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G7th Capos: Newport Capo

 

By John Knowles

 

This review is for our readers who use a capo when playing the guitar. I think its safe to assume that if your reading this you know what a capo is, but if not the basic definition is: A device used on stringed instruments to shorten the playable area of the neck, and in doing so raises the pitch. Now I know you are not likely to see one of these on the neck of Zakk Wylde or Jeff Loomis’ guitars, but they are used on some great tunes by hard rock and metal musicians - “Windowpane” by Opeth to name my favorite example. Therefore this review should not feel too out of place here on MetalExiles.com.

Capos certainly have their place amongst more folk/acoustic styles of music, and as a player who ventures into that territory I had been looking to try something new to go along with my trusty quick-change capo, particularly a partial capo. On the lower level of the 2013 Winter NAMM show I discovered the G7th company, who specialize in a unique variable tension capo. Their flagship product, the Performance Capo, which features a sleek and comfortable design, was prominently displayed. It allows the player to clamp the capo into place, squeeze to the desired tension, and release. Also featured was the Newport Capo. It is similar to the design of the Performance, but at half the weight and size with a unique “twist.” The Newport clamps on to the desired fret, is squeezed to tighten, and can then be fine-tuned to the desired tension by twisting the screw on the side. This capo has been on the market for some time now, but this year 5 new Newport models were introduced, making the Newport a bit less versatile but more specialized. 2 partial capo models were introduced along with models for 12-string, classical, and banjos/ukuleles.

I took home both partial capo models and found them to be truly a great accessory and songwriting tool. The Partial #3 allows the user to capo three inside strings for ‘DADGAD’ or ‘Open G’ style tuning. The Partial #5 capos five strings allowing the bass note to ring out, creating a ‘drop D’ effect. When used on the lower frets these capos snapped on with ease, and allowed for all the notes to ring out clearly and fully. G7th mention on their website that with practice the Performance and Newport capos can be applied with one hand, and I think that is an accurate description, as it took me a few tries to secure the capo without using my strumming hand. When applied to a particular fret the Newport capos require individual tension adjustments. In other words, once you have twisted the screw to the preferred tension, you cannot move the capo to another fret and expect the same clarity without readjusting. This is due to the shape of a guitar’s neck and is not necessarily a downside to this product; it just makes for slower changes than a partial capo from Kyser for example. When applied to higher frets, it was very difficult to secure the capo in order to allow for full resonance. A partial fix to this is to place another full capo 1-3 frets behind the partial, although tonally you would not get the desired open string tones along with the higher capo’d notes. One last drawback I noticed is that the Newport capos cannot be secured to the guitars headstock when not in use, unlike G7th’s Performance or Nashville capos.

Getting back to the positive, the biggest advantage with a G7th Newport partial capo is the adjustable tension, and compact size. With adjustable tension tuning problems can be erased, and thanks to the size you do not have to compromise sustain or playability around the device. Although they may not be as handy or convenient on the fly as their Nashville capo, or some of their competitors, for the professional musician who cannot compromise tonality or sustain, G7th Newport is the way to go. On a closing note, G7th is a company that models the utmost professionalism and social awareness. Their motto is “In Pursuit of Excellence,” which is demonstrated not only in their fine products, but philanthropic and humanitarian efforts as well. On all G7th products is a logo to raise awareness to end human trafficking and modern day slavery. It’s great to buy from a company that not only makes a great product, but contributes to worthy and relevant causes. Look for Newport series capos from G7th on their webstore, your local Guitar Center, or online musical supply companies.


http://www.g7th.com/capos/newport

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/g7th-newport-lightweight-capo

http://www.stopthetraffik.org/


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