Ukuleles: Top 12 Best Ukulele Capos
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Ukuleles! The pocket rocket that has taken the world by storm. George Harrison, Eddie Vedder, the humble uke, has captivated the hearts of rock stars and the general public alike.
But though we love a uke, we can’t deny it doesn’t have the range of some instruments. With a short fretboard and just four strings, it can’t compete when we need a wider range of octaves. Oh no! Whatever shall we do?
We can shorten the strings! That will raise the pitch, allowing to access higher notes! And how do we do that?
We use a capo, of course!
So, let’s take a look at some of the Best Ukulele Capos and find the perfect one for you…
Table of contents [Show]
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Top 12 Best Ukulele Capos On The Market 2020 Reviews
- 1. 1 1 Donner DC-2 Guitar Capo Easy Use
- 1. 2 2 Guitar X X3 – The Original Guitar Capo
- 1. 3 3 Guitar Capo Deluxe
- 1. 4 4 UGY Capo Guitar Capo
- 1. 5 5 Guitar Capo For Acoustic Guitar
- 1. 6 6 Capo For Acoustic Guitar
- 1. 7 7 BROTOU Guitar Tuner & Capo
- 1. 8 8 Guitar Capo Trigger Single Hand Use Black Capos
- 1. 9 9 Capo Guitar Capo Rosewood Color Capo
- 1. 10 10 Bee Life Professional Zinc Metal Capo
- 1. 11 11 Tanmus 3 in 1 Guitar Capo
- 1. 12 12 4 Pieces Guitar Capo Aluminum Metal Universal
- 2 Best Ukulele Capos Buying Guide
- 3 More Super Accessories For Your Uke
- 4 So, What Are The Best Ukulele Capos?
Top 12 Best Ukulele Capos On The Market 2020 Reviews
1
Donner DC-2 Guitar Capo Easy Use
Smooth mover.
Up first on our list is this little number. Might this be the best ukulele capo out there?
Maybe! Designed for fast changes, this capo’s mechanism is dexterous and smooth. Move it up and down your fretboard or just clamp it on your headstock for later use, with no problems at all. This capo clenches down securely on your instrument, avoiding that pesky string buzz we all hate.
But it’s also easy to open and maneuver. How?
Well, it features an awesome memory spring. You can be sure the movement will remain smooth even with long term use, without losing any of its grip.
Another great aspect of this capo is the padding. Thick and strong, it comfortably covers your frets, yet still allows the sound to travel through. Protect your fretboard without the risk of muffling.
Maybe a little too lightweight?
If we have to look for a downside, we could point out that it is very light. Though it’s made of zinc alloy, we might be concerned about it breaking with too much use. Sometimes we’d prefer an item that’s a little sturdier.
But that’s a minor complaint! We think this was a pretty great model to kick off our list with! It has a tight grip, an ample pad, and a smooth spring.
Oh, and it even comes with a couple of bonus plectrums.
Pros
- Smooth mechanism.
- Excellent pad.
- Free pics included.
Cons
- It’s so light; it may raise concerns about longevity.
2
Guitar X X3 – The Original Guitar Capo
Built to last.
Another capo constructed from zinc alloy, this one weighs in at almost 115g! It feels strong and resilient, sure to withstand constant use while we’re on tour.
Versatile and practical…
With a curved back, this is a really versatile model. The curvature allows it to fit comfortably around most shapes of uke, relieving pressure on those with flatter backs. And it’s not just for ukuleles; it can securely fit onto most other instruments with fretboards too.
The spring mechanism is extremely sturdy. Tough steel allows for easy movement, without losing its grip. It clasps on firmly with just the right amount of tension, yet remains flexible enough to smoothly adjust its placement.
We all know that some capos skimp on cushioning. Does this give us what we need?
Made from high-quality silicone, we get more than enough padding with this model. It rests tightly and securely on the strings, while still letting the vibrations through. Plus, it’s so gentle that we can be sure to avoid scratching or any other damage.
With quality comes a higher price. This certainly is not the cheapest model we’ve looked at.
We should mention, the manufacturer does not recommend use with twelve string guitars. But who cares? We all know four strings are better than twelve!
Pros
- Curved back for comfort.
- Silicon pad.
- Steel spring.
Cons
- Slightly pricier than other models.
3
Guitar Capo Deluxe
Please release me.
Our next capo comes from the well-respected Nordic Essentials brand. Widely known and highly respected, we were expecting great things from this model! Did it live up to our hopes?
The easy release action is smooth. Its one-handed mechanism allows for swift repositioning, ideal for quick changes on the stage. And the spring that this relies on is super strong, sure to stand up to any amount of wear and tear.
Again, it favors a silicon pad. The perfect material to cushion your fretboard, this allows the strings to nestle in tightly without risk of damage. And though it’s snug, it still allows the vibration to carry do your notes remain clear.
Use it on just about anything…
It’s a decent size too. Yes, it fits perfectly on a uke, but is also suitable for guitars, banjos; in fact, almost any stringed instrument you can think of. It’s even good for those tricky twelve strings!
It is light, though. Despite its size, it doesn’t weigh much. For travel, this is a bonus; but for those who prefer a bit of heft, it may feel flimsy.
But that doesn’t really matter! Why?
Because Nordic Essentials offer a lifetime guarantee!
Oh, and it comes with an elegant coffee finish. Stand out from the crowd with their black and chrome models, and add a touch of class to your instrument.
Pros
- Lifetime guarantee.
- Protective silicone pad.
- One-handed, easy release action.
Cons
- Lighter models can feel less reliable.
4
UGY Capo Guitar Capo
Under pressure.
We’ve seen some great capos so far on this list! What’s next?
This is another item with a memory spring. It exerts enough pressure on the stings to avoid that irritating buzz, but still lets the sound ring clear. And while it lets us easily release our frets, we can be sure the spring won’t lose its tightness.
We get another silicon pad here too. Thick without being bulky, it molds to fit the shape of your string and cozily holds them in place. It also ensures we avoid scrapes, which some other materials do not protect against.
So far, so good, right? But what’s the real story?
Unfortunately, this capo just doesn’t come up to the same standard as others on this list. Mainly because it’s made of plastic, it really doesn’t offer the same structural integrity that we find in other capos.
This model feels feeble. Plastic is prone to cracking and gets scratched easily. We just don’t have the confidence in it that we have in other capos.
However, there is an upside!
This means it’s fairly cheap! And if there’s one thing everyone loves, it’s a bargain!
OK, we probably won’t be taking this capo on stage at Madison Square Gardens. But don’t discount it yet! For the casual player or those on a tight budget, this could still be a decent option.
Pros
- Budget friendly.
- Good pressure from the memory spring.
5
Guitar Capo For Acoustic Guitar
Whole lotta rosewood
For this capo, we’ve gone back to zinc alloy. Sturdy and hardworking, it’s an ideal material for long term use.
But what makes this different from other zinc capos?
It’s beautiful rosewood colors. For those who prefer a more natural look, this capo is difficult to beat. The matte finish covers the metal, giving a subtle wood effect. It’s understated yet elegant, and will surely look great on any mahogany or spruce ukulele.
There is one negative to this, though. We expect it to have the same weight and solidity as wood. It can be a shock when it is first picked up, as it just doesn’t have the same feel to it.
Aside from its good looks…
We have here another pretty solid option. Again, we find a steel memory spring, perfect for holding your strings in place. It also allows for a fast change of placement without affecting your tuning.
At a massive 5.7 inches, this might best suit ukuleles with wider necks. Soprano or concert players might find it a little bulky. But for those with baritone or bass ukes, it should fit pretty well.
Once more, we’ve got that awesome silicone padding. So, it’s superb for protecting your precious uke during those quick changes of octave, without the worry of scratching.
Pros
- Cool rosewood finish.
- Keeps your uke’s neck protected.
- Effective spring.
Cons
- It’s big! Possibly too big for soprano or concert ukes.
6
Capo For Acoustic Guitar
Double Trouble
Two for the price of one! Here we have a two capo and plectrum bundle. And these capos are made from aluminum.
How does it compare with the zinc construction we saw earlier?
Well, it’s lighter. Great for those who prefer a super portable model. But for others, it does lack that heft we like to feel.
And, it’s not as strong. While it is still durable, it doesn’t quite have the same fortitude as zinc. If we had to choose between the two, we’d probably go for zinc nine times out of ten.
But hey, it’s a lot stronger than plastic!
One of the best things about getting two items in this bundle, is that they each have a different finish. One is black, while the other has a wooden effect. Pick the one the suits your uke, or use them both for two entirely different looks.
And we get two picks included in the package! This could be a great gift pack for the traveling musician. After all, we’ve all lost plectrums while moving between gigs!
This is seriously good value for money…
Two good capos, two handy picks; it offers us a lot. If you’re someone who loves to get bang for their buck, then maybe this is for you!
Pros
- Two capo bundle in different colors.
- Includes two handy plectrums.
- Excellent value for money.
Cons
- Though still reliable, aluminum is not as strong as zinc.
7
BROTOU Guitar Tuner & Capo
Time for a tune up.
Next up on our list of the Best Ukulele Capos, we have another bundle! What exciting treats do we get in this one? Pretty much everything we need!
Not only do we have a capo, but this pack also includes a clip-on tuner and a whopping three plectrums! This could be the perfect gift idea for the new uke enthusiast in your life. Experienced players are likely to already have a tuner, but for a beginner player, this has everything they need.
Lightweight and sturdy…
The capo itself is made from aluminum. Sturdy yet lightweight, it’s a good choice for a first-timer. And that aluminum is backed up by a spring action grip, offering a tight hold on your springs.
However, it is not a memory spring. It might not retain its tightness long-term, especially if it is being used a lot.
The accompanying tuner, however, is perfect for a uke! Tiny but mighty, it neatly clips on to the end of your instrument, offering accurate tuning. And it’s easy to use; just pluck your string and following the lights!
And then the icing on the cake is the three extra plectrums. Really, as a starter pack, there’s not much that this is missing (apart from the uke, of course!)
Yes. For the sheer quantity of this bundle, it’s extremely easy on the bank balance too.
Pros
- Ideal beginner pack.
- Convenient, accurate tuner.
Cons
- For experienced players, the added extras may not be necessary.
8
Guitar Capo Trigger Single Hand Use Black Capos
If the capo fits, wear it!
More freebies with this item! This time we get three colorful picks included!
Our next capo is another zinc model. Tenacious and unyielding, this tough stuff decreases almost all risk of damage. It’s sturdy and safe, while remaining easily transportable from home to stage. However, unlike many others we’ve seen, this item uses rubber for its pads instead of silicon.
Yes, and no. Rubber does a fine job here. It’s soft enough to protect your uke from damage, and also lets the vibration come through.
But, it is not as durable as silicone. It tends to perish faster. With constant use, we may find that it begins to disintegrate.
The damage-proof, spring ensures a tight grip on our fretboard. But it’s not too firm; we can still release it with ease, to change position. It applies just the right amount of pressure, without risk of sending your ukulele out of tune.
We do have a slight problem with this model, though. It is big. At 2.6 x 2.5 inches, it may look overwhelming on the more diminutive ukulele.
Overall, this is an entirely adequate model! It just has one or two little things to think about when deciding if it’s the best ukulele capo for you.
Pros
- Made from good, solid, zinc.
- Strong spring.
- No string buzz.
Cons
- May be too big for a uke.
- Rubber padding does not have the same qualities as silicone.
9
Capo Guitar Capo Rosewood Color Capo
Spring into action.
Wow, we get how many picks with these capos? Not one, not two, not three, but four! Yes, four extra plectrums in this pack! And this is another double deal. Two capos in different colors to suit any ukulele. Why not have a daytime look and a nighttime look?
A capo for every occasion…
Our first is a tasteful rosewood design. Do you prefer a pure, simple look? Pop this capo on and blend in with mother nature. And the second is black. There’s a reason that black is classic; it’s absolutely timeless. It matches everything and never goes out of style!
We should point out, though, the first of not made of actual rosewood! It’s a vinyl covering. It looks great from afar, but probably won’t pass close-up scrutiny!
This capo has an extremely firm memory spring. It keeps a seriously tight grip on our strings. There’s absolutely no chance of any unwanted buzzing sounds here!
But that’s not all good. It’s actually so tight that it can be difficult to remove! We might have problems during one handed or fast changes mid-gig.
However, despite that, we do like these capos. They have a more than ample amount of silicone cushioning. Plus, they’re nicely rounded, providing great support for both flat and curved instruments.
And since we get two capos and four plectrums, we reckon they’re a pretty good deal as well.
Pros
- Pack includes two capos and four picks.
- Well-rounded.
- Good padding.
Cons
- Very tight spring can make the mechanism difficult to handle.
Everything’s coming up roses.
Shine on stage, with this gorgeous rose gold model! This here is a really unusual item. Black, chrome, even wood, we’ve seen them all! But it’s not often we find a capo with a finish quite as beautiful as this.
No, of course, it is not real rose gold! We wouldn’t want that; it would be far too soft and much too expensive! Instead, the zinc body offers strong and stable scaffolding for the spring and padding.
And what about that spring?
Well, it works really well. Pliant enough to allow easy release, it’s also rigid enough to ensure it holds the strings in a tight embrace.
Another thing we love here is the shape of the pad. It’s ridged instead of flat, covering less of the ukulele neck and offering support in just the right places. Plus, it’s silicone; no rubber or cotton here!
Well, it gets even better; this capo has a year-long warranty. Any problems, and you’ll get replacement no questions asked, absolutely free!
Anything else? Well, did we mention it comes with three picks included? All for an extremely reasonable price.
It’s 2020. This color is not just for the ladies. Bro’s gold will look awesome on your ukulele too!
Pros
- One-year warranty.
- Stunning rose gold finish.
- Wallet-friendly.
- Ridged padding.
Cons
- Rose gold is not for everyone. But we think it’s great!
11
Tanmus 3 in 1 Guitar Capo
Pick me up!
When is a capo, not just a capo? When it’s a pick holder and pin puller as well!
Does just about everything…
More multi-tool than plain old capo, this a super handy little device. Firstly, the tip can be used as a pin puller. Safely and quickly change your strings, without struggling to get a grip on the pins.
And then, it also offers a place to hold your plectrum. The front of the capo boasts a slit with a 360° grip. Simply pop in your pick, and it’ll be there waiting for the next time you need it.
So, it has all these awesome extra features. But ultimately, we’re looking for a great capo.
Its thick, wide, spring is extremely strong. With just the right amount of pressure, it pushes down hard on your strings. Get exactly the right tone with no fret buzz.
But it’s not too strong. We still have the flexibility we need. Make easy changes mid-song with its ergonomic, one-handed, release design.
So far, so good! But what’s the catch?
Actually, there isn’t one! It’s well-padded with silicone, it’s a very reasonable price, and it even comes with four free picks to put in that holder.
And what’s it made from? Do you even have to ask? It’s our old, reliable, zinc alloy.
Pros
- Multitasking capabilities.
- Excellent spring.
- Easy on the bank account.
Cons
- Unless you don’t like silver, none!
Four in one.
One for the budget-conscious here. We get four capos, including in this package. One for every occasion!
In gold, silver, red, and black, this package will suit those with a collection of ukes. It would also make a great gift if you want to give the recipient a lot of choice – let them choose the color to match their uke.
Another zinc alloy capo, the outer layer is electroplated. Not only does this give us a range of colors, but it also provides an extra layer of defense against dropping. This a tough model, offering peace of mind that it is unlikely to be damaged.
This is another item with rubber padding rather than silicone. It’s easy on the both the strings and the back of the neck: no scratches, no scrapes, no problems.
Well, unfortunately, it is a little tight. We don’t have the same freedom of movement we get with other capos.
And there’s another downside too. Although it’s great to have a choice of colors, some of them do look a little cheap. So, if you want to stand out on stage, these might not be the capos for you.
So no, they might not be the best ukulele capos. But for value for money, we can’t help but like this pack!
Pros
- Electroplating on top of zinc alloy.
- Wide range of colors.
- Four capos included.
Cons
- They are a little cheap looking.
- No easy-release mechanism.
As we all know, one of the most annoying things when using a capo is string, or fret, buzz. This occurs when the capo isn’t tight enough. It allows the strings too much movement, creating a humming or buzzing sound.
So How Can We Avoid This?
We need a super tight clamp. The spring on the capo should hinder string movement while allowing the vibrations of the music to come through. But, we don’t want that spring to be too tight. If it is, we won’t be able to change the capo’s position easily. We should be able to move it with ease, even mid-song, if necessary.
We also need to be able to use it one-handed. Let’s face it; we can’t ask our audience to wait for a minute while we stop playing and use both hands! It should have an ergonomic, straightforward mechanism for simplicity.
What Should Our Capo Be Made From?
Zinc alloy is ideal. It’s strong, but light, and usually still has a bit of heft to it. We don’t want anything too lightweight, or it will feel flimsy.
And then, there’s aluminum. While it’s not as effective as zinc, but it’s still a good option. It can be more malleable, but it’s still tough enough to withstand damage, and it’s often cheaper too.
Or we could go for plastic. Obviously, this is much less sturdy and can crack or break easily. It is, however, easy on the wallet, so it could be an option for the casual player.
We Know How Important It Is To Protect Our Instrument!
No one wants neck damage or unsightly scrapes. So padding is another major factor to think about when choosing the best ukulele capo. The cheapest capos will use some form of cotton or polyester. We do not advise using these materials! They offer minimal protection and cannot ensure the safety of your uke.
What kind of cushioning should we use then? Well, all the capos in our list use either rubber or silicone.
Which Is The Best?
Rubber is bouncy and strong. It protects the neck well and cushions the strings comfortably. It is perishable, though, and can disintegrate with prolonged use.
Silicone offers many of the same qualities as rubber, but with added durability. It cradles your instrument securely, without risk of degradation even when used over a long period of time. However, this can be reflected in the price; we might pay a little more for a silicone pad.
And finally, we need to think about the grip on the ukulele. A flat capo is less versatile and can put too much pressure on a rounded neck. Ideally, we’d like a curvy model that your uke can comfortably nestle into.
More Super Accessories For Your Uke
You’ll need more than just a quality capo to get the most out of your beloved Ukelele, so check out our reviews of the Best Ukulele Cases and the Best Ukulele Straps on the market.
Also, if you’re looking to improve on the Uke, whether you’re a beginner or already a good player, then check out our Ukulele Buddy review for some inspiration.
So, What Are The Best Ukulele Capos?
So many capos, so little time! But we’ve gone for the…Bee Life professional Zinc Metal Capo.
We loved the curvature of this capo. That, with the ridged silicone padding, provides the perfect nest for our uke. We can be sure to avoid damage, scratches, or applying too much stress to the neck.
We were also impressed by its strong yet flexible spring. It applies just the right amount of pressure and allows for one-handed release. That one-year warranty really helps too.
So, happy strumming! And good luck in choosing the best ukulele capo for your needs!
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