SHUBB FS Fifth String Capo for Banjo

The Shubb Fifth String Capo for Banjo

This was the product 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. A few years ago we remodeled the bar, a change which I'd long considered. 
I personally never capo the fifth string any higher than the tenth fret (this would go along with 
the regular capo being at the fifth fret). So for my own banjo, I made a custom bar which was much 
shorter (5.75"). This shorter bar is now 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 original 
eight inch, three-screw bar is still available. The price is the same.
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Installation

We strongly recommend that you have a luthier or repair person install your fifth string capo. 
Most places that work on instruments can mount it for you in just a few minutes. Or if you 
are handy with small tools, and not shy about working on your banjo, you could install it yourself. 
In either case, the Shubb Company is not responsible for the quality or consequences of the 
installation process.

Installation instructions are provided in the package, but in case you've lost the insert, 
you can download the instructions here.

ftp://ftp.sonic.net/pub/users/shubb/FS%20installation7.pdf

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.

http://www.frets.com/FretsPages/Musician/Banjo/5thNut/5thnut.html

Original Shubb capo, plain brass. A natural for anyone who favors a retro look.

A few years ago we upgraded the original nickel plated Shubb capo, giving it the roller design, and a more 
streamlined look and feel. But whenever you change something, some people will prefer the original. So for 
those who still want the “classic” — the original Shubb capo as it has been for over 40 years — we are continuing 
to make the ORIGINAL Shubb capo available in plain brass.

Plain, unplated brass will darken in time. For those of us who appreciate brass, we prefer this look; reminiscent 
of an old microscope, or a piece of gear from a sailing ship. But if you like your brass to shine, it can be polished 
with a cloth and most any commercial metal polish.

Since 1980 the Shubb capo has set the standard against which all others must be measured. It is the first choice 
often the only choice… of more than a million musicians worldwide. The serious guitarist will settle for no less.

SHUBB C7 Partial Capo D-Tune, Nickel

Shubb:In 1995 we introduced our partial capo, and it has been growing in popularity ever since.

It skips the outside string and covers the next three, either 2-3-4 or 5-4-3 (emulating DADGAD tuning) 

Our C7 and C7b partial capos skips the outside string and covers the next three. In the most common 
use this emulates DADGAD open tuning, while leaving the string tension unchanged, in traditional tuning. 
For years guitarists had been cutting up capos to accomplish this; then in 1995 we introduced this very 
special, partial capo to do the job.