The Steel Guitar Forum

Guys, I need a capo for my old Dobro. It's a '39 round neck. What's the best one to clamp around those strings?

Thanks!

I like the Beard brass capo. Still gives a different sound than not using one.

Best in 2017 to all!

I just re-read the post. ROUND NECK... Are you fretting the guitar or playing slide? Shubb for regular guitar, but the Beard is nice for doing open string stuff.

It's set up slide. Guess I should have clarified that.
I would imagine any capo would sound different than open. The ancient brass one I got from Bobbe years ago just doesn't clamp on well anymore.
So, the Beard one clamps on well without much pitch disturbance?

Charlie's Slide Pro capo is without a doubt the best dobro capo I've used. I have a drawer full of all of the others and that's where they will stay. It goes on easy and won't kill the tone. Give Charlie a call.
http://charliescapo.com/

Dave, man, you may have just sold me on Charlie's capo! Dude, that sounds excellent in the videos! Thanks!

I have this one and it is excellent. They may be available for less money elsewhere.

http://www.stewmac.com/Materials_and_Su ... _Capo.html

Thanks, guys. Got one of Charlie's on the way!

chrarlies slide pro capo if clears the strings is where I would go

+1 on the Charlie's capo!

Michael Douchette wrote:Thanks, guys. Got one of Charlie's on the way!

90% is paying attention,guys. I said I got one of Charlie's. It is indeed awesome! Thanks for the recommendations!

Charlie's is by far the best capo I have ever used. He made a capo for my 8-string Sierra and shipped it the same day, all for a mere $10 above the cost of his standard 6-string model.

I cannot tell the difference in tone or sustain between the notes when playing open strings with the capo on or using the bar for the same notes or chords.

It is fast and easy to use.

In case you are wondering, I am using it for Cajun-style, where everything is played out of high-G tuning using lots of open strings and drones. I capo at the second fret for tunes in A or D.

Mikey got his question answered and has a Charlie's on the way - I have had a six string version for a couple years and might be interested in the 8 string version down the line.

My question to you Bob: what is your 8 string G tuning, low to high?

Hi Mark,

The standard tuning for Cajun steel, regardless of the number of strings, is G with a high G on top.
8 string: DGBDGBDG

Thanks Bob.

I assume the 4th string is the same pitch as dobro 3rd string G which is typically a .028w string?

And the high G 1st string is an octave above, which would be the same pitch as playing the 3rd string/12th fret on a 6 string dobro.

If I am correct, what string gauge do you use on the 1st string? Something like a .010?

The reason I am curious about this is that I am soon to receive an 8 string lap steel from Todd Clinesmith and even though I haven't fooled around with C6th (six string version) since I was a kid taking lessons back in the 1960s, I'm going to give it a shot. Sort of a "when in Rome do as the Romans do" approach and as Todd suggested, it's a good idea to get out of one's comfort zone. And my comfort zone for dobro and lap steel for a long time has been G tunings and to a lesser extent D tuning.

If it turns out that C6th or some other tuning doesn't "take" with this new guitar - like trying to teach an old dog new tricks - I may just slink back into my kennel because I'm comfortable with G.