When you guys capo up to play in a different key on your banjo, do you have to do a lot of retuning? What about when you spike the fifth string?
I have a Paige and a Shubb capo, both adjustable. I have found that if I just gently turn the knob until the fret stops buzzing, I don’t have to re-tune as much, but I am still always sharp. Just wanted to see if this was the way it is for everybody.
I find that my main capo doesn’t typically require much (if any) re-tuning putting it on or off (as you said, just enough tension helps a bunch). Another thing I have found is that often if a string is off one way or another with the capo, it can be because the capo is pulling the string towards or away from the bridge. Simply loosening the capo and carefully re-setting it eliminates the issue.
With that said, my spikes pull a note way sharp. I haven’t figured a way around that other than re-tuning.
Just remember… when you capo, you are increasing the tension on the string, similarly to what a bend does. So, in most cases you will be a little sharp when you capo or spike your string.
There’ll always be some tuning with a capo. I put it perfectly straight and right below the fret for the least tuning. Make it snug enough to get the best sound and no buzzing but don’t go overboard. For me the Elliott requires much less tuning than any other capo
Hi @Shad I guess you haven’t been playing banjo long enough to know many banjo jokes.
To answer both these questions - Yes all the time. Maybe less so on my Stelling.
Yes, even Earl had to deal with this. Watch this vid: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/banjo-setup-with-steve-huber-capo-placement-banjo
And this one: https://banjobenclark.com/lessons/banjo-capo-strategy-banjo