New capo idea...got the first one done

[Lee Baucum]

Perhaps a larger head on the screw, which would give more leverage (or torque)?

[AJ Azure]

could work or maybe a t-headed screw. the only issue might be hand collision.the least amount of turning torque necessary is also important.

[Jim Konrad]

AJ,
If these become for sale I could probably hook you up as there are a lot of custom (tattoo gun) screws available..


This one might work... it would always only be 1/4 turn away from being out of the way. A 1/4 turn does not make much of a differance with the 8/32 threads.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Tattoo-Machine-Skel ... 7C294%3A50
They are called contact screws and they all have 8/32 threads same as my capo!!

The screw in the capo pictures (not a tattoo screw) is Zink plated brass, I looked at about 100 different screws and that was the best fit for my parameters (easy to grip/under the strings). It is very, very, easy to turn, way easier than most tuning keys.

Thanks!!

[Ben Sims]

This looks like it could be a really workable capo. My only concern with the design is that the strings might buzz at the capo when played hard, due to the fairly large radius of the top of the capo. Most capos have a sharp edge for the strings to go over for that reason. Do you notice anything like this?

Also, with due respect to people who have hand problems (I myself have some weakness in my hands) most commercially available lap steel capos have small set screws or otherwise awkward mechanisms that require some hand strength to set in place. I would encourage you to make yours as usable as possible for people with hand problems, but I wouldn't think that would be a show-stopper for the design, given what's already out there.

[Jim Konrad]

Thanks Ben!!

No buzzes, no rattles except a very slight metallic overtone, that I think might be fixed with a sharper radius on the top.

It is by far "my" (biased of course) favorite capo, I think it sounds very good...way louder than any floating type. Loudest (almost harsh) capo I,ll bet!

I need to make the next one with a sharper curve on the top more like the bottom of a steel. I actually had a miscommunication with the "shop" on the radius of the top. Not all is lost because we only made 4 so far and just need to take more material off the ones we have. I was thinking a one inch radius would be the same curve as found a one inch bar. That is not the case..LOL.. The radius on the capo in the pictures is a one inch radius (makes a 2 inch bar). I need to try a half inch radius, similar the tipton, and Scheerhorn type bars, Does that make sense to you guys?

Intonation is great, but if needed you can slide the top toward or away from the nut to make up for any intonation issues or even a misplaced fret.

I am a perfectionist so I will try at least a couple more things before I am I am going to call her done. When it is done, and now, it would be the capo I would prefer to use.

Another accidental benefit is that performing "behind the bar" string bends are just as easy because the string slides along the top!! Try to do that with another capo??

We'll see what happens....

BTW this has to be the easiest to use, concerning hand strength/dexterity adjustable capo I can think of...