Thalia Capos

[ebick]

Does anyone here have any experience with these?  The reason they are so expensive, for anyone who does not know, is that they profess to include multiple fretboard pads, based on the different neck radius' so that you can add and/or move the capo without the guitar going out of tune.  Big problem for me, and I have tried multiple capos.

[michaelw]

there are a couple of thalia capo threads here http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=6814.0
http://www.unofficialtaylorguitarforum.com/index.php?topic=7020

[ebick]

Thanks but neither of these threads answer the question as to how well this high-end product does what it claims to do; set without the need to re-tune......I welcome responses that speak to that question.

[kcnbys]

I own a Thalia Capo, which I use with my 810.  I am very pleased with it.  I have not had any problems with needing to re-tune when using it (I actually don't have that problem with any capo I have used).  The Thalia does come with two sets of fret pads made of different materials.  I prefer to use the #12 rubber pad for my Taylor, which is the suggested number for Taylor fretboards.  Both the fret-pads and capo itself come with very nice protective carry bags.  The capo is very easy to use, and has worked quite well for me.

[Sprintbob]

Thanks but neither of these threads answer the question as to how well this high-end product does what it claims to do; set without the need to re-tune......I welcome responses that speak to that question.

Ever tried an Elliott? Assuming you start with a tuned strings, I find the thumb wheel adjustment allows you to apply just the right amount of tension to get clear tone while not sharpening the pitch. Pricey but light and elegant and they work.

[ebick]

Thanks but neither of these threads answer the question as to how well this high-end product does what it claims to do; set without the need to re-tune......I welcome responses that speak to that question.

Ever tried an Elliott? Assuming you start with a tuned strings, I find the thumb wheel adjustment allows you to apply just the right amount of tension to get clear tone while not sharpening the pitch. Pricey but light and elegant and they work.

I have a Paige which is essentially the same design (although a lot less expensive, and the Thalia is also less expensive than the Elliot, apparently).  I have had a tech tell me that the issue is the intonation of the guitar is out and/or that the action is too high.  Neither of which is the case on my 814.  I have had several other experienced players tell me that this is a problem for pretty much every guitar. 

....and yes, I'm starting with tuned strings open.

[Kaplum]

I bought a Thalia and a G7th Performance 2 to see which I preferred, if either. I'm using a 322e and a GS-mini Koa. I only play sitting down with no strap. They both work fine, and are easy to attach and reposition with my fretting hand. I'm not SURE if intonation is improved with either, but believe that it is better than the others I have tried.

Functionally they seem about the same to me, but the G7th is MUCH lighter and thinner, getting in the way of my fretting less. (If we weren't using 1st position chords we wouldn't need a capo, right?)

Since it is about half the price, I would suggest you try the G7th first, however, in my opinion, the Thalia is a fine option. It is awfully pretty...  and, I don't yet know how well the clutch on the G7th will hold up.

[DennisG]

I'm a big fan of G7th capos, and even wrote a review in Acoustic Guitar magazine.  I've been using the original Performance capo every day for many years, with no clutch problems whatsoever.  I keep the newer Performance 2 in my gig bag and use that for gigging.  Both have been flawless, and have convinced me that I need no other capo but these.  But, of course, the choice of capos (like many other things in life) is a very personal one.

[ebick]

Thanks for the input.  I'm going to try the G7th first.

[Gordo in OZ]

I agree with Kaplum the Thalia capos are very pretty and I lust after one. I have 3 G7th models, Performance, Performance 2 and Newport. I actually now have 3 Performance 2 capos. I guess you can figure out where my preferences are. I really liked the Newport as it was tiny but it hated the neck on my Larrivee OM when it was at some positions. It was perfect on all the other guitars. The Performance 2s just work on everything and are logical and instinctive to use. I had some communication with G7th re capo performance and they are an outstanding company to deal with. They actually care and don't think you are an idiot or scam artist. A refreshing delight.

[floyd80]

I'm not a fan of my Thalia capo, since it takes and unbelievable amount of strength to squeeze it open and put it on!

[strugglinauthor]

I have a Thalia and a G7th.  Both are great and both work well.  You may already know but the Thalia comes with not only different size inserts for differing radii but those same sizes duplicated in rubber and Teflon.  I thought this was a bit of a gimmick at first but one thing I did find with other capos is that following a bend on my T5z the strings would often remain out of true.  With the Thalia, using the Teflon inserts, the strings return to their normal position.

I find it a doddle to release and re-seat, so no problems there.

Whether it's worth the money is another question.  Mine was a gift.  So would I have bought it myself?  Yes, I would.

[Pearlie]

I have a Thalia and love it.  Every so often I check to see if I'm still in tune when I take it off the neck. Every time, it's right on the money. 

[TLAW]

I have a Thalia also & would strongly recommend it..I never have issues with it pinching anything sharp or flat either when it's on or once it's off.....I never tried a G7 but have had issues with other brands "denting" the back of my neck.

[Old Poseur]

I was looking for a capo for my new 12 string.  My G7 wasn't going to cut it. I ordered the Thalia and used a #12 XL rubber fret pad that they supply with the capo and it works great, even positioned up the neck off the fret.  They say you won't need to retune, but so far I've had to - no biggie, since I've found I need to with most capos I use.