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 ARCHIVED TOPIC: Shubb fifth string capo problem.


Please note this is an archived topic, so it is locked and unable to be replied to. You may, however, start a new topic and refer to this topic with a link: http://www.banjohangout.org/archive/399251

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/05/2024:  22:30:11


When in the “at rest” position the foot of the capo is still in contact with the fifth string up by the pip, which muffles it. I have seen suggestions to replace the pip with a spike. I would be interested in any alternatives.

HSmith - Posted - 09/05/2024:  23:58:42


I had a Shubb sliding capo on my old Masterclone which gave sterling service for 25+ years. I know some people find the slider bar intrusive, but I never had a problem with it. On my banjo, the bar was placed so that the sliding foot when not in use rested just behind the fifth pip (which was very low profile). I guess re-positioning the bar would leave an unsightly screw hole visible at the pot end of the neck. I remember that the degree of downward movement provided by the set-screw on the foot was quite extensive. Would it be possible to file a small amount of metal off the underside of the foot to clear the fifth string when the capo is not in use?


Edited by - HSmith on 09/05/2024 23:59:39

RB-1 - Posted - 09/06/2024:  01:20:40


My banjo that Laurence once played (when in Amsterdam, donkeys years ago yes) has a Shubb slider.



I had the same problem, hence simply filed a tiny bit from the lever's underside, just enough to clear the string. Problem solved. laugh



But because of that, I put spikes on all my next banjos, these worked good from the start....



 


Edited by - RB-1 on 09/06/2024 01:23:54

steve davis - Posted - 09/06/2024:  06:31:25


I used the Shubb slider for a few years until I built my StewMac Vintage kit in '86.
I put on my first set of spikes on that banjo and never looked back.
Initial installation is critical with the slider.
The installed height of the at rest "finger" has to have some clearance (few thousandths) at the 5th fret for clear open noting.
Plug screw hole and reinstall slider with adequate open clearance.

PHJim - Posted - 09/06/2024:  06:45:21


I have replaced most of my pips with spikes. My reason is to maintain intonation when fretting or capoing the fifth string. This can be done using a pip, provided the fret is shortened on the fifth string side of the board and the pip is placed in line with the fifth fret. If the pip is behind the fret, you could deepen the slot so that the string rests on the 5th fret, making the pip no longer a nut, but a string spacer, much like the "nut" on an instrument with a zero fret.

mrbook - Posted - 09/06/2024:  11:00:58


I have a Shubb 5th string capo on my Deering Deluxe and really like it when playing gigs, even though my other banjos have spikes. I keep the arm over the 7th fret, where it is most often used, and it gives me a reference point because the capo hid my side dots. It works great for me and I have never had any buzzing.

steve davis - Posted - 09/06/2024:  14:27:09


I used a Shubb slider for a few years and it worked great,but I do a lot of thumbfretting and spikes let me place the 5th string closer to the thumb.More comfortable and a clearer note for me.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/06/2024:  17:44:32


quote:

Originally posted by steve davis

I used a Shubb slider for a few years and it worked great,but I do a lot of thumbfretting and spikes let me place the 5th string closer to the thumb.More comfortable and a clearer note for me.






Yes I used to be in the same boat but since arthritis, no more thumb fretting. 

Just Bill - Posted - 09/07/2024:  14:23:19


Laurence, is the string cut in your pip (5th string nut) low enough for the fifth string to touch the fifth fret? If the string isn't riding on the fret, would lowering the pip (or the string cut in the pip) stop the fifth string capo's foot from muffling the open string? Or would that mess up your fifth string's action? I'm guessing if the pip cut was low enough, it could mimic what Deering does when they use a spike in lieu of the pip on their banjos? I don't have a Shubb capo on my current banjos and didn't have that problem on my previous banjos that had Shubbs on them, so I'm sort of "shooting in the dark" here. Please let us know what you decide. Bill

steve davis - Posted - 09/07/2024:  14:35:38


Initial installation is critical to clear sounding notes.
And the 5th strings end must be placed high enough for the Shubb "finger" to float above the string when not in use.

Laurence Diehl - Posted - 09/07/2024:  15:40:00


quote:

Originally posted by Just Bill

Laurence, is the string cut in your pip (5th string nut) low enough for the fifth string to touch the fifth fret? If the string isn't riding on the fret, would lowering the pip (or the string cut in the pip) stop the fifth string capo's foot from muffling the open string? Or would that mess up your fifth string's action? I'm guessing if the pip cut was low enough, it could mimic what Deering does when they use a spike in lieu of the pip on their banjos? I don't have a Shubb capo on my current banjos and didn't have that problem on my previous banjos that had Shubbs on them, so I'm sort of "shooting in the dark" here. Please let us know what you decide. Bill






Bill the fifth fret doesn't extend out to the edge of the fingerboard at that point. I think my options are lowering the pip or filling the foot or both. We are talking very small increments here. 

Just Bill - Posted - 09/07/2024:  16:06:42


Laurence Diehl , best wishes on your endeavor! Hoping it works for you! (Fingers crossed!) :)

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