Banjo Capos Shubb 5th String and HO RR Spikes

We have quite a few options available to our customers for any banjo purchased through Folk of the Wood. Before your banjo ships, we can customize it to your liking.

Following is only a sampling of what is available to enhance and increase the value of your new banjo:

1. 5th String HO Railroad Spikes
Your Cost: 10.00 per spike installed
Commonly Installed in 7 & 9 frets for keys A and B...can also be installed in 7, 8, 9 & 10 for keys A, B, C and D.

3. Shubb 5th String Capo Purchase Price without installation (we do not recommend attempting to install this capo without an experienced repair technician):

The 5-String Banjo is always tuned to an open tuning. Commonly, and for bluegrass playing, the tuning is GDGBD. This means that when you strum it open, you have a G Chord. After learning a roll pattern, in combination with a melody such as "Old Joe Clark", you'll more than likely have down pat a tune in the key of G. Now, if you end up in a jam session, you may encounter a problem if any fiddlers or mandolinists are around. Most every fiddler/mandolinist knows "Old Joe Clark" in the key of A, not G. The combination roll pattern and melody you've learned in G will no longer apply. Now, if you have HO RR Spikes as a 5th String Capo, along with a regular banjo capo, you only need to move your 5th string under the RR Spike, and place your regular capo on the second fret of your banjo. You will now be in the key of A, and you'll be ready to play "Old Joe Clark" using the same roll/melody pattern you've already learned. The capo will also add a completely different flavor to old worn out tunes that you've been playing and have learned in open position G.

Pros:
1. Does not usually get in the way of fretting your 5th string...
2. Allows you to play with your thumb over the neck.
3. Many traditional banjo players have used these over the years including Earl Scruggs himself.

Cons:
1. Requires retuning since the string is pulled down slightly (usually the 5th string goes slightly sharp).
2. Does not allow sliding on the 5th String when fretting.

Increases the versatility of your banjo and the capability to change keys. Increases the Value of your Banjo.

The Shubb is a professional 5th string capo system that allows you to change keys quickly and efficiently. I use one myself and have for 20+ years. What I like about the Shubb 5th String Capo:

Pros:
1. It only takes one hand to change keys, so you'll have to capability to change your 5th string drone even in the middle of a song.
2. It covers every fret from the 6th all the way up to the end of the rail at the key of C.
3. Because of the tension screw, you can change keys without having to retune.
4. It's fast and efficient.
5. It enhances the look of a banjo (in my opinion).
6. Allows for both fretting and sliding on the 5th string.

Cons:
1. It may get in the way of some players who play with their thumb residing on the top of the neck.
2. If you fret with your thumb, it may get in the way.

The 5-String Banjo is always tuned to an open tuning. Commonly, and for bluegrass playing, the tuning is GDGBD. This means that when you strum it open, you have a G Chord. After learning a roll pattern, in combination with a melody such as "Old Joe Clark", you'll more than likely have down pat a tune in the key of G. Now, if you end up in a jam session, you may encounter a problem if any fiddlers or mandolinists are around. Most every fiddler/mandolinist knows "Old Joe Clark" in the key of A, not G. The combination roll pattern and melody you've learned in G will no longer apply. Now, if you have a Shubb 5th String Capo, along with a regular banjo capo, you only need to slide the Shubb rail tension screw to the second fret and tighten down...follow this by placing your regular capo on the second fret of your banjo. You will now be in the key of A, and you'll be ready to play "Old Joe Clark" using the same roll/melody pattern you've already learned. The capo will also add a completely different flavor to old worn out tunes that you've been playing and have learned in open position G.

The Shubb Fifth String Capo for Banjo from the Shubb Website:

This was the gadget that got it all started for us back in 1974, and to this day it's STILL the only fifth string capo worth putting on a banjo. It operates on a lever principle, not a spring, so it provides sufficient pressure to fret the string without muting the tone. It slides on a slim, dovetailed bar which mounts flush to the neck, making it sturdy and unobtrusive.

Originally, our fifth string capo bar was eight inches long, and attached to the banjo neck with three mounting screws. About three years ago we remodeled the bar, a change which I'd considered for many years. I've noticed that I never capo the fifth string any higher than the tenth fret (this would go along with the regular capo being at the fifth fret) ...there simply is always a better alternative to capoing any higher than this. So for my own banjo, I made a custom bar which was much shorter (5.75"). Now we've made the shorter bar our standard size. Besides taking up less space on the neck (for you fellow thumb-wrappers), it offers the additional advantage of using only TWO mounting screws instead of three.

If you feel that you want to be able to capo all the way up to the thirteenth fret, the old eight inch, three-screw bar is still available as a special order item. The price is the same, but there sometimes can be a delay, since we do not always keep the old style long bars in stock.

INSTALLATION

Most places that work on instruments can mount it for you in approximately 1/2 hour. Or if you are handy with tools, and not shy about working on your banjo, you might want to install it yourself, however, we highly recommend that you employ an experienced luthier (instrument repair person).

Expert luthier Frank Ford has provided an excellent description of the proper installation at his website. Even if you have a pro install your capo, it would still be helpful to refer them to Frank's description, since he has considerable experience at installing these capos. I also suggest taking a look at his page regarding fifth string nuts.

Be sure to write if you have any questions regarding these lessons: info@folkofthewood.com

5th String Banjo Capos Professionally Installed by FOTW

5th String Banjo Capos
Professionally Installed by FOTW