Subject: Capos
Date: Mon, 13 Sep 2004 23:54:32 -0700

Hi Mickey. I've got a Regal Squareneck I'm learning to play-Thanks for the web lessons. they are great. My question is about Capos. I have a Shubb which I bought because if fits on the fret directly insuring good pitch. I have a lot of trouble getting it on. At the 2nd fret, I have to lift up the strings with my left hand to put it on, as it won't slide under the strings. It gets easier down the neck, but still it won't slide under the strings. Am I doing something wrong? What is the correct string height for a Dobro? Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Stan Smith

Greetings Stan,

Yes, this is common...the problem lies in the fact that the Regal comes with a lower nut on average than the standard squareneck. Because of this, the Shubb will many times not fit at all. In your case, you're at least able to use it to some degree. You have two options: 1. replace the nut with a higher one...2. purchase a floating dobro capo such as the Beard.

The floating capo doesn't have guide to ensure exact placement...even so, it's still fairly easy to use...

Mickey

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Subject: need help quick
Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 10:56:00 -0500

Hello Mickey from Hamilton Ontario Canada, hope you are a bit warmer then we
are here ,even the moose have left for Florida, may I get your advice on a
problem our dobro player experienced last night. He was in an open G tuning
which sounded in tune until he capoed at the second fret, and then the dobro
sounded really out of tune with the rest of our band, he couldn't figure
why, and after retuning it with a tuner same result. your expertise would be
appreciated as we have a gig tomorrow and need to get a fix, any help you
can give us would be greatly appreciated..thanks Steve

Greetings Steve,

Yes, we've been experiencing some nice warm weather...

There are a few variables here...however, I believe that the simple answer of using a Shubb Brass Dobro capo will take care of this:

1. Which type of Dobro Capo is he using...stay away from the elastic ones...these add a lot of unnecessary tension and can sharpen the notes.

2. You've got to be extra careful when using a floating capo...it's got to be placed directly over the fret.

3. The Shubb Brass Capo is good since it mounts up against the fret below the placement of where the capo needs to be exactly...so this ensures accurate tuning.

4. When tightening the tension of the capo, you've got to be extra careful not to overtighten.

5. The angle of the capo can also make a difference...you'll always want to make sure the capo is perfectly aligned...it needs to be a straight line, just like the frets below it.

6. If none of the above works, your dobro player may need to learn to play in closed positions...this can sound quite a bit different than open position hammers...even so, it can still be contributory in a different way...more of a pedal steel sound than a bluegrass sound.

I'm not sure how else I can assist...please send me further questions if need be or to expound on the above answers...good luck, Mickey