Ranking of the best capos for 2022

Capo - an additional accessory for guitar, mandolin, banjo, allows you to quickly and easily change the key of the instrument. Having studied the rating of the best capos for 2022, you can choose the appropriate clip option for a particular type of guitar.

What is a "capo"

From Latin it means the upper fret (saro - top, head, tasto - upper). A capo is a small device that is attached to the neck of a stringed musical instrument (guitar, ukulele, mandolin). Other names for the device are capo, clothespin, clamp.

Clamp function - quick key change. The device clamps the strings on the neck, changes the tone of the sound. If the musical instrument is tuned to sound “mi” (E), and the key is “sol”, the capo must be set to the 3rd fret.

Capos are used on various stringed-plucked instruments - guitar, banjo, mandolin, bouzouka, ukulele - ukulele.

guitar structure

The capo is mounted on the neck of the guitar. The neck and body are the two main parts of the guitar.

The neck is divided by protrusions - metal plates (nuts). The distance between two adjacent sills is fret. The first fret is the distance between the first nut and the headstock. Here is the tuning of the strings, the adjustment of the system, the playing of musical works.

The body of the tool consists of:

• lower deck - reverse side (professional sound - mahogany wood);
• upper deck - front wall, sound quality, timbre depends on the type of wood (acoustic - plywood, high-quality - alpine spruce, cedar);
• shell - connects the lower, upper decks;
• resonator hole, socket;
• nut - plastic (bone) plate;
• stand (bridge) - a wooden plate, holds the strings stretched, gives rigidity to the body;
• Katavey (cutout) - available in pop models, allows you to play the upper notes.

What are capos

From the material used, size, mechanism of action, four main types of capo are distinguished:

1. Elastic.
2. Spring (clothespins).
3. Plastic (latches).
4. Screw.

Elastic (soft)

It consists of a bar (metal, plastic), which is fixed on the neck with an elastic band, strap, Velcro. The pressing of the strings is regulated by the tension of the elastic band, the fasteners of the strap. Such clips are budget (lowest cost), do not damage the reverse side of the neck, are light, have an interesting design (various colors), and adapt to the shape of the neck (flat, curved).

But they wear out quickly, it takes time to fix, it is difficult to adjust the pressing force of the strings for a long time.

Spring (clothespins)

The body is made of metal (steel, aluminium), rubber pads protect the rear side of the profile and strings from damage. The principle of operation is a clothespin, which is attached to the neck with a spring. The main advantage is a simple, easy installation, remove the clamp. It is the best option for "live" performances, concerts. The disadvantage is that you cannot change the pressure force (depends on the spring), uneven pressure on the strings is possible (poor-quality models).

Plastic (latches)

They consist of a plastic plate, which is closed with a latch (teeth). Protects strings and surfaces from damage with rubber, silicone pads.They have a low cost, compact size, lightweight design, but break quickly - plastic teeth break, wear out.

screw

Made of metal (aluminum alloys, steel), durable, have a different structure. The main element is a screw that fixes a metal bar (with additional overlays) on the back side of the neck. Popular with professional musicians, string force can be adjusted. Minus - it takes time to remove, install the device yourself.

There are options for capos for different types of guitars:

• classic models - flat neck shape, medium clamping force;
• acoustic - rounded neck, medium clamping force;
• 12-strings - strong clip;
• non-standard tuning - the average force on the selected strings.

Modern types of capos can adjust several strings (individual tuning of each selected string) due to a shortened working surface, move freely along the entire length of the profile (roller design). New items have a built-in tuner (tuning at different levels of noise, light).

Why use

A device that quickly changes the key of a musical instrument is necessary for a beginner, a professional musician:

1. Selection of the key of the song for convenient vocal performance (coordination of accompaniment, voice).
2. Difference (highlighting) among the instruments of the orchestra.
3. Performance of solo compositions (blues, country, rock, flamenco).
4. Working out heavy chords (without barre).

Buying Tips

Before buying, you need to familiarize yourself with the main types of capos, study their features. Main principles:

• the capo must match the model of the musical instrument (type of guitar, type of fretboard);
• take into account the number, size, material of the strings (nylon, metal);
• choose light, small-sized models - should not interfere with the game;
• take into account the frequency, area of ​​use, playing experience (beginner, recording of musical works, performance at concerts);
• explore the range of specialized stores, the ability to order a suitable model online;
• get acquainted with the models of well-known manufacturers;
• the correct pressing force - the instrument after installing the clamp, the volume of the sound remains the same, there is no extraneous hum, the system does not change after removing the clothespin;
• take the tool with you to the store for fitting;
• shoot after rehearsals, concerts - will last longer.

You can choose the desired model on the websites of music stores, online services for the sale of goods (Yandex-market, Aliexpress).

DIY capo

The clip can be made independently, at home, using improvised materials. Home-made devices do not last long, but they provide an opportunity for a beginner to practice, to continue working on a melody if the device suddenly breaks down.

Option 1.

You need 1 simple wooden pencil (a lighter, a ballpoint pen), a colored elastic band (lace, a piece of soft wire).

Instruction:

• fold the gum several times - a tight diligence of the pencil;
• wind an elastic band on one side of the pencil;
• place the pencil on the fingerboard (select the desired fret);
• secure the other end of the pencil with an elastic band;
• adjustment - pass the second pencil through the elastic band on the reverse side, scroll.

Option 2.

You need adhesive tape, a plastic felt-tip pen, a proofreader. May damage the reverse side (adhesive side of the tape). Manufacturing instructions:

1. Attach a plastic felt-tip pen in the right place on the profile.
2. Wrap the edge of the felt-tip pen with tape.
3. Attach the other end of the marker to the neck.

Installation

Any capo (purchased, professional, homemade) is mounted on frets, put on from top to bottom. Mounts are directed upwards (at the base - maximum pressure, thick strings). Left-handers are provided with models that can be installed simultaneously from below and from above.

If a high sound is required, position the clip farther from the profile head.

Frets are used for playing, which are located after the clamp to the socket (frets after the clothespin are not played).

Check - play a few chords, analyze the pitch, the presence of extraneous noise. If the sound is deaf, the strings are pressed against the nut. It is necessary to move the clamp by the fret nut. If you hear a rattling - the capo is located far from the threshold.

Selecting the desired key - play chords after installing the capo. If the tone is not suitable, change the location of the device.

Ranking of the best capos for 2022

A review of high-quality clamp models is compiled according to popularity among buyers of online stores, the Yandex market platform. Product material - metal (steel, aluminum alloy).

For acoustic guitar

5th place Alice A007D/SL-A

Producer - Alice (China). Material - chrome-plated metal. Fixed with a spring. Quickly installed, removed due to the spring. Additional protection - black rubber pads.

Packing - blister. Weight - 0.084 kg.

• easy to install, remove;
• profile protection with rubber pads;
• low cost.

• not found.

4th place Alice AWR01-A/BK

Made by Alice (China). The material is lightweight, durable aluminum alloy. Clamp edges are polished, smooth. Fastening is reliable.

Weight - 0.060 kg. The warranty period is 6 months.

• lightweight;
• smooth edges of the clip;
• low price.

• not found.

3rd place KYSER KG6TDA

The manufacturer is KYSER (USA). Material - aluminum. Rounded shapes - hand polished. Drawing - TIE-DYE (print of the hippie culture).

The weight of the clamp, packaging - 0.090 kg.

• the ability to play in any key;
• easy installation, removal;
• unique drawing.

• not found.

2nd place KYSER KG6EG

Made by the famous American company KYSER. Material - aluminum. Color - emerald green. The QUICK-CHANGE system was used (from English - quick change).

Weight (packing, clamp) - 0.090 kg.

• quickly strengthened;
• easy to use;
• reliable construction.

• high price.

1st place KYSER KG6LTA

American manufacturer - KYSER. Universal model - suitable for acoustic, electric guitars. Hand assembled aluminum parts. Color - matte black. The voltage is 25% less than other models.

Warranty - 12 months.

• Suitable for different types of guitars
• easy installation, use;
• lower voltage - less tuning.

• high price.

For electric guitar

5th place JOYO JCP-01 Silver Light Capo

The manufacturer is JOYO (China). The material is light colored plastic. The mechanism is spring. Silicone pads do not damage the profile, strings.

• comfortable handles;
• silicone pads;
• low cost.

• material - plastic.

4th place Planet Waves PW-CP-10NSM

The manufacturer is the Planet Waves brand (USA). Universal model - suitable for 6-string acoustic, electric guitars.In addition, it contains a PLANET WAVES PW-CT-12 tuner clip, a bracket (mounting the tuner on a capo).

The tuner display is backlit. Can be adjusted in different lighting conditions, noise level. There is a highly sensitive transducer (piezo - element).

The Tri-Action design is used - you can apply 3 times less force.

Material: black aluminium. Fixation with a spring. Protection of the profile from damage - rubber pads.

Packing - blister. Weight - 0.730 kg.

• Can be used on acoustic and electric guitars
• additional tuner;
• fast installation, adjustment under different conditions.

• high price.

3rd place Dunlop 87 B Trigger Electric Curved Black

Manufacturer Dunlop (USA). Model for electric guitars, with a curved neck. The material is black aircraft grade aluminum. There is a gasket (protection of strings, profile). Spring mechanism.

• fast installation, change;
• thin profile does not interfere;
• does not damage the neck, strings.

• not found.

2nd place Dunlop 87N

Made by the American company Dunlop. Material - lightweight, durable aluminum (duralumin). Available in black (B), nickel-plated (N). The mechanism is a dense spring. For electric guitar, curved profile. Additional rubber pads - protection against scratches.

• reliable;
• quickly removed, installed;
• sits tightly on the neck.

• high price.

1st place Kyser KGEB

Producer: KYSER (USA).

The model is designed for electric guitars. The material is lightweight black aluminium. Proprietary design QUICK-CHANGE - quick installation, easy use, compact size.

Warranty - 6 months.

• simple installation;
• does not interfere with the game;
• manual processing of details.

• high price.

for ukulele

5th place Ortega OCAPOUKE-BCR

Represented by Ortega Trading Company (Indonesia). The material of the product is aluminum alloy, black chrome plated. There are silicone pads (protection from scratches).

Suitable for banjo (flat fingerboard).

Weight - 0.1 kg. Gift packaging - black cardboard box.

• simple functionality;
• universal application;
• gift wrap.

• not found.

4th place ALICE A007P/BK

Made by ALICE (China). Black metal clip. There are blue rubber pads.

Packing - blister.

• reliable clamp;
• good price.

• not found.

3rd place ALICE A007R/BK

Released by the Chinese company ALICE. Material is black metal. There are rubber protective pads. screw mechanism.

Packed in a blister.

• affordable cost;
• convenient design.

• not found.

2nd place KYSER KULEA

The manufacturer is the American company KYSER (USA). The material is lightweight aluminium. Color - Hawaiian motifs. Available in three colors: Pastel Hibiscus, Red Hibiscus, Hawaiian Flower Garland. The mechanism is a spring. Manual grinding.

Compact size, spring tension is weaker. Suitable banjo, mandolin.

Warranty - 6 months.

• suitable for instruments with a small flat neck;
• there are three color options;
• convenient to use;
• reliable material.

• high price.

1st place KYSER KBMBA

The manufacturer is KYSER (USA). Material: black aluminium. Universal option for ukulele, mandolin, banjo. The mechanism of action is a spring clamp.There is a soft padding (protection).

Warranty - 6 months.

• suitable for mandolin, banjo;
• simple, convenient use;
• reliable system, material;
• there is a warranty period.

• not found.

Conclusion

The right choice of string clamp will allow you to change the key, adjust to the vocals of the performer, play bright solo parts in jazz and rock music concerts. Knowing the structural features, the mechanism of action, you can quickly select the right tool that will last a long time.