I got a new banjo and needed another Shubb 5th-string capo. I've been using them since about 1977 - you do the math.
Some people prefer the HO railroad spikes for the 5th string, but I never did. With the Shubb 5th-string capo, I can tighten the thumbscrew pushing the finger down to get the 5th string perfectly in tune without having to retune after releasing it - a real time saver between tunes.
If you MUST remove the head from the bar for any reason, pay close attention to the position of the little coil spring inside the head. Note before you take the head off, that the spring works opposite the thumbscrew to keep the finger off the string when not being used. This spring must contact the bar correctly or the little finger will probably not stay away from the 5th string when NOT in use. This new capo has little O-Rings to keep the head from falling off inadvertently before installation - a nice touch. My first one didn't have these and I found out the hard way, after it fell off, about re-installing it with the spring oriented correctly. It took me e few times before I figured out how to do it correctly. It's not hard once you know how!
Also, you must drill three holes in the neck in the vicinity of the binding (or where the binding would be if your banjo doesn't have any) to mount the bar. if you're really not sure what you are doing, you might be better off letting a luthier install it. If you do, it's a very straightforward installation. I can do it in less than an hour.
The only thing not so good that I noticed concerned the flat head countersunk screw that installs in the middle of the bar. The one I received with this particular box, extended a little above the bar countersink and the head would not go past it. (It was the screw manufacturer's error, not Shubb's.) I had to file the head down a little to be flush with the bar's countersink. Now it works great!
I put this 5th-string capo on every banjo I own - they work that well!
Shubb FS-LB 5th String Long Bar Banjo Capo - Stainless Steel
4.3
| 51 ratingsPrice: 40.81
Last update: 08-19-2024
About this item
Distinctive capo design that has been loved and trusted by banjo players for over 35 years
Allows the 5th-string to be capoed up to the 10th fret for countless key possibilities
Patented sliding lever is easy to use and minimizes re-tuning between key changes
Dovetailed slide bar fits snugly against the neck, out of the way of the player's thumb
To learn more about this product, see our Product Description below
Allows the 5th-string to be capoed up to the 10th fret for countless key possibilities
Patented sliding lever is easy to use and minimizes re-tuning between key changes
Dovetailed slide bar fits snugly against the neck, out of the way of the player's thumb
To learn more about this product, see our Product Description below
Product information
Item Weight | 2.4 ounces |
---|---|
Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 3 x 0.25 inches |
ASIN | B004VDD554 |
Item model number | BC-25L |
Customer Reviews |
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars
51 ratings
4.4 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #6,682 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #4 in Banjos (Musical Instruments) |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Date First Available | March 25, 2011 |
Compatible Devices | banjo |
Material Type | Stainless Steel |