Great video! I think an often overlooked aspect in these kinds of comparisons is that there's two schools of thought when it comes to capo design. While most manufacturers seem to agree now that a slightly radiused pad works the best, there's a bit of a schism regarding tone. Some manufacturers use softer pads because they want their capos to mimic the sound of a fretting finger, while others want theirs to sound like a second bone nut, just higher up the neck and use harder materials for that. Of course, designers sometimes fall short of their sonic goals, but there's a fundamental difference in philosophy between a brand like Shubb (which are made to sound "fleshy") and classic Bluegrass brands like Paige or Elliot, who want their yoke-style capos to sound as clear and bone-nut-like as possible. Personally, I'm completely happy with middle-of-the-road offerings like the G7th Nashville (good choice, Chris!) and my favourite, the D'Addario Pro Capo. A Shubb steals too much high-end for my liking, but these sound markedly clearer than the Shubb and sport better ergonomics to me than a yoke-style capo.
Thank you, Vincent, for the thoughtful comment, and that's a great insight. It really does depend on the school of thought and application. Glad you enjoyed this episode 👍
I thought I heard a bit of difference between the capos in the first part of the video. When it came to the B roll at the end I can't say I noticed a difference. Once or two I thought I might have heard something different between one and the next but the difference was very subtle to the point it would make no difference to me which capo I used. I did notice a difference between using fingers for a barre chord vs a capo. When using a capo the chord sounded a little brighter.
Great video! Capos allow open string voicings that would be impossible to play without them. Definitely not cheating by any means. Same as using various open tunings. Something like DADGAD allows a variety of voicings which resonate a very specific way. Additionally certain voicings don't work with barring because being able to allow open strings to ring as pedal tones imparts a very distinct tonal flavor. Some of my favorite voicings use standard open chord shapes in non-standard positions up the neck (ex open A fingering on the 9th fret which is an E/A... Amaj7 (9/no 3rd)-we call these hybrid chords at Berklee). They are impossible to replicate with barring due to where the notes fall in the register.
I have never been really happy using Capo's, I just don't get the clarity of sound that I like, though I have never been able to afford the higher end makes. Thanks for the taking the time to bring us these valued video's.
The tone is inherently prettier with a capo. Weaker but prettier. There's a weird chorusy chime there with a capo on. Plus the action becomes incredibly low so it's really fun to play. For me it has nothing to do with 'cheating' in a pedagogical sense. That's just the usual sort of ridiculousness that gets passed on.
Another very informative video. I love that OM style that was being played in this video too. Maybe that will be my next Alvarez. I could make several different videos with that guitar. And I love that natural finish. Keep up the great videos Gentlemen.
@@timdornbusch4820 And if yours sounds that good I can only imagine how good the all solid wood version would sound like. I've had a chance to play their lower cost dreadnoughts at my local guitar store and was impressed with its sound. Not as resonant as my MD60BG (solid mahogany back and sides) but had a very good sound. Again, I am very impressed with what Alvarez is doing.
@@timdornbusch4820 I've made a few videos on my MD60BG and am getting ready to make another here soon. That thing sounds great through my Aston Origin too, which I use for all my guitar recordings, and completely clean. I add nothing to enhance the sound.
One comment said to list the guitar models. I agree. I would also request you note the microphone and recording settings. BTW I have a capo for all my guitars and mandolins-use them all the time.
Thank you @Dogband, you can find the guitar models in our description. Will pass on the mic/recording info request as well. Which capo do you use for mandolin?
I just bought a g7th art3 capo for my Alvarez guitar and I don’t like it, doesn’t fit good at the radius of the fretboard and makes out of tune on low E and B strings
I also bought a G7th Nashville Classical that was too tight. It would not open enough and was difficult to put on and take off. G7th replaced it with another of the same model that open a bit more, just enough to be usable. Maybe my neck is thicker than most.
Great video! I think an often overlooked aspect in these kinds of comparisons is that there's two schools of thought when it comes to capo design. While most manufacturers seem to agree now that a slightly radiused pad works the best, there's a bit of a schism regarding tone. Some manufacturers use softer pads because they want their capos to mimic the sound of a fretting finger, while others want theirs to sound like a second bone nut, just higher up the neck and use harder materials for that.
Of course, designers sometimes fall short of their sonic goals, but there's a fundamental difference in philosophy between a brand like Shubb (which are made to sound "fleshy") and classic Bluegrass brands like Paige or Elliot, who want their yoke-style capos to sound as clear and bone-nut-like as possible.
Personally, I'm completely happy with middle-of-the-road offerings like the G7th Nashville (good choice, Chris!) and my favourite, the D'Addario Pro Capo. A Shubb steals too much high-end for my liking, but these sound markedly clearer than the Shubb and sport better ergonomics to me than a yoke-style capo.
Thank you, Vincent, for the thoughtful comment, and that's a great insight. It really does depend on the school of thought and application. Glad you enjoyed this episode 👍
I thought I heard a bit of difference between the capos in the first part of the video. When it came to the B roll at the end I can't say I noticed a difference. Once or two I thought I might have heard something different between one and the next but the difference was very subtle to the point it would make no difference to me which capo I used. I did notice a difference between using fingers for a barre chord vs a capo. When using a capo the chord sounded a little brighter.
Great video!
Capos allow open string voicings that would be impossible to play without them. Definitely not cheating by any means. Same as using various open tunings. Something like DADGAD allows a variety of voicings which resonate a very specific way.
Additionally certain voicings don't work with barring because being able to allow open strings to ring as pedal tones imparts a very distinct tonal flavor.
Some of my favorite voicings use standard open chord shapes in non-standard positions up the neck (ex open A fingering on the 9th fret which is an E/A... Amaj7 (9/no 3rd)-we call these hybrid chords at Berklee). They are impossible to replicate with barring due to where the notes fall in the register.
We really appreciate your comment, thank you for watching!
Been using Shubb capos for years.
Classic choice, Donald! Thank you for watching.
Nice video guys!!! I would love a video about best capos for 12 string guitars! Which ones are the best for a 12 string guitar?
Great video! Makes a lot of sense
Thank you, Jesse!
Been using a Shubb myself for longer than I can remember
Can't go wrong with a Shubb, Larry. Thanks for tuning in 👍
I have never been really happy using Capo's, I just don't get the clarity of sound that I like, though I have never been able to afford the higher end makes. Thanks for the taking the time to bring us these valued video's.
Thanks for watching, Ron 👍
The tone is inherently prettier with a capo. Weaker but prettier. There's a weird chorusy chime there with a capo on. Plus the action becomes incredibly low so it's really fun to play. For me it has nothing to do with 'cheating' in a pedagogical sense. That's just the usual sort of ridiculousness that gets passed on.
Another very informative video. I love that OM style that was being played in this video too. Maybe that will be my next Alvarez. I could make several different videos with that guitar. And I love that natural finish. Keep up the great videos Gentlemen.
Appreciate the feedback, @Hayes Tech, thank you for watching! (Tim does love this OM and thinks you will too.)
I have a OM af30 and I love it. My friends have played it and said it compares to a martin. Awesome guitar in the $300 price range
@@timdornbusch4820
And if yours sounds that good I can only imagine how good the all solid wood version would sound like. I've had a chance to play their lower cost dreadnoughts at my local guitar store and was impressed with its sound. Not as resonant as my MD60BG (solid mahogany back and sides) but had a very good sound. Again, I am very impressed with what Alvarez is doing.
@@timdornbusch4820
I've made a few videos on my MD60BG and am getting ready to make another here soon. That thing sounds great through my Aston Origin too, which I use for all my guitar recordings, and completely clean. I add nothing to enhance the sound.
One comment said to list the guitar models. I agree. I would also request you note the microphone and recording settings. BTW I have a capo for all my guitars and mandolins-use them all the time.
Thank you @Dogband, you can find the guitar models in our description. Will pass on the mic/recording info request as well. Which capo do you use for mandolin?
These guys should have their own videos on You Tube
They should.
How popular has your 8 string been…? I really like the sound of it and would love to hear it with a capo..Thanks…!
Thank you Michael, it is a popular one! Will see what we can do about the capo request. We may be featuring it again in an upcoming episode…
Great tone to me!
Thanks Anthony 👍
I just bought a g7th art3 capo for my Alvarez guitar and I don’t like it, doesn’t fit good at the radius of the fretboard and makes out of tune on low E and B strings
Interesting, Jerry, which model do you have?
I also bought a G7th Nashville Classical that was too tight. It would not open enough and was difficult to put on and take off. G7th replaced it with another of the same model that open a bit more, just enough to be usable. Maybe my neck is thicker than most.
@@AlvarezGuitarsOfficial is an AD60CESHB, this g7th art3 capo si useless an expensive
@@jerrymora6910 Did you find a capo you like?
👍
Earl Scruggs "You Are My Flower" - Capo VII.
Great 👍