"Kyser" Capos vs "Shubb" Capos...pressure = fret wear?

[jjrpilot-admin]

Which style do you prefer?  I've been using a Kyser for years, but wonder if the hard clamping spring might be giving my frets extra wear that they wouldn't get if I used a Shubb...

What do you all think?

[StevieD]

I don't have experience with Shubb, but I have had (and still have) many Kysers, and stopped using them.  I noticed one day that my guitar sounded a bit out of tune when capo'd.  Sure enough, after testing my Kysers (I have 4 of them), every one put the guitar slightly out of tune when capo'd.  I subsequently started using the G7th Performance Capo.  Its a bit more expensive than the Kyser, but it works like a dream, and I've never had the out of tune problem with the G7th.  I can highly recommend it.

S

[pottski]

I've never used anything other than Keyser. I have noticed that on some, but not all of my guitars, the Keyser capos cause some tuning issues. I also seem to have quite a bit of fret wear for the amount of playing time I put in. I'd never thought that a capo could do that, but you have me wondering now. I've heard some good things about the G7th capo. Maybe I should give one a try.

[DennisG]

I subsequently started using the G7th Performance Capo.  Its a bit more expensive than the Kyser, but it works like a dream, and I've never had the out of tune problem with the G7th.  I can highly recommend it.

+1 on the G7th.  Easiest capo to put on and take off, and no tuning issues or excessive fret wear.

[BigSkyTaylorPlayer]

I too noticed the Kysers put me out of tune.  I just bought a Paige capo that I'm liking alot and I haven't had any tuning issues so far.

[Steve]

Shubbs, Keyers... really doesn't matter a great deal to me...

[mgap]

After looking at the G7th capo online, I am not seeing much difference in how they work.  The Shubb is different in how it is put on, but how can either one of these keep the frets from wearing out better than any of the others.

[gerald germany]

If you use a capo a lot, the Elliot and McKinney-Elliot capos might be worth looking into.

[Edward]

Fret wear due to which capo is a non-issue, IMHO.  The bigger concern really is pressure on the strings to pull notes sharp, and how "fast" you want access to it.

The shubb is nice for the obvious reason that you can set the tension.  But requires two hands to use or move.

The Kyser is fast since its trigger mechanism allows fast, one-handed use and movement.  But has a gorilla spring tension that is fixed.

G7th is superb in its intuitive, seamless design and implementation.  But two handed use is typical, though one-handed is possible with pratice.  BTW, I use a G7th 12string version for my 12-er ...best 12-st capo out there, IMHO.

So for regular use on a 6-er, I like the Planet Waves Dual-action capo.  It is a trigger mechanism for speed and one-handed use, but also a thumbwheel like the shubb so you can use the least amount of tension necessasry.  The best all-around capo by far, IMHO.  That it costs nearly nuttin is gravy!

Edward

[Steve]

The bottom line is that any capo is going to put pressure on the strings and frets that wouldn't be there otherwise.

If you don't want that, don't use a capo.

The resulting difference between a Shubb and a Keyser (if any at all) is going to be so minimal it would be insignificant...

[not darth]

I pretty much concur with everything Edward said.
The Kyser IS quick, but is known to sharp the notes due to a heavy spring.  I used two pliers to put a little bend in the spring on my Kyser and it made a world of difference.  Alas, I lost it somewhere at home in the last month so when I was at The Podium on Monday I bought a new capo.

Decided on the Planet Wave thumbwheel one.  Not the combo/trigger one, just the low profile knobby one.  It does require two hands to set properly, but other than that I think it's a great little device. 

No matter what though, the choices today are far better than the old elastic fabric band one with the brass grommeted locating holes and pin.  My folks have one in the case of the Harmony archtop (1960's I think) and it really is a miserable little pain.

-K

[S MS Picker]

I use Shubb on most of my guitars. On the 12string is the Paige 12 string capo, also tension adjustable, w/ rings for the octave strings. Works great. A plus w/the the Paige is it can be conveniently stored behind the nut which makes it harder to lose. I keep one on my Martin for bluegrassing when my son decides to go on a banjo kick.
Kyser capos, if used in the same place frequently, will not only result in excessive fret wear , but on softer fingerboards can leave marks from the wound strings.This is more pronounced on thicker necks because of increased tension.
Steve

[egkor]

Wow, after reading these posts, I'm going to dump my Kysers and go with tension-adjustable capos.

-Gary K

[Steve]

I wouldn't dump anything.

I've used Shubbs and Keysers for years, and can attribute exactly zero fret ware to either.

You're worrying too much.

Go play your guitar and have some fun...

[Judson H]

Kyser for convenience and quick change ... Schubb for stability and less pressure on strings (and possibly frets?)