Original Squareneck Leno Capo

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

An acquaintance used to have one of these that he loaned me to play on dobro back in the 80s. It worked great I thought at the time. There came a time I had to return it to him.

I've since obtained another one several years ago, but it seems not to work as well. Maybe it's worn too bad. It's a little hard to latch properly and get set to clamp all the strings evenly. I replaced the sleeve tubing already.

Has anyone ever refurbished one of these things? I think they are brass. I know they're pretty rare these days...perhaps someone out there knows a few tricks?

Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

Hey Jerry, I have that same capo. Sorry but I don't have an answer for you. Mine is old but not worn.

George Webb · From: Mississauga, Ont, CAN

Hi Jerry,

I have a couple of these capos. I know I've replaced the plastic/rubber sleeve at least once to keep one clamping well. The original sleeve deteriorated into pieces.

It's been too long to remember what I used but I suspect it was clear plastic water hose.

I think it will work well even if the sleeve isn't as tight as the original, but the thickness of the material affects the clamping.

Good luck,
George

Mike Christensen · From: Cook Minnesota

I have two. Still use them. The first one is from when they first came out , second one years later. The first one is nicer made and just works nicer than the later one.

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I got you fellas. Yeah, but this is an older original unit. It has the correct sleeve. One thing is about the screw that attaches the sleeved bar. I think I have it adjusted for the correct space when clamped. I don't know if that's it or it's just worn out.

I was just gifted a Charlie's capo, and I have an EG Smith style capo so I think I'll just pass this one along to someone else....fond as I am of these.

Garry Vanderlinde · From: CA

I've got one of those, with the replacement sleeve, in my reso's case. Not sure why...don't think I've ever used it. You never know when you might need one I guess...

Lee Holliday · From: United Kingdom

I have one, not yet had to replace the rubber, they are a lifetime tool.

Regards

Lee

Lee Rider · From: Fort Bragg, California, USA

I've got a couple of Leno's, need new rubber on both. Anyone have a source for the surgical tubing that they use? Has to be the right diameter and thickness.

Thanks

Lee Rider
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Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Elderly used to carry it but they don't list it now. I think I used some plastic tubing. I don't remember the size though. I'll look around. If I find it, I'll let you know.

Brooks Montgomery · From: Idaho, USA

I don’t know if this will help, but in my little town, the Ace hardware has spools of different diameters of various types of rubber tubing.

When I need some to fit a project, i just take the item into the store and fiddle around with the bulk tubing samples until I find one that fits right, then cut off what I need (they sell by the foot).
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A banjo, like a pet monkey, seems like a good idea at first.

Peter Jacobs · From: Northern Virginia

Like Brooks, I’ve gotten replacement tubing for my Leno capo at Ace. 1 foot will keep you going for years. I’ve also found it at a drugstore (not the big chains, but a local Rexall that has medical supplies).

Pro tip — use a little bit of dish soap on the brass bar to help with sliding the new rubber hose on.
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Peter
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Larry Dering · From: Missouri, USA

The sleeve is a silicone tubing. I bought some on Ebay long ago. Cant remember the size. It was a perfect fit.

Lee Rider · From: Fort Bragg, California, USA

I've used shrink tubing too but it wears out quickly. Does anyone have a spec (diameter, thickness) of the surgical tubing that they use for this capo? I have 2 of them.

Thanks

Lee Rider
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StringBender Musical Instruments selling Gene Parson's StringBender products

Peter Jacobs · From: Northern Virginia

I just took a look at the leftover piece I have: 3/8” OD x 1/4”ID. I’ve just used the standard surgical tubing, but I’m sure silicone would work.
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Peter
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www.splinterville.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@splinterville6278/videos

Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

I let the Leno go when I got the Charlie's, but I believe I used the same tubing as Peter. As I recall, it's a tight fit and maybe a little soap suds or else is in order to intstall it.

Lee Rider · From: Fort Bragg, California, USA

Thank you Peter and Jerry!

Best,

Lee Rider
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StringBender Musical Instruments selling Gene Parson's StringBender products

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