Dobro capos?

Frank Parish · Post by **Frank Parish** » 3 Mar 2010 3:55 pm

Who makes the best capo for the dobro out there? Hopefully something that's quick to put on and off! I seen one on a Martin Gross video and he just snapped it on there quick and worked like a charm. It snapped over the top of the neck and not under if anybody may know.

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 3 Mar 2010 4:20 pm

Frank, Martin Gross makes those capos. Here's the link:

http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopi ... d7f5725748

Dave Thier · Post by **Dave Thier** » 4 Mar 2010 5:10 am

Another good choice is the Bradley.

http://redlineresophonics.com/store

(Scroll down)

Dave

Jerry Hayes · Post by **Jerry Hayes** » 4 Mar 2010 10:23 am

I like the Beard, it's easy to put on and take off and it doesn't get in the way of your bar hand. I also use it on my lapsteel!...JH in Va.

Martin Gross · Post by **Martin Gross** » 4 Mar 2010 2:46 pm

Hi Frank,

unlike the standard Free-Swinging Capos, my Capo rests securely on the neck, just like the nut. Which means absolutely no capo movement while playing, a major consideration for meaty pulls and hammer-ons. Another advantage is that all the String Vibration is directed entirely into the neck. The result is an unmistakable overall improvement in tone and sustain in comparison to the standard capo.

When attaching the Capo there's no need to fiddle around with the right positioning, just slide it up flush to the desired fret and clamp it down.

The capo is made of brass and all hand manufactured. I charge € 50.- plus € 15.- shipping costs. When I finished the capo I ship it to your place. If you like the capo and decide to keep it you pay me via PayPal on my web site. Otherwise you send it back and there will be no charge.

cheers
Martin

Tom Wolverton · Post by **Tom Wolverton** » 4 Mar 2010 3:22 pm

I've never been a fan of the "floating mass" approach to dobro capos. I love my old Shubb, but they don't fit every guitar. I'll have to check out Martin's design. If he's making them custom, then they it can be tailored to a particular guitar's neck shape and string height. I'll bet they're great.

Martin Gross · Post by **Martin Gross** » 4 Mar 2010 3:34 pm

Here is a picture. Notice the possibility to adjust the capo on both sides of the climbing bar.

Will Jaffe · Post by **Will Jaffe** » 4 Mar 2010 9:06 pm

I've tried the Beard, Scheerhorn, Flux, Shubb, a few others and the Bradley. To my ears the Bradley does less harm to tone than the others. The Shubb did not fit well on my reso's. I'd give the Scheerhorn a second, but the Bradley is the best capo I've used, regarding tone.

Martin, I'd really like to try one of yours. Is the string height an issue?

Martin Gross · Post by **Martin Gross** » 4 Mar 2010 10:00 pm

Back in the early 80´s I started experimenting with designing and making a custom capo that would perfectly suite my needs and live up to all my demanding expectations. Since then a lot of time and energy has gone into creating what I believe to be the perfect tool. However, to insure the best results there is one structural prerequisite on the instrument itself. That being the distance between the strings and the top of the fretboard, at least up to the 9th fret, which should be fairly exact over the entire distance.

It's a fact that each and every instument varies from one to another. For this reason I decided the best solution would be to Custom make my Capos for each particular instrument to assure the perfect fit and functionality that makes this Capo so unique.

Advantages:

Strong, Solid Tone
Fast and easy to put on and take off
Always in tune when capoed
No capo movement while playing
No damage to the fretbord or neck
More freedom for the pinky finger left hand

Disadvantages:

Larger and heavier than other Capos
Custom made for one particular instrument

Larry Chung · Post by **Larry Chung** » 6 Mar 2010 7:36 am

I really like the Walworth capo - especially if you (like me) play an older/vintage Dobro/Regal with less string clearance. They are very, very nice capos and very easy to use.

http://elderly.com/accessories/items/WRGC1.htm

Bo Borland · Post by **Bo Borland** » 6 Mar 2010 10:25 am

I have never tried Martins' but I do prefer the Bradley for all the reasons listed above plus it goes on and off quickly a one handed operation.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 6 Mar 2010 11:25 am

i wish i could try the gross, bradley, flux and walworth to compare. they all seem like they should be good.

jim konrad came up with a great design recently.

below is what i made for myself years ago. it works but i'm no jerry douglas!

three sides...three heights...slides over fret. quick one hand operation

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Dobro capos?

Dobro capos?

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