Ever wished your banjo sounded a little…different? A simple capo for banjo opens up a world of possibilities. Suddenly, those tricky chords become easy, and familiar tunes get a fresh, exciting twist. Whether you're a seasoned picker or just starting your banjo journey, a good quality banjo capo—like a Shubb or Planet Waves model—is a must-have. It's your secret weapon for effortless key changes and exploring new musical landscapes. Add a little variety to your strumming with a simple clamp.
The provided list focuses on helping consumers make informed purchasing decisions. It highlights key features and considerations to ensure the selected item meets individual needs and expectations, ultimately leading to a satisfying purchase experience. This avoids common pitfalls and ensures a worthwhile investment.
1. D'Addario Micrometer Banjo/Mandolin Capo (4/5-string)
Superb, compact capo; perfect for mandolins and banjos.
- Highly rated
- Functionality
- Design
- Build quality
- Ease of use
- Sturdiness
- Adjustment ease
- Value for money
- Some controversy about
- Size
The D'Addario NS Banjo Capo, a must-have for banjo and mandolin players, delivers superior performance with its micrometer tension adjustment. This ensures perfectly in-tune playing, free from buzzing, across all frets of your 4 or 5-string banjo or mandolin. Crafted from lightweight, durable aircraft-grade aluminum, this black capo provides reliable clamping power without adding unwanted weight to your instrument. Unlike some cheaper alternatives, the precise micrometer tuning guarantees consistent, professional-quality sound. Its design is specifically tailored for banjos and mandolins, unlike its guitar counterpart (model PW-CP-02). Experience the difference of a truly buzz-free, perfectly intonated performance with the D'Addario NS Capo.
This mini capo is a game-changer for mandolin, banjo, tenor guitar, and even ukulele players! Its compact design, unlike bulkier guitar capos, is a major advantage, allowing for effortless chord changes without hindering finger placement. Made from high-quality aircraft aluminum, it's incredibly durable and provides a secure, precise clamp thanks to its ingenious twist-tighten knob. This ensures perfect intonation and a consistently beautiful tone, even when used higher on the fretboard. Users rave about its low profile and the ease of fine-tuning, noting that it significantly improves playability compared to other capos, including popular brands like Shubbs and Kaiser. While some users found it small (easily misplaced, though easily stored in a case!), this is easily outweighed by its exceptional precision and unobtrusive design. The smooth, padded underside protects your instrument's finish. Whether you're playing fingerstyle on your tenor guitar, exploring open tunings on your banjo, or simply seeking a superior capo for your mandolin, this compact marvel delivers exceptional performance and quality.
- Brand: Planet Waves
- Color: Original Version
- Country: USA
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 0.75 x 7 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Style: Modern
- Weight: 0.002 ounces
- Rate: 4.6 / 642
- Fits 4 & 5-string banjos and mandolins
- Micrometer tuning for buzz-free performance
- Lightweight aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Banjo players needing precise capo placement
- Mandolin players seeking reliable intonation
- Musicians performing live who need a durable and accurate capo
2. Kyser Quick-Change Capo for Banjo, Ukulele & Mandolin (Black)
Kyser's quick-release capo: easy, sturdy, and a pro favorite.
- Highly rated
- Works well
- Size
- Build quality
- Ease of use
- Capo quality
- Value for money
- Banjo quality
- Sound quality
The Kyser Quick-Change Capo KBMB (Black) is the perfect companion for your banjo, ukulele, or mandolin. Unlike traditional capos, its compact design and lightweight spring tension, specifically engineered for smaller instruments like these (and unlike those for six-string guitars), makes for effortless one-handed tuning adjustments. Crafted from premium aircraft-grade aluminum in Texas, USA, this durable and dependable capo boasts a fast, intuitive operation and convenient headstock storage. This handmade, American-made capo exemplifies Kyser's commitment to quality and longevity, offering a lifetime guarantee and representing the world's most trusted capo brand. Enjoy the ease and precision of the Kyser KBMB today.
The Kyser Banjo/Mandolin Capo is a popular choice for its ease of use and sturdy build. Many users praise its quick-release mechanism, highlighting its speed and convenience for frequent capo changes, making it ideal for both live performances and recording sessions. The lightweight aluminum construction makes it comfortable to use, and its compact design allows for easy storage and transportation. Unlike some capos that obstruct playing, the Kyser's design is lauded for its placement on the front of the neck, leaving ample room for fingers. Reviewers particularly appreciate its effectiveness on various instruments, including ukuleles, banjos, and mandolins. While some users note that the strong clamp may slightly sharpen the strings, this is often easily addressed by retuning or is considered a minor trade-off for the capo's secure grip and elimination of buzzing. Furthermore, Kyser's exceptional customer service is frequently mentioned, adding to the overall positive experience. The Kyser capo is a highly-recommended addition to any musician's collection.
- Brand: Kyser
- Color: black
- Dimensions: 4 x 3.25 x 0.5 inches
- Material: Aluminum
- Style: Banjo/Mandolin
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
- Rate: 4.7 / 524
- Specifically designed for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins
- One-handed Quick-Change operation
- Made in the USA with a lifetime guarantee
- Banjo players needing a quick-change capo
- Ukulele players seeking easy transposition
- Mandolin players wanting a durable capo
3. Dunlop Capo for Banjo and Ukulele
Ukulele capo: inexpensive, easy slide, inconspicuous design.
- Highly rated
- Functionality
- Size
- Value for money
- Design
- Capo size
- Some controversy about
- Ease of use
- Build quality
- Stretchability
For over 50 years, Dunlop Manufacturing has been a trusted name in musical accessories, equipping legends and rising stars alike. Their expertise shines in the Dunlop Banjo/Ukulele Capo (37828000001), a precision-engineered capo designed for both banjo and ukulele players. This compact and lightweight capo (measuring approximately 4x4x0.6 inches and weighing next to nothing) offers secure clamping for effortless tuning changes. Its robust construction ensures reliable performance, adding to the legacy of Dunlop's high-quality picks and pedals. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, this capo is a must-have for any banjo or ukulele player.
This ukulele capo is a game-changer! Its compact design, unlike bulky clamp-style capos, makes it incredibly comfortable and unobtrusive, especially on smaller instruments like ukuleles and mandolins. The low profile allows for effortless hand movement over the fretboard, a significant advantage appreciated by many users. While some initial practice is needed to master its application, the ease of sliding it up and down the neck quickly outweighs this minor learning curve. The elastic and cloth construction, while requiring careful placement to avoid scratching (easily mitigated by following instructions), provides a secure and even pressure across the strings without muffling the sound. Many reviewers highlight its affordability as a key benefit, making it an excellent primary capo or a handy backup. Its small size also makes it incredibly convenient to store and transport, easily fitting in a case. In short, this capo delivers excellent performance and practicality for its price, making it a highly recommended addition to any ukulele player's or mandolin player's collection.
- Brand: JIM DUNLOP
- Color: BROWN AND BLACK
- Country: USA
- Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 0.6 inches
- Material: Rubber
- Style: Modern
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Rate: 4.3 / 471
- Designed for banjo and ukulele
- Durable construction
- Easy to use
- Banjo playing
- Ukulele playing
- String instrument performance
4. Paige Banjo/Mandolin Capo: Durable, Easy-Use, Center-Tension Design
Convenient, secure, and always ready—a truly effortless capo.
- Highly rated
- Works well
- Ease of use
- Capo quality
- String tension
- Build quality
- Sturdiness
- Value for money
- Some controversy about
- Fit
Introducing the Paige Banjo Mandolin Capo, the perfect accessory for any banjo or mandolin player. Its innovative direct-center tension design, crafted in the USA by a family-owned business, eliminates string buzz and maintains precise tuning, unlike traditional capos. The lightweight yet durable construction features a convenient one-handed operation and a clever storage position above the nut. Designed for narrow necks, the Paige Capo ensures easy fret changes with its knurled knob adjustment, offering controlled tension and enhanced tone. This high-quality capo, ideal for banjos (up to the 4th fret on 5-strings) and mandolins, guarantees a superior playing experience.
The Paige capo is a game-changer for musicians who value convenience and consistent tuning. Users consistently praise its ease of use and installation, highlighting its ability to effortlessly slide onto and off the instrument's nut, eliminating the need to constantly search for a misplaced capo. This clever design also ensures it doesn't hinder instrument storage in cases or on stands. The even pressure applied by the Paige capo minimizes tuning adjustments, leading to a consistently great sound on various instruments, including guitars, banjos, mandolins, and bouzoukis. While some users noted it may not be ideal for all banjo neck shapes or for use above the 5th fret, the overwhelming feedback points to a well-made, durable capo that provides superior convenience and tuning stability compared to traditional clamp-style capos. The Paige capo's compact and sleek design is also a frequent point of commendation.
- Brand: Paige
- Color: Black Nickel
- Country: USA
- Dimensions: 12 x 9.25 x 1 inches
- Material: Nickel
- Style: Modern
- Weight: 1.44 ounces
- Rate: 4.3 / 141
- Direct-center tension design eliminates string buzz
- Easy one-handed operation
- Convenient storage above the nut
- Banjo players needing a reliable, easy-to-use capo
- Mandolin players seeking improved tuning stability and ease of use
- Musicians performing live who need a quick and secure capo
5. Gold Tone Swift Capo: Banjo, Ukulele, Mandolin, Guitar (Radiused/Flat, Silver)
The Gold Tone Swift Capo offers a swift and easy solution for musicians playing banjo, ukulele, mandolin, or tenor guitar. This versatile capo, available in silver (and other colors like copper and black), features a simple one-handed operation for quick adjustments. Its design accommodates both radiused and flat fingerboards, ensuring a secure fit across various instruments. Silicon cushions protect your instrument's finish while providing a solid grip. With its ease of use and compatibility with multiple instruments, the Gold Tone Swift Capo is a must-have for any musician needing a reliable and efficient capo. High customer ratings (4.7 out of 5 stars) further endorse its quality and performance.
This capo is a fantastic addition to any musician's collection, particularly for Tenor guitars and ukuleles. One user raved about it being the best they've found for their Tenor, having tried numerous others. Its well-made design ensures a secure grip on the strings, providing excellent coverage without being overly bulky—a perfect fit for instruments like Eastman mandolas and octave mandolins. While one user noted a preference for a slightly stronger spring, the overall quality and performance more than compensate, especially considering the affordable price point. The comfortable padding ensures no damage to your instrument's finish. This durable capo is a reliable choice for any string instrument player.
- Brand: Gold Tone
- Color: Silver
- Material: Copper
- Style: Modern
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Rate: 4.7 / 6
- One-handed operation for easy use
- Compatibility with multiple instruments (banjo, ukulele, mandolin, tenor guitar)
- Protective silicon cushions to prevent instrument damage
- Live music performance
- Music practice and rehearsal
- Music recording sessions