If you’re a guitarist who plays a 12-string acoustic guitar, finding the correct guitar capo can enhance your playing experience by offering you more flexibility. Luckily, a 12-string guitar capo is specifically designed to fit this guitar’s fundamental design, allowing you to easily change keys without re-tuning your instrument.
In this guide, we will explore the top capos for 12-string guitars available on the market and their features and advantages so you can make an informed decision and find the best one for your needs.
Table of Contents
- The Importance of a 12-String Guitar Capo
- Factors to Consider When Choosing a 12-String Guitar Capo
- Construction and Materials
- Tension Adjustment
- Ease of Use
- Compatibility
- Price
- The Top 5 Capos for 12-String Guitars
- 1. Shubb S3 Deluxe Series 12-String Guitar Capo
- 2. Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 12-String Guitars
- 3. G7th Newport Guitar Capo (C32013)
- 4. D’Addario Pro Plus 12-String Capo
- 5. Paige 12-String Guitar Capo
- Conclusion
The Importance of a 12-String Guitar Capo
A 12-string guitar capo is a crucial accessory for any guitarist looking to expand their musical range. Unlike a standard 6-string guitar, a 12-string guitar has six pairs of strings, resulting in a fuller and richer sound.
However, due to the differing tension of these strings, a 12-string guitar requires a specifically designed capo to ensure proper pressure and intonation.
Like a regular capo, though, with a 12-string guitar capo, you can easily change the key of your music without re-tuning your instrument. This allows for seamless transitions between songs and enables you to play in different keys without having to learn new chord shapes.
Whether you’re a professional musician or a hobbyist, a 12-string guitar capo opens up a world of creative possibilities and enhances your overall playing experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a 12-String Guitar Capo
When searching for any guitar capo, there are several factors to consider to ensure you find the perfect match for your instrument and playing style. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Construction and Materials
The construction and materials of a capo play a significant role in its durability, performance, and overall quality. Look for capos made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel or aluminum, as these materials are strong, lightweight, and resistant to wear and tear.
A well-constructed capo will ensure even pressure on the strings, preventing buzzing or unwanted noise and maintaining proper intonation.
Tension Adjustment
The ability to adjust the tension of the capo is crucial for achieving optimal performance on a 12-string guitar. Different guitars may require different tension levels to maintain proper intonation and eliminate buzzing.
Look for capos that offer tension adjustment mechanisms, such as screws or knobs, which allow you to fine-tune the tension to suit your guitar’s specific requirements.
Ease of Use
An easy-to-use capo can significantly enhance your playing experience. Unless you’re looking for a specific style, look for capos that are simple to install and remove, allowing for quick and hassle-free changes during performances or practice sessions.
Features such as one-handed operation or quick-release mechanisms can make using a capo effortless and convenient.
Compatibility
Ensure that the capo you choose is compatible with 12-string guitars. Some capos have specific designs or features tailored to accommodate the wider neck and thicker strings of a 12-string guitar.
Verify that the capo is designed to fit your guitar properly and provide even pressure across all strings. However, all of the ones listed here are made for 12-string guitars to help you save time!
Price
Capos come in a wide range of prices, so consider your budget when choosing the best option for you. While more expensive capos may offer additional features or higher-quality materials, there are also affordable options that provide excellent performance too.
Determine your budget and prioritize the features that matter most to you before making a purchase.
The Top 5 Capos for 12-String Guitars
Below, you can find some of the best 12-string guitar capos that have varying features based on the factors mentioned in the previous section.
1. Shubb S3 Deluxe Series 12-String Guitar Capo
Shubb is highly regarded by guitarists and their S3 Deluxe Series 12-String one for its excellent fit and performance on most 12-string guitars. It is designed with a custom-built rubber that imitates the human finger, resulting in minimal buzzing and even tension across the strings.
The capo’s tension adjustment mechanism, operated by a screw, allows for a wide range of adjustments to suit your guitar’s specific needs. Made from stainless steel, the S3 Deluxe Series by Shubb is durable and has a premium feel, and it’s surprisingly very affordable considering this.
- Distinctive capo design that has been loved and trusted by musicians for over 35 years
- Unique among adjustable capos, with Shubb you can “set it and forget it”- no need to reset the pressure with each use
- Locking and removing is as simple as flipping the lever
- Custom-made rubber works just like a fingertip and effortlessly keeps your guitar in tune
2. Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 12-String Guitars
Like Shubb, Kyser is one of the leading manufacturers of guitar capos, and their Quick-Change is easily one of the best around. Adapted for 12-string guitars, these are definitely easy to install and remove with just one hand!
The capo’s spring-loaded design provides even tension on the strings, preventing buzzing when properly adjusted. It is made of lightweight aluminum with a steel spring, ensuring durability without adding unnecessary weight to your instrument. While it lacks tension adjustment, the Kyser Quick-Change is a reliable and affordable option for 12-string guitar players.
- Specifically designed for 12-string guitars
- The original one-handed Quick-Change capo
- Strong, lightweight aluminum with steel spring
- Parks on the guitar’s headstock when not in use
- Made in USA and guaranteed for life
3. G7th Newport Guitar Capo (C32013)
The G7th Newport is a flagship capo, and they have one that’s designed specifically for 12-string guitars. These feature a compensated string pad to provide even tension across all strings and ensure maximum tuning stability and effortless movement on the guitar’s neck.
With its sleek silver design, this capo not only enhances the visual appeal of your instrument but also elevates its performance. The easy-to-use screw mechanism also lets you tighten or loosen the capo quickly, providing precise control over the desired pressure level.
- Enhanced performance – specifically for 12-string acoustic guitars
- Fits snugly behind the fret
- Features a longer arm to fit an acoustic 12-string guitar fingerboard
4. D’Addario Pro Plus 12-String Capo
The D’Addario Pro Plus offers an incredibly easy-to-use design, and its flat string pad allows for compatibility with any 12-string guitar, including those with reverse octave string positions like Rickenbacker guitars.
The capo provides good performance and even string tension, with an adjustable knob for tension adjustment. This D’Addario capo is an affordable option, although its build quality may not be as durable as other capos shared here, such as the previously mentioned G7th Newport.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE: FlexFit Technology automatically adjusts to any fretboard radius. Optimal Pressure on every string for unmatched, in-tune performance
- DESIGNED FOR: Ideal for 6 or 12-string guitars or any instrument with octave pairs of strings
- BUZZ FREE: Optimal pressure on each string prevents fret buzz
- EASY TO USE: Single hand operation for adjusting tension and moving up and down the fretboard with ease.
5. Paige 12-String Guitar Capo
This Paige capo features a vintage design that perfectly matches old-school 12-string acoustic guitars. It has a traditional pad that applies even tension to the strings, preventing buzzing and ensuring a secure clamping.
The capo’s adjustable tension knob allows for precise tension adjustment, and although it may not be as simple to add or remove as the other capos we’ve gone over, its unique design and performance make it an attractive option.
- GUITAR CAPO with an innovative design that additionally provides controllable tension with precise adjustment for 12-string guitars.
- UNIQUE CAPO DESIGN that provides no string buzz or muting due to pulling from the center of the guitar neck instead of the side.
- EASY TO USE guitar capo for 12-string acoustic guitars that moves quickly and easily with 1-hand action.
- ACOUSTIC GUITAR CAPO that can easily be stored behind the nut when not in use.
- 12-STRING CAPO that is made in the USA with quality craftsmanship that make a durable and easy-to-use guitar capo.
Conclusion
Whether strumming chords, playing intricate melodies, or accompanying a singer, a guitar capo is one of the best acoustic guitar accessories you can have.
If you have a 12-string guitar, luckily, there are many excellent options available to you, such as the ones covered here, and to recap, we’ve shown you the following:
- Shubb S3 Deluxe Series 12-String Guitar Capo
- Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 12-String Guitars
- G7th Newport Guitar Capo (C32013)
- D’Addario Pro Plus 12-String Capo
- Paige 12-String Guitar Capo
Hopefully, one of these finds its way onto your guitar soon, and you can take advantage of the adaptability that a great guitar capo can offer you!