MarkRB - Posted - 10/03/2009:  05:42:53

I am looking to get another capo for the 5th string, I have one of those 'suspender' kind, it is platic, metal and elastic. It works well except can fall off if you need to fret the first string at the fret where it is located. I am looking now at the Eagleclaw that conects to the firth string nut. Anyone ever tried it. I really do not like the idea of putting holes in the banjo neck as you have to with some of the other capos. Thanks.

flange5st - Posted - 10/03/2009:  06:22:01

.....that is the hardest thing about capo-ing the banjo.....and the biggest reason that most folks use spikes....once they're there,( and if installed correctly), they work forever with little maintenence, they are out of the way of your hand, and noting of the fifth string is very accsesible.....at the same time you have to put a "hook" in at every fret that you might think you'll need and if you use a couple,( like I have on mine), you'll have to get used to tuning the fifth string to put it where you want it on the scale on either side of the hook.......you just have to weight the pros and cons...........peace

......ad fontes..........

BrianH - Posted - 10/03/2009:  06:37:53

I use a Shubb sliding capo. It's out of the way and works anywhere I need it

Tim-mater - Posted - 10/03/2009:  07:03:31

I have always used Shubb, but lately I started bumping into it. No big deal just a slight annoyance. So when I recently ordered a Nechville banjo I had spikes installed (mostly because the radiused Nechville necks are already bulky - comfortable but certainly thicker than my other axes). I have to say, the spikes are kind of a welcome change and they do help to keep the playable surface of the neck clean.

I won't be de-installing any of my Shubbs or even the spring capo I have in one banjo, but I found that I really don't mind the spikes as much as I did back when I decided it was going to be a Shubb world for me.

stelling man - Posted - 10/03/2009:  07:31:21

Spikes are the only thing I'll use.. 7-8-9-10

STELLING MAN

ctopp - Posted - 10/03/2009:  07:49:58

You can install spikes yourself, but it is delicate work and not as easy as it may appear to be. (Voice of experience).

Hankulator - Posted - 10/03/2009:  08:15:47

i even used a needle one time to drill the holes.

Hank

george craciun - Posted - 10/03/2009:  08:53:47

Spikes are the best in my opinion, but if you want an inexpensive no holes capo, the Reagan capo works quite well. It is made of brass with a thumbscrew to clamp it onto the 5th string. I have 2 banjos with RR spikes and 2 using Reagan capos. They can be purchassed from Janet Davis Music or Elderly Instruments and I believe Stewart Mac also has them. Happy pickin'.

Back Porch Picker

minstrelmike - Posted - 10/03/2009:  09:02:39

I like spikes. You don't even notice them.

A cheap 5th string capo is to cut off the little nib on the cap of a Bic pen, the part that sticks outside your shirt pocket and simply slide it over the fret.

Mike Moxcey
http://moxcey.net/mike/minstrel/index.html

joeyd - Posted - 10/03/2009:  09:55:35

tried the eagle claw. it works (kinda) but I didn't like the fact that it puts downward tension on the tuner. Too many sad stories about fifth string tuners falling out so figure there's no need to ask for trouble! Spikes or slider, your choice. If you do the slider, get the spring slide from stew mac, it works very well and is far less obtrusive the the shubb.

joeyd

MarkRB - Posted - 10/03/2009:  10:09:10

I hadn't thought of the RR spikes...duh! Not sure I would want to install them myself, but if I did how would I go about it? I have a very cheep banjo I let my 5 year old grandson bang on, I could practice with that I guess. Thanks for the ideas.

goldtopia - Posted - 10/04/2009:  08:43:25

If you have never installed 5th string spikes yourself get someone else to do it who has done it before, prerably a luthier. If you are unsure about it there are various alternatives. I have tried various e5th sting capos but still prefer spikes.

Bill.O

www.bluegrassminstrels.co.uk

MarkRB - Posted - 10/05/2009:  03:10:57

Looking for someone to do it is my first choice. Trouble might be finding someone near by. Thanks Bill,

5stringJim - Posted - 10/05/2009:  03:31:56

Mark, click on this link, and it shows you step-by-step what you need to do. Then you can decide on whether to attempt it.....but it really is quite simple.


http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Mus...hspike1.html

Jim Hyndman www.longway.org.uk

PharmBoy - Posted - 10/05/2009:  05:01:15

My new Deering has spikes, and they could not be more convenient.

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There is no growth in the Comfort zone, and no comfort in the Growth zone.

"The instrument proper to them is the Banjar, which they brought hither from Africa."
-Thomas Jefferson

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fynger - Posted - 10/05/2009:  09:09:37

I still use my cut down guitar string peg.

Have you hugged your Banjo today ?

10gauge - Posted - 10/05/2009:  09:16:54

Steve mentioned the Reagan. My jo has spikes at 7 and 9 so I use a Reagan when I capo anything else and like it a lot.

Jonathan O'bug

MarkRB - Posted - 10/05/2009:  13:52:09

Thanks Jim. Actually I will try it on a old cheep banjo my grandson bangs on, it never sounded good anyway so it is a good one to try it out on.