An acquaintance used to have one of these that he loaned me to play on dobro back in the 80s. It worked great I thought at the time. There came a time I had to return it to him.
I've since obtained another one several years ago, but it seems not to work as well. Maybe it's worn too bad. It's a little hard to latch properly and get set to clamp all the strings evenly. I replaced the sleeve tubing already.
Has anyone ever refurbished one of these things? I think they are brass. I know they're pretty rare these days...perhaps someone out there knows a few tricks?
I have a couple of these capos. I know I've replaced the plastic/rubber sleeve at least once to keep one clamping well. The original sleeve deteriorated into pieces.
It's been too long to remember what I used but I suspect it was clear plastic water hose.
I think it will work well even if the sleeve isn't as tight as the original, but the thickness of the material affects the clamping.
I have two. Still use them. The first one is from when they first came out , second one years later. The first one is nicer made and just works nicer than the later one.
I got you fellas. Yeah, but this is an older original unit. It has the correct sleeve. One thing is about the screw that attaches the sleeved bar. I think I have it adjusted for the correct space when clamped. I don't know if that's it or it's just worn out.
I was just gifted a Charlie's capo, and I have an EG Smith style capo so I think I'll just pass this one along to someone else....fond as I am of these.
I've got one of those, with the replacement sleeve, in my reso's case. Not sure why...don't think I've ever used it. You never know when you might need one I guess...
I've got a couple of Leno's, need new rubber on both. Anyone have a source for the surgical tubing that they use? Has to be the right diameter and thickness.
Elderly used to carry it but they don't list it now. I think I used some plastic tubing. I don't remember the size though. I'll look around. If I find it, I'll let you know.
I don’t know if this will help, but in my little town, the Ace hardware has spools of different diameters of various types of rubber tubing.
When I need some to fit a project, i just take the item into the store and fiddle around with the bulk tubing samples until I find one that fits right, then cut off what I need (they sell by the foot).
A banjo, like a pet monkey, seems like a good idea at first.
Like Brooks, I’ve gotten replacement tubing for my Leno capo at Ace. 1 foot will keep you going for years. I’ve also found it at a drugstore (not the big chains, but a local Rexall that has medical supplies).
Pro tip — use a little bit of dish soap on the brass bar to help with sliding the new rubber hose on.
