Post by RobertW on Feb 18, 2020 13:24:30 GMT -5
This review edited 27-02-2020
Back in 2016 I reviewed the original G7th Newport 12 string capo on my Seagull Coastline 12.
Review of 2016 verison
In my review I found that it was difficult to get the octave strings cleanly capoed. They would be muted or buzz. If you tightened the screw enough to cleanly capo them, the bass strings would be pulled out of tune. I was very unhappy with the capo. I was recent advised the new version was introduced, with 'compensated pad'. I immediately contacted G7th to ask if their new capo addressed my concerns that I had highlighted in my 2016 review. They said they did and sent me one to see for myself.
First off here is their introductory video. You will note he demonstrates the problems with the old version of the capo. He also claims this was the first compensated 12 string capo, forgetting the poorly implemented Paige 12 string capo with adjustable rings.
j
Side by Side
the compensated pad
<---6th string end
Packaging
The Review
I am not a lover of set screw capos. I find them awkward to put on, and aggravating to move and remove. Once on they are great for recording and if you have decades of experiance with them, great for performance.
In my review of the 2016 model, I failed to notice that the bottom arm is a quick-release lever. They call in a 'flip lever' This solves one problem. This isn't just another set screw capo, it is a quick-release set screw capo!
The other problems (octave strings muting and high-tension detuning) are addressed and SOLVED by the compensated pad.
The packaging neglects to mention the importance of lateral positioning of the capo. The thick strings need to sit in the valleys of the pad. Once you do that you can set tension with screw knob and pop capo on and off with ease.
Testing
I prefer to first test capos at the 5th fret as the necks is thicker there than at the more normally used (on full-step down tuned 12 strings) 2ed and 3rd frets. I was pleased with not having to turn and turn and turn the knob as with the old capo. Just a few turns and it was buzz-free! I then released the lever and slide up to 9th fret. I had to back the screw a bit to be able to close lever but still, no buzzing. When I went back down to 2ed fret and tightened I got some buzzing on 6th and 5th octave strings. I loosened and moved capo sideways to make sure the bass strings were in the pad's valleys. No more buzz.
Conclusion
They have certainly solved the muting/buzzing problems. But does this capo beat my current Best for 12 capo, the Shubb Capo Noir? All else being equal, being a quick-release, the Newport has my vote as Best 12 string capo for every day and performance use.
Addendum: Rotation problem
After a few days of playing I noticed an issue at 2ed fret. At normal tension, the capo has tendency to rotate out of parallel with the nut, leaving the 1st string OR the 6th octave string muted. Is the capo designed for narrower neck? Increased tension corrects muted strings.
Increasing pressure solves the problem of rotation. But during my tests the capo is not putting enough pressure down because I was following the instructions to only tighten screw until 1st & 6th strings aren't muted. I have been making the point with G7th that their instructions can contribute to people thinking the capo still mutes.
5 More 12 Strings
I decided to test fit the capo on more 12 string models. At my dealer, I set capo and tested ease of setting 1st and 6th octave string free of muting at both 5th fret and 2ed fret. I used the guitars available in store. I limited time spent on each guitar. When it took too long, I considered it a fail and moved to next guitar. I had a saleskid watching over my shoulder
These 5 were available to test.
Gretsch Rancher G5022cwfe12
Fender Villager
Norman B20-12
Washburn Heritage HD10SCE12
Epiphone DR-212
After 3 guitars my thumb and finger were rubbed raw by the difficulties tightening on some of the guitars.
The Epiphone and the thin neck Fender both gave me muting problems. They both have 12.0" radius. I believe the problem is fretboard radius. Seagull Coastline 12 has very little. As Nick Campling mentioned, all capos use a compromise radius. Seagulls use a 16.0" radius; that is pretty flat.
As for the abrasiveness of the thumb screw. A larger thumb screw knob would help. The best way to avoid that is to follow the SHUBB instructions! The G7th and Shubb lock & release design are very similar.
Adjust screw then lock lever and test strings. DO not try to adjust screw with lever locked.
Recommendations
I think it is important that G7th include a note about the lateral position, otherwise they may get complaints that the capo still buzzes. In addition, instructions on setting the capo, similar to Shubb, should be included on the package.
Although the thumb screw is the same 10mm size as used by many other manufacturers, I would personally prefer a wider thumb screw like the 18mm diameter one D'Addario uses.
Lateral position is incredibly important with this capo. It should be tightened enough that the strings are not muted AND it cannot be rotated on neck pad.
This capo is so on target it made my 12 string move from hanging on the wall, to being played every day.
Coda
G7th is among the few capo companies with a lifetime warranty that is honoured (along with Kyser and Shubb). I am unaware if they have a upgrade program for owners of the old version for the Newport, but I don't think it would harm asking, especially if you were not able to use your old one.
Back in 2016 I reviewed the original G7th Newport 12 string capo on my Seagull Coastline 12.
Review of 2016 verison
In my review I found that it was difficult to get the octave strings cleanly capoed. They would be muted or buzz. If you tightened the screw enough to cleanly capo them, the bass strings would be pulled out of tune. I was very unhappy with the capo. I was recent advised the new version was introduced, with 'compensated pad'. I immediately contacted G7th to ask if their new capo addressed my concerns that I had highlighted in my 2016 review. They said they did and sent me one to see for myself.
First off here is their introductory video. You will note he demonstrates the problems with the old version of the capo. He also claims this was the first compensated 12 string capo, forgetting the poorly implemented Paige 12 string capo with adjustable rings.
j
Side by Side
the compensated pad <---6th string end
Packaging
The Review
I am not a lover of set screw capos. I find them awkward to put on, and aggravating to move and remove. Once on they are great for recording and if you have decades of experiance with them, great for performance.
In my review of the 2016 model, I failed to notice that the bottom arm is a quick-release lever. They call in a 'flip lever' This solves one problem. This isn't just another set screw capo, it is a quick-release set screw capo!
The other problems (octave strings muting and high-tension detuning) are addressed and SOLVED by the compensated pad.
The packaging neglects to mention the importance of lateral positioning of the capo. The thick strings need to sit in the valleys of the pad. Once you do that you can set tension with screw knob and pop capo on and off with ease.
Testing
I prefer to first test capos at the 5th fret as the necks is thicker there than at the more normally used (on full-step down tuned 12 strings) 2ed and 3rd frets. I was pleased with not having to turn and turn and turn the knob as with the old capo. Just a few turns and it was buzz-free! I then released the lever and slide up to 9th fret. I had to back the screw a bit to be able to close lever but still, no buzzing. When I went back down to 2ed fret and tightened I got some buzzing on 6th and 5th octave strings. I loosened and moved capo sideways to make sure the bass strings were in the pad's valleys. No more buzz.
Conclusion
They have certainly solved the muting/buzzing problems. But does this capo beat my current Best for 12 capo, the Shubb Capo Noir? All else being equal, being a quick-release, the Newport has my vote as Best 12 string capo for every day and performance use.
Addendum: Rotation problem
After a few days of playing I noticed an issue at 2ed fret. At normal tension, the capo has tendency to rotate out of parallel with the nut, leaving the 1st string OR the 6th octave string muted. Is the capo designed for narrower neck? Increased tension corrects muted strings.
Increasing pressure solves the problem of rotation. But during my tests the capo is not putting enough pressure down because I was following the instructions to only tighten screw until 1st & 6th strings aren't muted. I have been making the point with G7th that their instructions can contribute to people thinking the capo still mutes.
5 More 12 Strings
I decided to test fit the capo on more 12 string models. At my dealer, I set capo and tested ease of setting 1st and 6th octave string free of muting at both 5th fret and 2ed fret. I used the guitars available in store. I limited time spent on each guitar. When it took too long, I considered it a fail and moved to next guitar. I had a saleskid watching over my shoulder
These 5 were available to test.
Gretsch Rancher G5022cwfe12
Fender Villager
Norman B20-12
Washburn Heritage HD10SCE12
Epiphone DR-212
After 3 guitars my thumb and finger were rubbed raw by the difficulties tightening on some of the guitars.
The Epiphone and the thin neck Fender both gave me muting problems. They both have 12.0" radius. I believe the problem is fretboard radius. Seagull Coastline 12 has very little. As Nick Campling mentioned, all capos use a compromise radius. Seagulls use a 16.0" radius; that is pretty flat.
As for the abrasiveness of the thumb screw. A larger thumb screw knob would help. The best way to avoid that is to follow the SHUBB instructions! The G7th and Shubb lock & release design are very similar.
Adjust screw then lock lever and test strings. DO not try to adjust screw with lever locked.
Recommendations
I think it is important that G7th include a note about the lateral position, otherwise they may get complaints that the capo still buzzes. In addition, instructions on setting the capo, similar to Shubb, should be included on the package.
Although the thumb screw is the same 10mm size as used by many other manufacturers, I would personally prefer a wider thumb screw like the 18mm diameter one D'Addario uses.
Lateral position is incredibly important with this capo. It should be tightened enough that the strings are not muted AND it cannot be rotated on neck pad.
This capo is so on target it made my 12 string move from hanging on the wall, to being played every day.
Coda
G7th is among the few capo companies with a lifetime warranty that is honoured (along with Kyser and Shubb). I am unaware if they have a upgrade program for owners of the old version for the Newport, but I don't think it would harm asking, especially if you were not able to use your old one.
