Capo for bass

[lozbass]

Maybe an odd question but does anybody use or know of a capo that is designed for or will function on 4 and 5 string bass?

I'm moving to short-scale playing entirely but have some long-scale basses that I don't want to sell (and would like to continue to use). I'm not sure if a capo is feasible or a solution. The idea would be to tune down a full step (DGCF) then apply the capo at the 2nd fret. Any experience/ideas gratefully received.

[skankdelvar]

Myself, I don't know of a bass-specific capo, but I've used a Shubb on my 4-strings. Dunno about 5-strings - depends on width of capo, I s'pose.

Shubb series 1 capos are 2" wide and 9"-15" radius. The series 3 (for 12 string guitars) is 2.25" wide.

Never used anything other than Shubbs, so someone else will have to pronounce on things like the Spider-capo and other brands...

[lozbass]

Skandelvar, thanks - Shubb is a brand I've heard of - I'll check them out

[gjones]

Tried one the other day as I'd learned a song in F# and the singer wanted to sing it in F.

It didn't work........

[danthevan]

Try a cheapo one like this http://0.tqn.com/d/guitar/1/0/Z/w/dunlop-curved-capo.jpg

[KiOgon]

I've used one of these for years - no problem:- http://www.normans.co.uk/p-3664-planet-waves-ns-capo-lite.aspx

[gjones]

I tell a lie. Changed to larger gauge strings and it works. That'll come in handy as a lot of songs my band plays are in F. I can now play them in E. Result!

[lozbass]

Hi all and thanks very much for the inputs - it appears that a capo works! I'll get out and find one (thanks too for the recommendations) and report back on the results. Cheers, Loz

[Lasermonkey]

Our singer decided that his voice sounded better two semitones up on one particular song, and as i was using an open, drone note, i tried a Kyser capo and it worked perfectly!

[iiipopes]

I use an ancient Hamilton capo for the few times I need to capo up a fret or two to play technical parts with horns.

Edited May 16, 2013 by iiipopes

[lozbass]

Again, thanks for the responses - I'm now fully convinced - just haven't had time to get around to purchase. More soon!

[ChickenKiev]

I've always viewed the idea of a capo on a bass to be quite interesting.

I once tried it when I was sixteen using one of my dad's capos from his acoustic guitar, and it worked, but I'm not sure on the practical uses unless you're doing chords or, like a person said above me, drone notes in different keys.

I say go for it and try it and let us know how it works. I wouldn't bust my balls trying to find a bass capo though, I'd just buy any old one and see if that works for you. The one I used was a Shubb-style mechanism.