New capo idea...got the first one done

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 22 Oct 2008 2:00 pm

Here is a very cool link showing many types of em...

http://web.telia.com/~u86505074/capomus ... phonic.htm

Like I said I have a great idea for one....

It will..

1-Have nothing above the strings

2-Be made of only three parts

3-Make contact with the finger board (for good tone)

4-Not "float" or be bouncy..

5-Be able to be installed and adjusted with one hand

It is better and different than all of the capos in the above link. I just don't have the right equipment to make it. I would like to "patent" it before showing it to anyone. Maybe sell the idea? How much does it cost to patent something?

AJ Azure · Post by **AJ Azure** » 22 Oct 2008 4:15 pm

would it be adjsutable for different string heights? that's why the above the strings models are more popular and are use by dobro, lap steel and weissenborne players.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 22 Oct 2008 5:11 pm

My idea is adjustable.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 23 Oct 2008 1:58 pm

I might even consider giving a company my idea as long as they made me one for free LOL!!! Maybe name it after me!! Any one with a good machine shop??

Todd Weger · Post by **Todd Weger** » 26 Oct 2008 3:56 pm

After figuring out that it was user error (:oops:) on my part, the Shubb dobro capo that I have seems to work GREAT! Like my dad used to say, you have to first be smarter than the tool you're using!

The Shubb does require that the string spacing be hight enough to fit the metal piece under them, but after putting a nut raiser on mine tricone (nut was definitely too low), it works like a charm.

I'm guessing there are better ones out there, but for me, this one works now, and I just saved $50 by not having to buy a new Scheerhorn (good as they may be).

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 10 Nov 2008 9:25 am

TTT,

Any more voters?

If anyone voted yes please chime in as to why

I found a shop to make my design

Still looking into how much it might cost to patent an invention? Anyone?

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 5 Jun 2009 2:19 pm

I will go ahead and get one made. Hope to post some pictures soon!!

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 5 Jun 2009 5:08 pm

i've had great ideas working on this endeavor for the past 25 years. what i've learned about the patent/manufacture/inventiveness of the problem is that no one really cares. make yourself a good one that works...then you will have a good one that works. the market is too small to get rich or famous.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 5 Jun 2009 9:21 pm

chris ivey wrote:the market is too small to get rich or famous.

This is the same conclusion I have arrived at also. That is why I figure on forgetting the patent stuff. I might offer some for sale?? But I think my idea is one that will prove stronger than time or trends.

It will solve 99% of problems associated with capos.... I think 70% (poll) of you all will be very happy with my idea.

Thanks!!

<*)))>{

William Hoff · Post by **William Hoff** » 5 Jun 2009 11:45 pm

What's the old saying " Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door". Good luck, I'm looking forward to something better than the Beard one I am using.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 6 Jun 2009 6:46 am

William,

That is too funny, that is the second time someone has told me the "build a better mouse trap" theory.
My friend said the same thing, I said that's correct but there is unfortunately a lot more mice than dobros

. I just think it would be cool to be part of a little slice of steel guitar history.

I am sure this will be loved by a lot of bluegrassers playing dobros.

Drew Howard · Post by **Drew Howard** » 6 Jun 2009 11:34 am

I use a Flux and have a Beard for a back-up. The Flux is fast and one piece, which I like. Maybe combine the two, then like the Flux with the screw in the middle

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 12 Jun 2009 2:46 pm

OK you all have waited long enough so I thought I would post a picture. I took the picture to show the machine shop. It will have a groove in the bottom for the fret. It will be made of brass. I should have one in my hands next week some time.

So here is my answer to a 80+ year old problem, my contribution to the steel guitar community.

(sorry for the crappy picture but you still get the idea)

Hope ya like it!!

The Konrad Capo....

Comments welcome!

Thanks!!

<*)))>{

Jay Yuskaitis · Post by **Jay Yuskaitis** » 12 Jun 2009 3:00 pm

We need a machine that will play everything for us! Just think, no more wasted years with all that practice and learning. Just push a button.
Jay Y.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 12 Jun 2009 3:48 pm

Jay,

Have you ever heard of a radio?

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 12 Jun 2009 4:06 pm

jim...great idea. similar to some of my ideas, but a new approach to the raise function. good idea.

mine started with a single height triangle wedge..slot for the fret..then developed into a different height for each of the 3 points of the triangle..that's what i use now. also tried the angular sliding top height increaser, but your idea with the set screw adjuster is very cool.

John Colaneri · Post by **John Colaneri** » 12 Jun 2009 5:16 pm

Hey Jay,

That looks cool. I think I've heard people use $5k as a ballpark figure. You have to hire a lawyer to search a database or something to make sure it doesn't exist. Someone must be making money off them, or they wouldn't be manufactured...

I've also heard of what is referred to as a "poor man's patent." It basically involves mailing yourself the plans, and leaving the envelope sealed when you get it back. Seems like what you have done here should serve the same purpose. You surfaced the idea in a document, and dated it. -I'm not a lawyer, just talkin...

John Colaneri · Post by **John Colaneri** » 12 Jun 2009 5:17 pm

Sorry, I meant that to be a response to Jim...

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 12 Jun 2009 5:17 pm

Hey thanks Chris!

I did have a lot of ideas leading up to this one myself. My idea could be done simpler just using two teeth, but I am trying to get as much surface area possible for good sound transfer.

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 13 Jun 2009 2:48 pm

So according to this place...

http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/do ... al/faq.htm

I cannot use the term Patent Pending....

1. What do the terms “patent pending” and “patent applied for” mean?
A. They are used by a manufacturer or seller of an article to inform the public that an application for patent on that article is on file in the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The law imposes a fine on those who use these terms falsely to deceive the public.

WTF!!

So I now fall under the protection of article: 1273485403-452.3

<*)))>{

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 14 Jun 2009 1:19 pm

Just an FYI,

If this interests you...there is a parallel discussion with more pictures about this at the reso hangout.
http://www.resohangout.com/forum/topic. ... IC_ID=9442
They tend to play mostly "bluegrass dobro" over there.

Thanks!!

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 19 Jul 2009 7:01 pm

I got one done!!!

More pictures at..

http://www.resohangout.com/forum/topic. ... IC_ID=9442

Thanks!!

Papa Joe Pollick · Post by **Papa Joe Pollick** » 19 Jul 2009 7:13 pm

I like that design.Looks like it might almost work on an 8 string,which is what I would need.Or are you planning on making an 8 string unit??

Jim Konrad · Post by **Jim Konrad** » 19 Jul 2009 7:24 pm

Papa Joe Pollick wrote:I like that design.Looks like it might almost work on an 8 string,which is what I would need.Or are you planning on making an 8 string unit??

Thanks Joe!!

I was thinking the same thing..

How wide is an 8 string?

It might only need another "tooth"

AJ Azure · Post by **AJ Azure** » 20 Jul 2009 8:39 am

looks cool but, you just blew off anyone with hand issues like me. that screw will never work for anyone with even mild arthritis, i.e. older steelers. other than that it looks neat.

The Steel Guitar Forum

New capo idea...got the first one done

Do we need a better capo?

New capo idea...got the first one done

Well, I've changed my mind...

????