♂️

[@RobertCassard]

I haven't tried the Pro Plus on a uke. In general, people use smaller capos for ukes, not full-size guitar capos. D'Addario make a "Banjo/Mandolin Pro Capo" that I recently purchased but haven't yet tested. It's very similar style to the Pro Plus, but obviously designed for narrower necks and without the "FlexFit" fretboard pad. I'll try to test both capos on a uke or two over the weekend.

[@MrSupersidewinder]

@RobertCassard Thank you😉🥳

[@rickspyder6159]

Wow ... that's why I love youtube and you yourself as well. I think Daddario should give you a new car.

[@RobertCassard]

Funniest response yet, Rick. 😂

[@Dex619]

This is inconclusive. Just because the strings are in tune relative to each other doesn’t mean the guitar is in tune according to concert pitch. He should have checked with a tuner. In other words, the guitar could sound in tune, but all of the strings could have been pulled sharp.

[@RobertCassard]

Hi Dex. Throughout the video, I was checking with a tuner, attached to the headstock. (I edited out most of that footage because the video was already very long.) There are a couple of times when you can see me referencing it and commenting on the accuracy. The whole reason I am impressed by this capo (and why I made this video) is because I use a capo often when playing live with my duo Cosmic Spin. We use vocal harmonizers that REQUIRE the guitar always to be accurately tuned to concert pitch. I am tired of using capos that pull the guitar out of tune relative to concert pitch and require me to check tuning and/or re-rune every time I attach or move the capo. The Pro Plus capo has all but eliminated my need to confirm tuning and re-tune due to capo use. Now I only need to check or re-tune when the guitar itself is drifting out of tune. It's an amazing improvement. I hope this helps.

[@Herfinnur]

I AM SO FREAKIN’ DUMB!!! This was my first capo, but when KZbin started, I got jealous of how quickly those KZbin guitarists where able to put and take off their capos compared to me. I then bought about five capos and tried some thirty more before I stopped using a capo entirely. This is why! Now I gotta dig through all my stuff to see if I still have it

[@RobertCassard]

LOL. The cost of an education, right?! You weren’t dumb…you just wanted a capo for a different purpose, specifically, a “quick-change” capo. I always loved the idea of being able to change fret positions quickly, too, but I almost always had small tuning issues when using that kind of capo. This one doesn’t allow for easy “mid-song” changes, but it’s great for quick “between-song” changes!

[@PeterSokol-bl5vz]

It’s a capo.

[@RobertCassard]

It is indeed.

[@PeterSokol-bl5vz]

Get over it.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for the profound advice, Peter!

[@davefk]

Being from England, its not cape-o its cap-o lol. Plus, this is all nonsense, been playing 54 years and never had a tuning issue with any capo. Remember George had none of this technology either in 1969.

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for sharing your opinion, Dave. It sounds like you and I have been playing and using “cappos” equally long. If you think this is nonsense, I assume you don’t use a capo when playing live, or that you don’t care about having to check your tuning every time you move the capo. In my duo Cosmic Spin, my partner Bara and I use vocal harmonizers that depend on perfect guitar tuning to generate natural-sounding harmonies. The Pro Plus is the first and only capo I’ve found that doesn’t require me to check and tweak tuning every time I move it. I probably save an average of 4-5 minutes of tuning per gig. Keeps the flow of our shows going strong!

[@ploppill34]

no perfect anything, hyperbole much?

[@RobertCassard]

It’s a question, not a statement… But this little baby is remarkably close!

[@rw4170]

That's not true. I'm perfect! Just ask anyone who knows me! 😊

[@kevindean1327]

Some things are perfect as they can’t be improved upon ie the mousetrap, the Telecaster, or the left hook Sugar Ray Robinson knocked Gene Fulmer out with.

[@RobertCassard]

@@kevindean1327 Profound truths, Kevin. So there IS such a thing as perfection...

[@scottbecker3485]

Point taken, but he did phrase it as a question. ;-) And his video does give us all the details we need to decide whether his priorities and choices are in alignment with ours, or perhaps not. As it turns out, I find his capo-finding journey very enlightening, and have since fallen in love with the capo he ended up with. I have tried virtually everything on the market, and own several of the really expensive ones, too. That said, there is a downside to the recommended capo: It does „steal“ a wee bit of treble from the guitar‘s sound, unlike the Shubb F1, for instance, which doesn‘t do that. But it‘s a sacrifice I‘m willing to make for preserving intonation with ease.

[@gsteckly]

Ive been trying to figure out this capo trick since the night i stumbled across it... Anybody know what kind of capo he uses? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKrXhp56gLWchKcsi=AHzvA-ANx0Urb-dd

[@RobertCassard]

Cool trick! Caspar is a great guitarist. Pretty sure he's using a G7th Performance 3 capo: amzn.to/3YGwyT0 It works by squeezing, so if you start with it fairly loose over the nut, it's possible to angle the guitar neck and let it slide up the fretboard (downward with gravity), then squeeze and lock it in at the fret you want.

[@RobbCairnsMusic]

Thanks!

[@RobertCassard]

Thanks for the contribution to my channel!