Unofficial Taylor Guitar Forum - UTGF
Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Taylor Acoustic & Electric Guitars => Topic started by: TaylorGirl on July 08, 2018, 10:53:21 AM
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Review of the New G7th Newport 12 String Guitar Capo with Compensated String Pad
The folks at G7th recently announced their newly designed 12 string guitar capo with a compensated string pad, available on their Newport and Heritage models. After contact with the G7th Company, we agreed to put their new Newport capo to the test and post a product review here on the forum.
https://www.g7th.com/12-string
Background to Review:
I have primarily used a Shubb 12 string guitar capo on the various 12 strings that I have owned, since the 1970’s. So, to conduct this review, I thought it would be beneficial to put the Shubb and the G7th through the same applications, to see how the new G7th capo performs (sort of like using my Shubb capo as a baseline). This may be helpful to others here, because I realize many guitar players use Shubb capos. It’s not my intent to discredit the Shubb capo.
Also, during my review, I used my Taylor 562ce 12 string guitar and a Snark Super-Tight tuner.
G7th Claims:
“Allows all 12 strings to be fretted with the same tension, eliminating tuning issues common to other 12 string capos.”
“Like a compensated saddle on an acoustic guitar, the patent-pending Compensated String Pad takes into account the different gauges between the bass and octave strings, compensating for them with the ridges in the rubber over the fingerboard. This means all 12 strings are fretted at the same time and under the same tension, so you won't pull any out of tune.”
“Suitable for both acoustic and electric 12 string guitars (except for Rickenbacker 12 string guitars, due to their reversed octave string positions).”
Appearance and Build Quality:
The capo has a brushed silver finish which is classy looking. It is very well constructed. The operation of both the flip lever (clamp) and the adjustment knob are easy and smooth. There is real nice padding to protect the surface of the guitar neck.
G7th provides a Free Lifetime Warranty on all its capos.
I compared the G7th to the Shubb in both physical size and weight. They are almost identical in size. Using a USPS scale, the G7th weighed in at 1.7 oz. and the Shubb at 1.9 oz. So, they are very close to the same weight.
REVIEW:
I started the review process by ensuring my guitar was in tune, with no capo.
I first capoed the guitar on the second fret with the Shubb capo. As I have always had to do (and what is a common “problem” with all 12 string capos), I had to tighten the Shubb until my octave strings where not muted. If you don’t apply enough adjustment pressure, the thickness of the bass strings will prevent the capo from applying enough pressure to the octave strings, causing them to be muted. However, as a result of increasing the pressure, the bass strings are pulled sharp. So, I checked the tuning. The low E bass string was the worst out of tune (sharp). The A bass string was also pulled sharp, as was the D string, but by a lesser degree. So, at this point, I would need to retune the guitar before I could play.
I removed the Shubb, ensured that the guitar was still in tune (with no capo) and grabbed the G7th for the test. I had to get the feel for the compensated pad (teeth-like pad), to ensure it “seated” on the strings properly, before clamping down. I slowly slid it down onto the strings from the top of the neck, to where I could feel it settle in to the correct position. I had to do this several times to get used to it. Not really a problem, but something new to get used to. After several times doing it, I was getting a real feel for it.
Having never used a G7th capo before, I was really happy to see that with theirs, you clamp the capo on the guitar and then adjust the clamping pressure (opposite of a Shubb). I liked that….a nice feature.
I was not sure what the correct adjustment pressure was, so I hit each string to ensure they were all ringing clear. I noticed that if you don’t apply enough pressure, the highest string sets (high E and B) were muted. Inherently, this is common, since they are the furthest away from the effects of the clamping pressure. So, I continued to tighten the capo until those strings all rang clear. It wasn’t an undue amount of pressure, just more than what I anticipated when I clamped the capo on the guitar. I took the capo off and redid this several times, using my right hand to rock the capo a little towards those strings when I clamped the capo. It seemed to help direct the pressure toward those strings just a little more. Once the pressure was set on the capo and all strings were ringing clear, I checked the tuning. Wow, the octave strings on the bass strings were in tune, as were all the bass strings. I don’t think the use of any capo is going to result in perfect tuning, but the strings were in tune to a degree that retuning really wouldn’t be a must. I strummed some chord/melody tunes and then put it to the real rest by doing some fingerpicking. I use National fingerpicks, so I can clearly hear each string, including the octave strings. It sounded really good, and I didn’t have to retune first. I played around with it and loved what I was hearing….clear and in tune. And like my husband reminds me, I am VERY particular about my guitar being in tune.
I repeated my review process on several different frets up the neck and experienced the same, with both the Shubb and the G7th.
One last thing…..as with the design of a Shubb capo, the G7th is a low profile capo. For me, it didn’t interfere with my fretting hand at all.
In Conclusion:
I am convinced that the G7th lives up to its claims. Their compensated string pad nearly eliminates the 12 string tuning issue. I’m qualifying my statement, because I just don’t think you can get an absolutely perfect tuning scenario when using a capo. But, it surely made a significant improvement, to a point where retuning after applying the capo would be very minimal.
I am in no way affiliated with the G7th Company and was an independent reviewer. My suggestion, if you own a 12 string guitar, would be to play around with your existing capo and really see how it is functioning. If you experience the same as most (if not all) of us do, then give the new G7th 12 string capo a try (either the Newport or Heritage models). You will likely be pleasantly surprised, as I was. I hate to say this, but my Shubb 12 string capo is now playing “second fiddle” to the new G7th Newport Capo.
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I love my G7th six-string capo, which is virtually the only capo I use these days. So easy to use, so precise - a real pleasure!
Glad that you're enjoying your Newport as well!
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Thanks for the review -- very thorough and helpful! I didn't think it was possible to get a 12-string capo that worked. I'll have to check one of these out.
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I love my G7th six-string capo, which is virtually the only capo I use these days. So easy to use, so precise - a real pleasure!
Glad that you're enjoying your Newport as well!
Thanks for the review -- very thorough and helpful! I didn't think it was possible to get a 12-string capo that worked. I'll have to check one of these out.
Thanks guys, I appreciate your comments. I really did put in the time and effort doing the review. A good product available to 12 string players. Now my 6 strings may need some G7th love. ;)
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Thank you for a great review. My G7th capo is the one I always look for, often bypassing my others. It is the best I have used for sure. I will keep this in mind if/when a 12 string reappears at my house.
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TaylorGirl great review! I've been using a Kyser for my 12 string. I'll need to pick one of these up.
Thanks!
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Very nice job, TG. You might give some thought to writing for a guitar magazine. Believe it or not, literate guitar players are in short supply.
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Thanks FF and Maple!
Very nice job, TG. You might give some thought to writing for a guitar magazine. Believe it or not, literate guitar players are in short supply.
Thanks! Writing independent audit reports for 22 years probably helped. ;)
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For my money it is Thalia capos hands down.
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For my money it is Thalia capos hands down.
I wasn't aware that Thalia made 12 string capos.
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You just need to change the pad. I've been using one on my 656e for about 9 months. :)
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You just need to change the pad. I've been using one on my 656e for about 9 months. :)
Good to know, thanks!
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Thanks for the review!
FWIW, years ago I had tried other capos on my 12 and arrived at the G7th Performance for the 12-string. And since that point, I have no regrets still. I prefer the quick clamping procedure that requires nothing more than your hand to close the capo ...for me, that is even simpler than the Newport that still requires you tension with the screw. And even on my old G7th, the rubber is a good composition that frets the lighter octaves cleanly without pulling the fundamental strings sharp. Either way, you can't go wrong as I have 3 different G7ths and use them all because they are superb units!
Edward
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Thanks for the review Susie.
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Very good review TaylorGirl, thank you. I have a G7 for six string and it is a very good capo. The new design for the 12 string looks to be a winner. I no longer have a 12 string, but you never know, ya know.
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Thanks for the responses!
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Nice review Susie. Very thorough.
Just put in for the give-away contest. Makes me look forward to a favorable result.
8)
Don
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Nice review Susie. Very thorough.
Just put in for the give-away contest. Makes me look forward to a favorable result.
8)
Don
Thank you, good luck Don!
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TaylorGirl, thank you for your detailed review. As I mentioned in a NGD post about my Taylor 562ce, I ordered this capo and you asked if I would share my opinion here.
The guitar store at which I purchased the 562ce provided two extra string sets plus a Schubb 12-string capo, so I had something to use immediately when I brought the guitar home. I use a Schubb for my 6-string guitars and that one works great. The 12 string version, though, provided the all-too-real issue of muting and creating buzz on some strings, so it took much effort to get it to work, and that was just barely. Subsequent to reading your review of the G7th capo, I placed an order.
In the meantime, I tried the 12-string pad that came with my Thalia capo, and it worked quite well actually. I am not a fan of the size, weight, and difficulty of placing the Thalia capo, but I may have stayed with it had I not already ordered the G7th.
My G7th Newport 12 string capo arrived two days ago, and it is hands down the best of the three capos I've tried. It is FAR easier to use than the Thalia and FAR FAR more effective than the Schubb. SO while the Thalia served its purpose, I will stick with the G7th for daily use.
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TaylorGirl, thank you for your detailed review. As I mentioned in a NGD post about my Taylor 562ce, I ordered this capo and you asked if I would share my opinion here.
My G7th Newport 12 string capo arrived two days ago, and it is hands down the best of the three capos I've tried. It is FAR easier to use than the Thalia and FAR FAR more effective than the Schubb. SO while the Thalia served its purpose, I will stick with the G7th for daily use.
Thank you for the report back. I'm not surprised you find the G7th the most effective for your 562ce. I have been using Shubbs for 40 years and have sworn by them. But, I have to admit, I'm sold on this G7th for my 562ce. The compensated pad really does the trick. Glad you are happy with your purchase!
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This is all very useful information. Since you can get Shubb rubber replacement sleeves, I wonder about carving grooves in the sleeve for the octave strings, leaving the wound string surfaces untouched?
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…I wonder about carving grooves in the sleeve for the octave strings, leaving the wound string surfaces untouched?
Here's the problem as I see it: let's say you carve into the rubber to allow more space for the wound strings to sit w/o getting too squeezed, and fine, you're good at frets 1-3. But as you move that capo up the neck, the increasing width of the fretboard will change the relative position of that niche you carved out. So that niche that worked so well at the lower frets will no longer be aligned with the wound strings when located higher up the neck.
OTOH, try it out and let us know. Maybe you will discover/create a solution that will work! :)
Edward
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I have no idea why I took so long (actually I do, procrastination ;D )
Reading all the recent capo topics, I was reminded of this thread and purchased a G7th 12-string capo. From my research, this is still the only compensated capo for 12-strings.
It arrived today and to say I'm impressed is an understatement. I'd also recommend this capo to anyone who has a 12-string.
Thanks again for this awesome information!
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I have no idea why I took so long (actually I do, procrastination ;D )
Reading all the recent capo topics, I was reminded of this thread and purchased a G7th 12-string capo. From my research, this is still the only compensated capo for 12-strings.
It arrived today and to say I'm impressed is an understatement. I'd also recommend this capo to anyone who has a 12-string.
Thanks again for this awesome information!
Great to hear! I'm not surprised that you love it. :)
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So is this the new new one or are the ART series ones the new ones? Thinking of trying a six string version.
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So is this the new new one or are the ART series ones the new ones? Thinking of trying a six string version.
ART is the newest for 6 string as far as I know. That would be G7th performance 3 I think.