How to Install a Shubb Sliding 5th String Capo
First, if you have a luthier near by, I would recommend you take the banjo and capo to him and have him put it on your instrument. I would not like to see the finish or the neck become damaged in the process of putting on the capo as you will have to do some hole drilling.
That being said, the following instructions have been put together to be of some help.
1. Looking at the side of the fingerboard, you calculate 1/16" or less down as your mark for the top of the bar of the fifth string capo.
2. From side to side, merely place the left side end of the bar (we are assuming that you have the LONG bar Shubb capo) to line up with the 5th fret.
3. To install, pin prick the neck through the mounting screw hole to mark where to drill; pilot the hole with a dremel bit or regular bit which is less thatn 1/16" in diameter and then finish drilling a screw hole with a 1/16" bit. Ebony is a hard wood and one needs to pre-drill with the 1/16" bit. Then install the first long screw. Then mark and drill the next two holes and install the 2nd and 3rd screws.
As you can see, there is a fair amount of drilling. You also need to know that should you CHANGE YOUR MIND in the future and take the Shubb capo off, filling the holes in may still leave signs of drilling visible. The instructions make it clear that the pre-drilling is quite necessary both because the ebony is hard and to prevent cracking of the fingerboard/neck. Please remember that whenever you take a drill to your instrument, you take full responsibility for what may happen regardless of the thoroughness of our instructions. If there is any damage. we would not be able to cover it under warranty but we would be happy to help you on a chargeable basis.
Attached is also an information guide on Spikes vs. Capo that may also be of interest.
DEERING INFO GUIDE - SPIKES vs. SLIDING CAPO
When a banjoist wants to capo the fifth string, here are considerations for the two systems that Deering Banjo Company recommends:
THE SPIKES
Spikes are small model railroad spikes that are fitted into the fingerboard that hold the fifth string down at a chosen fret when capoing the other four strings on a five string banjo.
*Spikes are small and not very noticeable.
*Spikes usually require two hands to engage the string
*Spikes can be removed and the holes filled so the holes are virtually invisible
*Spikes are inexpensive
*Spikes require a small amount of tuning once the string is in place
*Spikes do not change the appearance of a banjo
*As many spikes as desired can be installed on a Deering Banjo
THE SLIDING CAPO
The Sliding capo made by Shubb Capos is a small brass rail that is screwed to the side of the neck with a sliding post or "finger" that is pushed down onto the fifth string by a knurled thumbscrew that is on the sliding "finger".
*The sliding capo is fast, smooth and easy to use (Much faster than the spikes)
*The sliding capo needs only one hand to operate easily
*The sliding capo usually does not require re-tuning
*The rail can be felt by players who wrap their left thumb around the neck (some don't like this feature)
*The sliding capo spans an area that reaches the most commonly capoed frets but doesn't reach as far as the
spikes, which can be installed on every fret.
*The sliding capo has a moderate cost. The sliding capo is beautifully made and adds another dimension to
the looks of a banjo neck.
*The sliding capo adds a small but noticeable mechanism to the area near the fifth string which is fine for
some players and not others.
WHICH TO CHOOSE?
*If speed and accuracy are a priority choose the sliding capo
*If not changing the appearance or feel of the banjo is a priority, choose the spikes
*If you just like one more than the other, choose it; they are both good systems
*If you can't decide between the two, choose the spikes because they can be removed and the filled holes are invisible and then installing the capo doesn't leave the banjo cosmetically scarred. Removing the capo leaves holes in the side of the neck and they are always visible
WARRANTY CONSIDERATIONS
If the installation is done by a skilled luthier or repairperson, it should not affect the lifetime warranty. We reserve the right to make this determination. Spikes or a Shubb Capo are custom options that can be installed at the factory if requested on the order.
