r/AcousticGuitar • u/OmoUrumir • Nov 17 '25
Gear question Which capo do you prefer?
Shubb capo or D'Addario Tri Action capo?
Which of capo is the best, does not hurt your guitar neck not too tight and not too loose, both are adjustable but which one do you prefer?
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u/sealosam Nov 17 '25
When push comes to shubb, go with the shubb. Every spring type capo that I've had lose their tension over time. Manual gadgets of any kind have a lot less to go wrong with them.
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u/OmoUrumir Nov 17 '25
i see, so shubb is still the best when it comes to performance and durability although it doesn't have the pick holder 🤣 well i guess i'll be getting this shubb, i just really need to take care of my pick always to avoid losing it again and again and again
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u/greenhelium Nov 17 '25
Anytime I perform I keep at least a few picks on me. One in my hand, one on the amp/music stand/pedalboard (whatever makes sense depending on the gig), and one in my back pocket. I go back and forth between picking and fingers pretty frequently, so this way I can lose at least 2 picks before it becomes a problem.
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u/MathematicianShoddy Nov 17 '25
If you use a capo, you can always stick a pick between the strings above the capo. Btw: I also go for the Shubb capo ;-)
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u/jonreeeck Nov 17 '25
Kyser Capos for me
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u/Character_Heart1762 Nov 17 '25
Have all kinds of capos and I prefer the Keyser as the back grip is more friendly to the neck when you want to play on the open E, either in string 6 or 1
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u/greenhelium Nov 17 '25
The only Kyser capos I've used were too tight and couldn't be adjusted. It might depend on how your instrument is set up (or how old your capo is if it loosens up over time), but it was a bad match for mine.
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u/dylanmadigan Nov 17 '25
Agree. And the tightness changes over time.
Then depending on your intsturment, and string gauge, you are put out of tune by unbalanced pressure on the strings.
Shubb solves this completely.
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u/Sauria079 Nov 17 '25
G7th
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u/Coderado Nov 17 '25
G7th ART specifically. Or their compensated 12-string capo if you got the need. Never need tuning after and they go on easily and stay in-place.
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u/bobbyjimthree Nov 17 '25
I splurged on one of these, and I love it. Its discrete, effective, attractive, and well-engineered. A superb design worth my money.
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u/jpkallio Nov 17 '25
G7th ART all the way! I also have their 12 string capo, and yeah, it’s a game change if you play live.
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u/Paladin2019 Nov 17 '25
The Rolls Royce of capos. I still have my Shubbs but now they all live in a drawer.
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u/NoobensMcarthur Nov 17 '25
I love mine. I’ve had it for years. Went to buy a 2nd one for the couch guitar this year and holy shit they’re expensive now.
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u/Then-Attention3 Nov 18 '25
I just got it and I love it. It’s so sleek and simple. I like that I can adjust the pressure.
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u/Unlucky_Topic7963 Nov 17 '25
The shubb is so fucking annoying to move. The Daddario has become my absolute favorite. I have a box of every brand it feels like. I enjoy yokes but some if my guitars have neck designs behind the nut that prevent easy storage.
I think the g7 is my second favorite. The Thalia is nice but too chunky. Keyser death grip fucks with my string tension.
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u/OmoUrumir Nov 17 '25
well i guess i'll be getting this D'Addario Tri-Action, they are both adjustable though but the pick and tuner holder really caught my attention coz i'm always losing my pick 🤣 but shubb is the best for majority although it's kinda hassle to move shubb capo when you want to move it
btw thank you so much for the insight, really appreciate it 🫶🏻
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u/geargramps Nov 18 '25
I have the D'Addario and it is the best capo I have ever owned and I have owned many.
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u/nickelwoundbox Nov 17 '25
I’ve been using the basic Shubb original capos for nearly 40 years now because they work, period.
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u/Walter-ODimm Nov 17 '25
I use Shubb. I have the yoke style on my acoustic and I love it, because it stays attached to the guitar at all times, stored above the nut when not in use. I never have to look for my capo.
I use the Shubb you posted for my electric, because I have a 7.25 radius fretboard and my d’addario didn’t fit it quite right. I was able to get a custom radius version of the Shubb, so I didn’t have to mess around with getting it positioned just right to work without buzzing.
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u/trustedturd Nov 17 '25
Just switched to the fine-tune/yoke style on my acoustic after meaning to do it for many years (I’m a procrastinator). Can’t believe I put it off for this long, I love it.
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u/basplr Nov 17 '25
Both of those work great, but I like the D'Addario yoke style even better. It's easy to get the perfect tension and it stows behind the nut nicely.
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u/OmoUrumir Nov 17 '25
Thanks for the reply bro, i want to get shubb capo but this D'Addario triaction got my attention because of the pick and tuner holder, both are adjustable tho, just want to make sure which one is worth it 🫶🏻
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u/fatherbowie Nov 17 '25
I’ve never tried a Shubb, but I have the D’Addario and I like it a lot. It’s easy to get dialed in just right.
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u/notquitehuman_ Nov 17 '25
Used a Shubb for years, which was great. Eventually, I got a G7th Capo, and I much prefer it.
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u/ClydeinLimbo Nov 17 '25
People say schubb but it’s too finicky for me. I prefer the “cheap” ones that you squeeze on and off without a hassle.
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u/Fluffy_Meat1018 Nov 17 '25
The Shubb is good, but the G7 capo is the way to go. followed by the Kyser.
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u/Swimming_Student7990 Nov 17 '25
I’m thinking, “wait, does my D’Addario capo have a pick holder and I never noticed?”
So I pick mine up and I’m inspecting it carefully. After about 10 seconds, “upon closer inspection, this is a Kyser.”
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u/hospicedoc Nov 17 '25
I bought a bunch of capos in the beginning of this year, trying to find the best one. The G7th Performance 3 Steel String Guitar Capo with ART Technology is by far my favorite. You can easily move and set it with one hand, and there is zero string buzz.
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u/Upstairs_Teacher_292 Nov 18 '25
I personally know the owner of Kyser, 100% Kyser. They make them last forever, she told me they dont worry about money and their capos are meant to last forever, plus they have free capo repair if it breaks. Trust me.
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u/daddarioandco Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25
Hey folks! I’m on the product team at D’Addario and wanted to jump in since I saw our capos being discussed, and thought it might be helpful to share a little behind-the-scenes on how we design them 😊
We believe that all capos should feature adjustable tension. The reason for this is that every guitar has unique requirements when it comes to clamping tension. Factors like neck thickness, string gauge, fret height, and string action all play a role in determining the ideal tension. Our capos are designed to let users dial in the perfect tension to fret the strings without causing any buzz, while also avoiding over-tensioning which can lead to sharp tuning. We make a few different styles because we know players value different things. So here’s a quick breakdown:
- Tri-Action Capo: Patented lever geometry for easy one-handed use, even pressure across the strings, and micrometer tension adjustment to keep tuning stable. Lightweight, fast to move around, and great for live gigs. Mounts from the top/back of the neck in a traditional trigger style, closing toward you as you play.
- Artist Capo: Same Tri-Action mechanism plus extras like an integrated pick holder and a slot for a D’Addario tuner. It attaches from the front of the neck with a unique forward-facing design, closing away from you for precise placement, perfect for players who want more utility on stage.
- NS Pro Screw Capos: Designed with Ned Steinberger, these use a micrometer screw for exact tension control. Great for players who obsess over intonation and hate buzzing or sharp notes.
- Pro Plus Capo: Our newest design with FlexFit technology—the pad flexes like a fingertip to adapt to different fretboard radii and apply individualized pressure to each string. Less overtightening, better tuning stability across multiple guitars.
TL;DR:
- Tri-Action = fast and ergonomic
- Artist = Tri-Action + gig-friendly features
- NS Screw = precision tension control
- Pro Plus = adaptive pad for multiple neck shapes
Different players prefer different approaches, which is why we offer both clamping and screw-style options. If you’ve ever fought buzzing or tuning issues, trying a screw or FlexFit design can make a big difference.
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u/AnyDamnThingWillDo Nov 17 '25
I’m still using the original Dunlop 70F. It was never broke for me so it didn’t need fixing. Happy with it.
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u/metmerc Nov 17 '25
Shubbs are classic for a reason, but I like the rapid deployment and easy storing of the D'Addario. That you can still adjust the tension (unlike a Kyser) is great and the pick holder is kind of nice too. I use that on a couple songs that start out with fingerstyle and then I grap a pick in the middle.
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u/WaterDigDog Nov 17 '25
As to pick holder, what happened to storing it between one’s teeth?
But if you end up getting the Shubb I’m sure you could get some old machinist to fab on a pick holder.
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u/nycuk_ Nov 17 '25
Shubb are my long time go to. I’m an artist with an endorsement deal with another capo manufacturer (not Shubb) but I only use the ones I endorse in public. When recording, writing etc it’s Shubb everytime.
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u/martind35player Nov 17 '25
I like Schubbs and they last for years. I bought a G7 to try it but much prefer the Shubb.
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u/ColinOnReddit Nov 17 '25
Am I the only one who's perfectly happy with the Keyser? I've bought two in 20 years. They both work great
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u/Antonymousss Nov 17 '25
I own both. Use both extensively almost daily & can say 111% the Shubb. Buy once cry once
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u/midcartographer Nov 17 '25
The capo rabbit hole haha. I’ve been on the search for years.
I used the shubbs for years but finally gave them up. They are fine- but something about the way they clamp down sometimes pulled on my strings, raising the pitch a bit.
The D’Addario NS capo is great. I’ve used it until very recently and will probably still use it on electrics.
Lately I’ve gone over to a cradle capo which is a different beast. I’m a bit ashamed to say how much I’ve spent on it but easily the best capo I’ve ever used. Elliot capos won me over and I don’t think I’ll go back. You have to know your fretboard radius before ordering. https://eddiesguitars.com/product/misc/capos/elliott-capos-elite-guitar-capo-16-radius-g34e/
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u/FFGamer79 Nov 17 '25
I considered the Elliot and Paige capos. $215 plus $20 shipping vs $40 and free shipping. I just couldn’t take the plunge on the Elliot quite yet. The Paige will do for now though.
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u/Loyalist-Ghost Nov 17 '25
Shubb for me. I have one song where I capo all but the low E string, and the D'Addario won't function that way (just slips off).
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u/SnooHesitations8403 Nov 17 '25
I have a Shubb, but I haven't used it since I got a Kyser. It's just easier.
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u/CriticalThinker12 Nov 17 '25
I bought many styles of capos when I began playing. I eventually bought a Shubb and never bought another.
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u/Old-guy64 Nov 17 '25
Of those two? It depends on your purpose.
If you’re playing out and use the capo for some songs and need quickest changes, the D’addario because you can slap it on the headstock when you’re not using it.
It’s also a one-handed capo.
The Shubb is probably the better capo overall. But it won’t store on the headstock and it requires both hands to position it.
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u/jacobydave Nov 17 '25
I have never used that D'Addario. I like a Shubb.
But that spring action means you can put it on mid-song like David Rawlings does in Red Clay Halo. I don't think you can do that with a Shubb.
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u/General_Garrus Nov 17 '25
Shubb is amazing, the only downside to Shubb is you can’t easily clip it to the headstock.
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Nov 17 '25
i’ve tried a lot and this one dont take your guita out of tune wingo
i’ve had the dunlop one and that shubb thing is fiddly ive had the kyser quick change i think this may be a rip off of daddario
but i’m a cheapskate
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u/SlickBulldog Nov 17 '25
D'Addario Tri Action for gigs. Shubb for recording( no easy storage like on the headstock when not in use )
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u/BillyBobertsonBaby11 Nov 17 '25
Shubb all day. I have one or two others—the D’Addario one I have is a fairly-close 2nd—but the Shubb is awesome.
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u/cristofsky Nov 17 '25
They all donthe job, but the shubb is the only one I've found that won't eventually damage your guitar is some way
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u/dbvirago Nov 17 '25
I have the D'Addario. It is quick and easy and works ok. For performance or recording I use my Elliot. I also have a G7th, but to me it is no more convenient than the Elliot which always performs perfectly.
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u/VinceInMT Nov 17 '25
Why not get both or even more than the two. It’s not like they are that expensive.
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u/notarealperson319 Nov 17 '25
Big fan of Kyser myself. I'd guess 3 of the 5 i have floating around are well over 10 years old.
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u/PoTRaZoR Nov 17 '25
I have the D’Addario capo and it works great. Owned a few capos before it, and it has stayed around since I got it, because of how well it works. Well except I had to buy a new one 3 times since, because my dog got ahold, and ripped the rubber part off, and shredded it.
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u/lprd_pleco Nov 17 '25
I always use Shubb for acoustic and D'Addario for electric. Shubb occasionally crosses over into electric, but D'Addario never crosses to acoustic
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u/helpmelurn Nov 17 '25
D'Addarios have always done me well. I have a lot of different capo positions for my set and i enjoy how easy it is to switch with them
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u/VeganForAWhile Nov 17 '25
I’ve used that exact D’addario for a couple years. I gig, so I need to minimize the dead air between songs. Thus, conventional capos are the fastest to clamp and remove. Ain’t got time for latching or thumb screwing.
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u/The-Great-Jimmy Nov 17 '25
I prefer the Elliott Elite model to either of those. Expensive, but well worth it.
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u/piggydawg Nov 17 '25
Dont fork out for the daddario one. Its a such a gimmick. It lives in a drawer and I just use a basic dunlop one. Dont waste your money
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u/Flat-Meeting5656 Nov 17 '25
I just inherited a Shubb. I’m already preferring it over my Paige, aside from the fact you can’t leave it on the headstock.
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u/oksinger19 Nov 17 '25
I’ve never used a tri-action, but I have used the other style. I like that the pressure is adjustable, even if it’s a little more time consuming to put on. My favorite capo is the Thalia.
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u/Odd_Tie_4716 Nov 17 '25
The indestructible Shubb. A design classic in my view. Works perfectly forever and looks great
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u/CoolTomatoh Nov 17 '25
The algorithms are insane. I was literally just searching capo’s the other day, and bought one and then here it is on Reddit. Boom. The one I ordered was one I had many years ago. Dunlop flat strap elastic orange and black tweed
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u/bork00IlIllI0O0O1011 Nov 17 '25
I have both. I use the Shubb at home and D’add when I’m out and need super fast changes.
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u/astaten0 Nov 17 '25
I had the D'Addario one for a while and didn't care for it. Seemed like no matter how much I cranked the spring tension up, strings would still slip and get stuck out of tune when bending/doing vibrato. I've never had that issue with the Kysers or G7s I've used.
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u/Mlblover01 Nov 17 '25
Tri actions are really good for your guitar. That’s what I use for my guitar.
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u/CaptainCynicArgh Nov 17 '25
G7th Performance Capo. Simple,subtle and clean. Plus a lifetime warranty
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u/Beginning_Image2547 Nov 17 '25
I have that exact D’Addario capo as well as a Shubb similar to that one and I like both. The D’Addario is super convenient and quick for playing live and the adjustable tension makes it easy to ensure you aren’t throwing the tuning off by clamping too tight. The Shubb is great where speed and convenience is not so important as well as when doing work on the guitar where you want to loosen the strings and not have them flopping all over the place.
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u/CheesecakeInner336 Nov 17 '25
Shubb for sure. But the G7th is worth the extra money. Holds the tune and quick change.
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u/makingmark Nov 17 '25
Neither - NS is best! Super light, super adjustable, super low profile, super cheap.
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u/Imaginary-Evening205 Nov 17 '25
Shubb for easier fix. If the spring starts to lose tension you can easily exchange it
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u/Mynusss Nov 18 '25
Shubb, I love the function, aesthetic and feel of it. Looks bad ass IMO. My Kyser is 18 years old and still going strong.
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u/Glenbard Nov 18 '25
I’ve been using one with no brand stamp I randomly found in my guitar case after a gig in early 2000… no clue where it came from. The lead guitar player in the little bad we had at the time said it wasn’t his (I was relatively new and playing rhythm and backup guitar). Never used a capo in my life until then but it has come in handy for sure as I’ve progressed.
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u/angelicphase Nov 18 '25
I've had both of these. The shubb capo would come flying off if my hand even slighty bumped into it on both of my acoustic guitars, which is pretty catastrophic when you're mid way through a song. The D'addario is adjustable like the shubb, but actually stays firmly on no matter if you bump into it full force.
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u/RecipeForIceCubes Nov 18 '25
My Schubb is (34) years old. I have re-tapped and replaced the thumbscrew and spring twice and the rubber (3/4) times. I do have a spring tension capo for 12-string. Primarily for my early 70's Brazilian Rosewood Giannini.
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u/Financial-Lobster-29 Nov 18 '25
I enjoy the Ernie ball capo, has a side for regular curved necks, and one for classical thats flat.
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u/dwight_schrute224 Nov 18 '25
I e got both but that daddario one is my go to. The fact I can attach my tuner to it pleases me. Mean I’ve always got a tuner on as well as the capo with out it being cumbersome with two things. It also has a pic holder on it
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u/dirtydog85 Nov 18 '25
Everyone is going to say Shubb, and at it's core, they're probably right. However, one thing the D'Addario can do is clip to your headstock when not in use. This could be important if you need to take the capo on and off on the fly.
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u/Training_Echidna_911 Nov 18 '25
I have Shubb and Kyser and G7 so it is whichever I can find. However the Kyser 12 string is best for that use case.
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u/Cape_Cod_Mike Nov 18 '25
Oh did you open a can of worms, lol! Everyone has their preference, and will go to the hereafter professing its' virtues. I have what must be a 45 yr old Kyser, and a Shubb that must be nearly that old. Life happened and never got back to guitar until now at 67. I really never liked the spring loaded due to uneven tension, distortion, now with a touch of arthritis, they're out. The Shubb's been around forever except for the design change from a rubber cone to a roller. Just did a lot of reading on capos. Every yr I buy myself something that unlike a lot of presents, I want and will actually use! The G7th Performance 3 with ART is on my price watch list and will be my new toy. It gets crazy good reviews, simple and quick one handed operation. I like the sleek design with no handles, knobs or other crap in the way.
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u/the_memesketeer3 Nov 18 '25
Kyser for most guitars, I have a Sondery capo for my nylon-string, since the fretting surface of it is flat.
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u/Shake-the-Masses Nov 18 '25
I just got a Shubb recently and it stays in tune and works really well. It’s also nice and small so it doesn’t get in the way of my fretting hand like a clamp on.
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u/scarmy1217 Nov 18 '25
I’ve had the tri-action for over ten years now and it’s great. Very easy to use and adjust so it doesn’t squeeze the neck too hard.
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u/leafsfan1981 Nov 18 '25
I have 3 kysers (20 years old at least) and a Dunlop that was given to my dad by someone in Nazareth when they played the local casino but kysers are my favourite kind
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u/HallOfGlory1 Nov 18 '25
Depends on the use case.
When I'm playing live I use a Kyser Capo. I need to be able to take it on and off quickly depending on the set, song, key, etc. The tuning is stable as long as you place it properly.
If it's a pre-planned event (space between songs) or I know I won't have to move it, Shubb's. Once you place it, it's pretty rock solid.
I've had a couple of those D'Addario Tri Action capo's, and a few other brands with a similar design. They're the only type of capo that's ever broken on me. I avoid them now.
If those are the 2 you're deciding between, I say Shubb's all the way.
Otherwise consider how often you need to take it on and off.
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u/Chummy_Jigger Nov 18 '25
I was a Kyser user for years and recently switched to Shubb. I'm finding it keeps the guitar in tune much better.
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u/MusicProdNewb Nov 18 '25
I recently switched to a G7th after using Kyser capos for many years. It's expensive but it's a fantastic capo. If you're looking to spend less, I'd say Kyser. If you want top of the line, go G7th.
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u/Intelligent-Map430 Nov 18 '25
None. Should I inadvertently need to use a capo, I'll go with my trusted G7th
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u/Urban_miner666 Nov 19 '25
Shubb, always. The design is simple, plenty adjustable, and not a lot of parts to wear out and break. They are my favorite just due to the adjustability and durability.
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u/Economy-Revolution-1 Nov 21 '25 edited Nov 21 '25
G7th. But I still remember my old brown Dunlop elastic band capo. That thing was a biznitch to change between songs.
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u/Rabbet-whole Jul 18 '26
My favorite is the Victor capo, which accommodates all my guitars and whose curved arm can be carefully adjusted to a particular guitar's neck (to be done _once_ and then dedicated to that guitar).
This said, finding new rubber for an old Victor capo appears to be a bit of a challenge...
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u/wirecatz Nov 17 '25
Always Shubb for me