Planet Waves Dual Action Capo PW-CP-05
One of the most commonly used capo designs is the simple squeeze and place. Squeeze two handles to open the capo, place it on the neck, and release it. If you place it correctly and the tension of the spring is not too tight, you have a fine tool. Too often, however, you end up moving it once or twice to improve intonation or to solve fret-buzz. Perhaps you've thought, "There has to be a better way."
What Sets The Dual-Action Capo Apart
The folks at Planet Waves thought the same thing. Working together with noted product designer Ned Steinberger, they came up with the Dual-Action capo. They claim the PW-CP-05 works buzz-free and provides consistent intonation across all strings.
The Dual-Action capo maintains the same basic concept of the squeeze and place design, but they improved it in two key ways: first, they added a compound-action mechanism to significantly reduces the pressure required to open the capo; and, they include a tension adjustment so you can set the perfect tension for your guitar rather than relying upon a one-size-fits-all spring.
The PW-CP-05 is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is lightweight and tough. The finish is smooth and durable.
In Use
I found several strong points to recommend the Dual-Action capo, and just one weakness.
The compound-action mechanism works as advertised. Opening the Dual-Action capo is effortless. I was surprised at how little pressure is required to open the capo, though you will need to open your hand wider than with a standard design.
The real key, I think, to liking this capo is the tension adjustment. No more pinching the neck of your guitar and bending strings out of key. With this capo you place it, and make any fine-tuning adjustments you need with the tension screw, and it fits perfectly. It's like having a custom capo made just for you.
When you are finished with the Dual-Action capo, store it on the headstock (or at the nut on the neck) like you would any standard clamp-style capo.
Bottom Line
The Dual-Action capo successfully improves on the standard clamp design, with the added benefit of custom-fit to your neck with the tension adjustment screw. It's lightweight, attractive, and designed to fit most 6- and 12-string guitars with a radiused fretboard (that is, most acoustic or electric guitars, but not classical guitars).
Get one for yourself, or as a gift for your favorite guitarist.
What Sets The Dual-Action Capo Apart
The folks at Planet Waves thought the same thing. Working together with noted product designer Ned Steinberger, they came up with the Dual-Action capo. They claim the PW-CP-05 works buzz-free and provides consistent intonation across all strings.
The Dual-Action capo maintains the same basic concept of the squeeze and place design, but they improved it in two key ways: first, they added a compound-action mechanism to significantly reduces the pressure required to open the capo; and, they include a tension adjustment so you can set the perfect tension for your guitar rather than relying upon a one-size-fits-all spring.
The PW-CP-05 is made from aircraft-grade aluminum. It is lightweight and tough. The finish is smooth and durable.
In Use
I found several strong points to recommend the Dual-Action capo, and just one weakness.
The compound-action mechanism works as advertised. Opening the Dual-Action capo is effortless. I was surprised at how little pressure is required to open the capo, though you will need to open your hand wider than with a standard design.
The real key, I think, to liking this capo is the tension adjustment. No more pinching the neck of your guitar and bending strings out of key. With this capo you place it, and make any fine-tuning adjustments you need with the tension screw, and it fits perfectly. It's like having a custom capo made just for you.
When you are finished with the Dual-Action capo, store it on the headstock (or at the nut on the neck) like you would any standard clamp-style capo.
Bottom Line
The Dual-Action capo successfully improves on the standard clamp design, with the added benefit of custom-fit to your neck with the tension adjustment screw. It's lightweight, attractive, and designed to fit most 6- and 12-string guitars with a radiused fretboard (that is, most acoustic or electric guitars, but not classical guitars).
Get one for yourself, or as a gift for your favorite guitarist.
