Best Capo For 5 String Bass?

[john nam]

I'm looking for a good capo for my 5 string bass, any suggestions?

[JTE]

Why? I use a Dunlop to do set-up work (fret it at the first fret to take the nut out of your issues), but never to play anything.

I do use capos all the time on guitar, but that's only if I want the effect of open strings ringing while I change chords. Playing a folky song like "Willin'" in Eb sounds a lot better with a capo than playing it all with barre chords. But for bass, just play the notes without regard to the capo.

Unless you're doing stuff with an open drone note, can you tell us why you need a capo?

jte

[john nam]

Good question and the answer is because I have to learn worship songs by listening to mp3s and the leader sometimes changes keys. With a capo, I was thinking I may be able play along with the mp3s and take off the capo for the actual band practice. I realize that this won't work for all songs.

[jmac]

Originally Posted by john nam

Good question and the answer is because I have to learn worship songs by listening to mp3s and the leader sometimes changes keys. With a capo, I was thinking I may be able play along with the mp3s and take off the capo for the actual band practice. I realize that this won't work for all songs.

I recommend a program called "transcribe." You can use it to slow songs or transpose them.

I think it's relatively cheap.

[superjesus]

Does your 5 string have a narrow (Ibanez) or wide (MTD) fretboard? Either way, you'll need all the width you can get with a capo. And you probably won't be able to get much further down than the 5th fret.

You might be able to get away with a Kyser or Dunlop designed for 12 string guitar, as 12 strings generally have a wider neck and fingerboard than 6 stringers.

In the vein of the old nylon strap capos, you might be able to get away with a metal rod and thick rubber bands (or anything that can create significant pressure on the rod) as a cheap alternative.

I use capos somewhat regularly on bass, but I normally only use them on 4 strings. Typically for creating different notes for open strings when tapping. In your case, I think capos can help, but be careful of muscle memory and fretboard position.

I also recommend Transcribe as a better alternative because it can change the pitch of the recorded material to match the key you normally play the song in. That way you aren't learning two versions of the same song.

[john nam]

I just downloaded the free 30 day trial and it's awesome! No more need for capos (for my purposes, at least). Thanks guys for the great recommendation. TalkBass saves the day again.

[LeonD]

Amazing Slow Downer will also change the pitch of tunes.

LeonD

[JmJ]

You need to try this one:
http://www.elderly.com/accessories/items/BIRD.htm
Works on my Roscoe Beck V.