Irishbanjos - Posted - 05/04/2011:  14:40:54

Hi folks!

I've been looking for a nice 5th string capo that doesn't need installation or drilling, but I live in Spain and I haven't found any online store that doesn't charge me a lot of shipping rates, so I've decided to try to make my own 5th string capo.

Does anyone know how to do one? I'd like to do one that wouldn't move when I play and that would press the string so it sounds like if there was a real capo (I tried once to do one with a pen cap, but it moved and, eventually, jumped from under the string, and it didn't fret the string properly, the note was very untuned...).

I'd prefer to do my own "suspender capo" like this one: elderly.com/accessories/items/ESC.htm



But I think these are more difficult to do. Does any of you folks know how to do one like that?

Thanks and greetings from Spain!

Edited by - Irishbanjos on 05/04/2011 14:42:29

xomcat - Posted - 05/04/2011:  14:50:56

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

Try one of these.

bbjork - Posted - 05/04/2011:  14:59:36

My neck has HO railroad spikes but I've also used a short brass machine screw which will slide under the 5th string very nicely, I don't know the size but it's less then a 1/2 inch long and maybe an 1/8 inch thick.  The brass screw also yields a much better tone.  Pop a couple of these in your case no sawing or filing required.  When I get a chance I'll take a photo and pass it on.

Bruce

Edited by - bbjork on 05/04/2011 15:01:30

Irishbanjos - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:03:12

quote:

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Originally posted by bbjork

When I get a chance I'll take a photo and pass it on.

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Thanks, but I really need to see a picture as I don't understand very well how to do what you're saying :S

jlundbom - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:20:50

I've got one of these (janetdavismusic.com/reagan_rc-1_capo.html) for my banjo without spikes, but I kind of wish I had known about the bic trick before I spent my hard-earned $10!

Karen Kruske - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:23:15

I have one of "Earl's Suspender" capo and it is pretty simple, but the problem in making one like it yourself, is finding something suitable for the ends. I know you said you tried a pencap capo, but maybe one like xomcat posted is the best way to go if you don't want to pay postage. 

Just out of curiosity, how much is the postage from US to Spain?

Old Hickory - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:23:51

Make one from a paper clip:

shadowriders.org/marc/banjo.html

As to your pen cap capo not working, maybe check a few things:  If the arm that goes under the 5th string is too tall, file away some of the underside. In fact, if you file a lengthwise groove, that might help the capo to stay on the fret.  Also, the string slot needs to be deep enough to hold the 5th string in place.  It should be located on the capo so that the string does not have to be pulled out of its path when you use the capo.  Any amount that you stretch or move the 5th string to capoit will put it a little out of tune.

Good luck.

bbjork - Posted - 05/04/2011:  15:37:42

quote:

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Originally posted by Irishbanjos

quote:

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Originally posted by bbjork

When I get a chance I'll take a photo and pass it on.

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Thanks, but I really need to see a picture as I don't understand very well how to do what you're saying :S

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I'll try and get a picture within the next week or so.

bbjork - Posted - 05/04/2011:  16:57:43

Irishbanjos:  Here's a photo of the brass screw I was talking about.

banjohangout.org/myhangout/pho...albumid=0

beegee - Posted - 05/04/2011:  18:44:19

I've about decided to use the clipped fret method and use no spikes nor other add-on devices at all.

Irishbanjos - Posted - 05/04/2011:  23:02:01

quote:

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Originally posted by happyfingers42

Just out of curiosity, how much is the postage from US to Spain?

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Well, it really depends of the store and what you buy. Elderly, for exaple, goes from $60 (for buying a dulcimer capo) 'til about $200 (more or less, for buying an Appalachian dulcimer). For a suspender banjo capo they asked from $10 to (approx.) $40.

Anyway, I prefer to try to make my own and if it doesn't work, I'll probably buy it from Elderly and pay $10 of shipping.

I know $10 for shipping rates is not much, but I'm afraid later on I'll have to pay customs (everytime I've bought something from the USA, even a box full of strings that was as big as my fist...).

Irishbanjos - Posted - 05/04/2011:  23:02:35

quote:

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Originally posted by Old Hickory

Make one from a paper clip:

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Awesome idea! xD

Later on I'll try this one.