Pitch Problems from Capos

[Jedimaster]

I have a Kyser quick change capo that I've used on all my guitars. There seems to be a problem with my pitch when I put the capo on. Everything is tuned up perfectly before the capo is applied but once the capo goes on it just doesn't sound right. For example, if I put the capo on above the first fret it should raise the pitch by 1/2 step. However, the pitch seems to get raised by slighly more than a half step and I usually have to retune with the capo on to get the pitch to sound right. I think it must be caused by the capo squeezing down too hard on the strings. Is there anything I can do about this?

[TRandy16]

If you want to end your pitch/capo problems...this is the capo for you. They are expensive...but they work perfectly...first time...every time.


We do a lot of business with bluegrass musicians who are very finicky pitch-wise with their capos...they all love these.

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[blair]

The closer you place the capo to the nut, the more pronounced the stretching of the strings, as in going slightly sharp. As previously noted, move the capo up very close to the fret. As you go up the ftbd this will decrease.

Also, the higher your action the more pronounced this will be.

Bottomline, don't fret about it, it happens to all of us http://forums.birdsandmoons.com/forum/images/icons/icon9.gif

Hammer on.......Blair

[Jedimaster]

Thanks for the tips guys. Glad to know that I'm not the only person who experiences this.

[freed2fly]

The Kyser capos used to drive me crazy for exactly the same reason. Several years ago I started using Shubb (http://www.shubb.com/) capos and haven't missed using a Kyser since. The Shubb has an adjustable tension setting and a much softer rubber contact point on the fretboard.

[Jedimaster]

The Shub Capo looks like it will be the answer to my problem. It appears to be reasonably priced as well. I'll order one soon and give it a try.

Thanks again.

[Jo]

The Shub Capo looks like it will be the answer to my problem. It appears to be reasonably priced as well. I'll order one soon and give it a try.

Thanks again.Yup, using a Shubb will sort out that problem. I don't get any intonation problems on any of my guitars when using Shubbs and I've been using them for years.

I learned this years ago when I took my Acoustic in because I assumed there was some sort of problem with it everytime I put a capo on (I was using one of those cheapie Jim Dunlop ones), the guitar tech said... "all you need is a decent capo" and sorted me out with a Shubb. That was about 15 years ago, been using the exact same capo since. :D

The other nice thing with the Shubb is that you can set the tension to be as tight as you want it to be. Also, you don't have to be too fussy about getting the capo close to the fret, if you place it in the middle of the fret it still sounds good with no intonation probs.