PeterJ - Posted - 04/02/2021:  07:54:28

I recently got a lap steel with a lower than normal nut. Since I occasionally capo, I am looking for one that can fit a string height of 1/4". Because the neck is wider than the fingerboard, my Leno capo won't work, and there isn't enough clearance for my Scheerhorn capo either.

From photos, it looks like the Walworth might fit. Does anyone here know how thick the bar that goes under the string is? Thanks!

SlimPickins - Posted - 04/02/2021:  13:57:57

Hi Peter,

I used to have a Walworth years ago and that underside bar was pretty small and would fit, I think.

I don’t want to lead you somewhere else, if the Walworth is definitely what you want, but I suggest contacting Tom Engleman. He goes by “Dobrotome” here on Reso Hangout. He makes capos and has designed several different variations for different applications such as yours. I own two of his HD capos because they fit my uses best, but he actually sent me one of each of his capos to try out to find which one I liked best. I am sure his “Skinny Minnie” capo would fit the bill.

PeterJ - Posted - 04/02/2021:  14:44:30

Thanks for the tip, Brent. I believe I've seen his capos on eBay - I'll check them out. Does the adjustment knob on top get in the way of your left hand at all?

SlimPickins - Posted - 04/02/2021:  14:56:46

Sure thing. I will be honest, I also just use my HD capos for my lap steel, and I don’t capo lap steel much. The nut on the top does take some getting used to, but after a while it’s no more in the way than any other above the string capo.

kelfranken - Posted - 04/02/2021:  19:54:49

I've used a Bradley capo on both dobro and lapsteel without a problem. The walworth capos have that cam lever contraption that sticks up pretty high on the top. The Bradley has a much lower profile, is heavier and doesn't seem to rob tone and volume like the walworth IMHO.

Kelly

SlimPickins - Posted - 04/03/2021:  01:50:46

The Bradley is also my go-to capo for dobro, but on my lap steels, the necks are wider than the fretboards, so the lever on the Bradley won’t let it fit. That’s why I go with my Charlie’s or the TomBro capo.

PeterJ - Posted - 04/03/2021:  08:25:10

Thanks, Kelly and Brent -- appreciate the thoughts!