Variable string capo system for pedal steel prototype

[John Gately]

I created a 3D printed single string CAPO system for pedal steel. It consists of steel fret bars 1/4” width that mount on a rail which is mounted on a base. Since the string height can vary vertically as well as horizontally there are three different height fret holders as well as spacers that mount under the rail of 1/16” and 1/32” in height. I thought about this as a potentially commercial project but the variability between instrument specifications would seem to make this impractical. I have 3”, 3.5”, and 4” width versions. See image for example of 4” inch width suitable for 12 string.

This system allows you to capo a single string or multiple strings higher up the neck while using the bar lower down the neck. Thus pitch combinations impossible to play with a single bar become possible. For instance you could capo string 4 at the 12 fret (note E) while playing an E chord with the AB pedals at fret 7. Using a second capo, you could simultaneously capo string 1 at fret 14 (note G#). This system facilitates creation of signature motifs and chordal possibilities that span intervals otherwise not possible.

There are some issues with the design. Notably, the sustain of the capo’d note is not optimal. This may be due to the PLA material encasing the steel fret. Also inserting and removing the capo requires some fiddling.

In any event, if anyone is interested in trying this system, I am willing to provide the prototype for free. It is somewhat of a novelty item and not something I’d expect to be usefully for every session or gig. But it does allow a creative person to do some interesting things musically that otherwise would impossible. PM me if you are interested in trying this out. But please be a gigging or recording steel player willing to provide feedback

[Larry Allen]

Totally unnecessary for Pedal Steel guitars ..you ought to be busy enough with pedals and levers..

[John Gately]

Why are you posting a comment like this? I’m offering to provide something for free to the community that some people might have fun playing around with. One could just as easily say your pedals are unnecessary and you should learn to play a no pedal instrument like Chris Scruggs. Or that all ten or 12 strings or your double neck is unnecessary. What is really “totally unnecessary” is comments like yours.

[Bill McCloskey]

Perhaps if you could provide some audio examples, people will get it more.

[Brooks Montgomery]

Perhaps if you could provide some audio examples, people will get it more.

I agree. I’m scratching my head wondering why capo a pedal steel. An audio example would clear it up I’d bet. I use (and depend upon sometimes) capos on my dobros and lapsteels.
But my experience with anything close was the sliding capo on the Duesenberg Fairytale lapsteel with palm benders. It had a nut that worked also as a sliding capo, which seemed ingenious until you used it. I found it a string breaker, because it constricted the strings on wrong side of the roller nuts. And it was difficult to adjust properly, the rubber pads were inadequate….at least when I tried them.. No disrespect here, I just don’t get it.

Enlighten me.

[Andrew Frost]

This system allows you to capo a single string or multiple strings higher up the neck while using the bar lower down the neck.

I think this could yield some interesting results.
Not unlike the practice of incorporating an open string into the moving harmonies on a couple other strings, which demands total attention on one's intonation, since the open the string is a fixed pitch.
If I understand it, this single string capo would potentially create a similar effect, a fixed pitch, or a drone string, that would not change as you move the bar...
Could also be a good practice tool for left hand control and playing in tune. Pretty cool.