Makeshift dobro capo?
Moderator: Brad Bechtel
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Thomas de Bourbon
- Posts: 43
- Joined: 30 Nov 2022 8:25 am
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
Makeshift dobro capo?
Has anyone built a makeshift dobro capo? I need one for a session soon and would prefer not to buy one, and it doesn't seem to difficult to build one. Wanted to see if anyone has pics of something they've made that I could try to replicate. Thanks!
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Paul Seager
- Posts: 502
- Joined: 20 Aug 2010 7:41 am
- Location: Augsburg, Germany
I've tried using a pencil with varying results. I just shoved it under the strings. It mutes the open strings a little.
Patrick Jackson, on this forum, wrote that he used the plastic handles of measuring cups for a while! I toyed with the idea of flattening a metal bolt but worried about scratching the fretboard.
I'll add that I have been trying to play without using a capo. I don't play that much so it's not a major issue for me yet!
Patrick Jackson, on this forum, wrote that he used the plastic handles of measuring cups for a while! I toyed with the idea of flattening a metal bolt but worried about scratching the fretboard.
I'll add that I have been trying to play without using a capo. I don't play that much so it's not a major issue for me yet!
\paul
Bayern Hawaiians: https://www.youtube.com/@diebayernhawaiians3062
Other stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@paulseager3796/videos
Bayern Hawaiians: https://www.youtube.com/@diebayernhawaiians3062
Other stuff: https://www.youtube.com/@paulseager3796/videos
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Mike A Holland
- Posts: 487
- Joined: 26 Sep 2017 8:14 am
- Location: United Kingdom
Here are the details of a simple Dobro Capo I made a few years back. Simple to make and it does work. I dont use a capo very much but I have this parked just above the nut on my guitar so I can grab it if I need it. Here is a link to a YouTube video I made about the capo. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b56zmOQK-GY&t=26s
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D Schubert
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- Location: Columbia, MO, USA
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Patrick Jackson
- Posts: 24
- Joined: 24 Apr 2020 8:32 am
- Location: Georgia, USA
Actually the metal handle from a cheap plastic measuring cup. The handle will break off pretty easily, but here's a picture with the cup still attached to the handle.Paul Seager wrote: Patrick Jackson, on this forum, wrote that he used the plastic handles of measuring cups for a while!
Mike's design is much nicer and I would try it out if I had the woodworking skills.
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Michael Breid
- Posts: 912
- Joined: 3 Feb 2005 1:01 am
- Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
Makeshift capo for dobro
Look on YouTube under "Simple, but effective dobro capo". They're easy to make.
I used a piece of solid brass rod (3/16") instead of the suggested bone inlay the strings press on. I made mine from a piece of ebony and brass rod, but any hardwood, maple, walnut, cherry, would work. I put a small screw eye in the end of mine and attached a loop of fly line. I hang it over one of the keys to keep it handy. A groove at the top and some epoxy glue will hold the brass rod securely. It's a trial and error thing. Mine was too thick so it sharped the strings a bit. I sanded the bottom and with an X-acto hobby saw, and a small hobby file I fashioned a small groove to fit over the length of the fret. It now works fine. Good luck.
I used a piece of solid brass rod (3/16") instead of the suggested bone inlay the strings press on. I made mine from a piece of ebony and brass rod, but any hardwood, maple, walnut, cherry, would work. I put a small screw eye in the end of mine and attached a loop of fly line. I hang it over one of the keys to keep it handy. A groove at the top and some epoxy glue will hold the brass rod securely. It's a trial and error thing. Mine was too thick so it sharped the strings a bit. I sanded the bottom and with an X-acto hobby saw, and a small hobby file I fashioned a small groove to fit over the length of the fret. It now works fine. Good luck.