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Post by BigBadDom on Feb 27, 2007 21:02:03 GMT
Hi, Some people don't like using a capo when playing slide because they lose the high action. I don't mind too much, but it's easy to clank strings onto the neck near the capo. So, I had an idea... I made a special wedge to go under the capo to raise the action, so it's similar to the top nut! It has a ridge underneath so it can be positioned exactly over the fret and another on top to make sure there's no rattle when clamped by the capo. Here's a couple of photos: The pictures aren't that clear so here's a little diagram (viewed from the side of the neck... It's much easier to play at the lower frets and sounds as good as when capoing without the capo-nut. This is a prototype made from a plastic saddle, but I'll do another from bone. Of course, it's a logical development from the dobro capo, but I've never seen one before! So, whaddya reckon? Shall I make a couple of hundred and get on eBay? Remember folks, you saw it here first! Dom
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Post by Michael Messer on Feb 27, 2007 23:47:49 GMT
Hi Dom,
It's a great idea and you should have a go at selling them. But be careful of Shubb, as you are using their capo to make your Capo Nut.
I know of a couple of capos for square neck guitars that are similar - One is a capo that I designed with Dave KIng for square-neck Tricones, but never went any further into production with. And the other is Kelly Joe Phelps' own design capo. Both are very close to your design, but do not use a Shubb or any other brand of capo.
We saw it here first folks!!!!!!
Shine On Dom, Michael
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Post by Dom on Feb 28, 2007 8:47:16 GMT
Michael, This will work with almost any capo though. It doesn't need to be a shubb.
I've tried it with my cheapo elastic strap version and it works just as well (or as well as this capo ever does!).
Dom
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Post by robn on Feb 28, 2007 9:31:05 GMT
Hey Dom, Great idea I have a hybrid action on my reso so I can slide in open tunings and pick in standard - but this does make slide work a little tight when I capo up in open tunings. Your capo-nut would really help. I don't think that you would have any copyright issues as it would be the specially shaped piece of bone or Tusk you would be selling - which, as you say, can then be used with any capo. The capo systems that Michael has mentioned are for lap style, whereas the novelty of your design is that it simply gives you a standard nut-height action at any starting point on the fretboard, rather than a fret hight action when you capo. This means you can still hold down cord shapes or fret behind the slide - but you just have that bit more space to dig in with the slide for tone and volume. I have a question though - In the pictures it looks like you are using the capo-nut on a guitar with an almost flat fretboard. Would you have to use a slightly curved capo-nut on standard radius fretboards? Like I said - A great idea Dom - I'd like to try one! Robn
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Post by BigBadDom on Feb 28, 2007 12:16:09 GMT
Robn, Yes, you're right my reso has a flat fingerboard. The underside of the capo-nut would need to be similarly radiused for a standard fingerboard.
I can see problems of getting it to fit correctly on anything but a flat fingerboard. A thin piece of foam underneath might allow it to fit snugly? However, it's more likely to appeal to sliders playing reso's with flat fingerboards.
Just an idea, but if there's enough interest I could make a few for others to try out.
Dom
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Post by Deleted on Feb 28, 2007 15:06:01 GMT
I would certainly be interested in trying one and giving feedback.
Great idea
Paul
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Post by Michael Messer on Feb 28, 2007 16:15:53 GMT
I am just an old timer who doesn't like new-fangled machines! But....I actually like the capo pulling the action down as it gives the guitar a whole different feel - a tightness which suits certain styles of playing.
Shine On, Michael.
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Post by andys on Feb 28, 2007 19:00:40 GMT
Top Idea this, it would also work with a Kyser capo, which means that you could partial capo as well, and leave top or bottom strings open and un-capoed.
It'lld also have a use to turn a low action electric into a higher action slider on the odd occasion too!
Yours
Andy S
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Post by BigBadDom on Mar 1, 2007 12:24:50 GMT
Hi, Thanks for the comments.
I've played around with a bit more...
It works fine on an electric guitar so it's a really simple & quick way to play slide on a conventionally set up guitar. The radiused neck doesn't seem to be a problem (not on my strat anyway). I've seen those nut raiser thingys, but this way is even easier - as easy as putting a capo on.
It's also great for capoing at the 1st fret, which is hard on my resonator with high action and string tension so near the nut.
I'm going to make 5 more samples. If you would like to try one out, please send me your name & address in a private message. I would value comments and feedback.
If you like it and want to keep it, I'm going to charge £4 (i think that's reasonable?). If you don't want it, just send it back. It's up to you - no pressure.
I'll make more if there's a demand. I'm not trying to do a hard sell here, but this thing is really quite useful!
Dom
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