The capo is one small piece of equipment that string instrument players can barely do without. The function of the capo goes way beyond making open shape chords playable all over the mandolin neck. It also opens possibilities for new chord voicings and even collaborations with other mandolin players. You can learn all the open and barre chords on the mandolin but still get to find out that the capo is one piece of accessory you should never leave out of your mandolin bag. It does not matter if you are more of a stage performer or a session player, the capo will always remain your best friend in some musical scenarios. In this article, we will take a look at some mandolin capos you should lay your hands on, regardless of your playing proficiency and budget.
 | 1.Editor’s choice for best mandolin capo – D’Addario Mandolin Capo – NS Trio Capo Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, this capo does not only come from a respected brand, but it also stands tall to the D’Addario great reputation in terms of performance. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 2.Best affordable mandolin capo – Planet Waves NS Banjo/Mandolin Capo Pro Although being quite affordable, this mandolin capo is made of professional quality and designed for really quick and buzz-free changes. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 3. Best professional mandolin capo – Paige Original Capo P-BN – 5-String Banjo and Mandolin Utilizing the best technology in capo design, this mandolin capo is made to aid quick and buzz-free changes for the seasoned mandolin player while also being truly affordable. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 4.Best beginner mandolin capo – Shubb C5R Standard Capo for Banjo, Mandolin, or Bouzouki Effective and easy to use, thus making it the perfect mandolin capo for beginner players who probably have never used a capo before. | Buy on Amazon |
 | 5. Best mandolin capo for quick changes – Kyser Quick-Change Capo for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins A blend of sturdiness and lightweight design to provide a really quick and seamless capo change on your mandolin – perfect for players of all levels. | Buy on Amazon |
5 Best Mandolin Capos Reviewed
Editor’s choice for best mandolin capo: D’Addario Mandolin Capo – NS Trio Capo
With a very sleek design that makes it look just perfect for the mandolin, D’Addario once again stands tall to its reputation in the string world with this amazing mandolin capo. Also, being quite a versatile capo as it can also work just perfectly on the guitar, and banjo, this capo is the string player’s best friend. Aside from its very sleek and innovative design, it is also ergonomically designed, fast/easy to use, and gives a buzz-free mandolin playing experience. To make it truly unrivaled, it features a patented micrometer adjustment tool that allows the mandolin player to dial in just the precise and needed tension for those crisp mandolin notes. This is done seamlessly without necessarily applying excessive pressure in any position on the mandolin’s neck.
This capo is designed in such a way that it reduces the need for you to re-tune your mandolin during and after making use of it. This is unlike many other mandolin capos in the same price range that often require re-tuning after moving the capo to a new fret. To take things to an entirely new level, it features aircraft-grade aluminum construction that will withstand even the toughest situations and playing schedules. They achieved this rigidity without necessarily adding any extra weight or obstruction to the mandolin. This mandolin capo from D’Addario was birthed as a result of the current collaboration between the legendary product designer Ned Steinberger, Planet Waves, and Jim D’Addario.
It fits perfectly on either flat or radius fretboards – it also fits acoustic and electric guitars with radius fingerboards. You can rest assured as you will have no intonation problems. Your mandolin will stay in tune for as long as it is used. It is also quite easy to operate as it permits single-hand operation. This is especially useful for players playing live on stage who often need to change the capo position quickly and more often. Garnering so many positive reviews on Amazon, this capo has lived up to D’Addario’s great reputation in the world of string instruments. This is perfect for mandolin players of all levels who are looking for the best affordable mandolin capo they can lay their hands on.
Pros
- Helps with one hand and really quick changes.
- Looks really cool and befits the look of the mandolin.
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Features a lightweight design.
- The price is awesome, considering the top quality of the capo.
- No need for frequent re-tuning.
Cons
- Some players might find the screwing and unscrew a bit time-consuming.
Best affordable mandolin capo: Planet Waves NS Banjo/Mandolin Capo Pro
Again, from D’Addario, getting a professional quality capo for your mandolin has become a lot cheaper and easier. This NS pro model is designed to be simple to use, quick, and tonally stable. Featuring the best and very recent technology, you can be sure of both tuning stability and superb intonation as it is being designed to not interfere in any way with your amazing mandolin tone. Coming from one of the best brands in the world of string instruments, this small capo looks quite subtle but also attractive without sacrificing functionality in any way.
Specially made for the four and five-string banjos and mandolin, this pro version gives you nothing but a buzz-free, perfectly tuned performance, regardless of the fret you are on your mandolin. Also, the very unique micrometer adjustment mechanism allows you to use just the needed tension without unnecessary force on your mandolin’s neck. This capo is not just sturdy, it is also very much lightweight and simple to use – even for total beginners.
Although being a bit similar to the previously mentioned D’Addario Mandolin Capo – NS Trio Capo, this is perfect for players who do not wish to spend that much but also wish to get all the amazing qualities of the NS Trio. The major difference is that this version is more or less designed specifically for the mandolin, unlike the NS Trio, which can also work on a guitar. It doesn’t matter if you are starting to learn the mandolin or if you are a seasoned player looking to get an affordable but very functional capo, this might be just the perfect capo for you.
Pros
- Although being quite affordable, it can outperform many other capos in the same or higher price ranges.
- Perfect for players of all levels.
- Easy and fast to use.
- Ensures that your mandolin stays in tune after usage.
- Looks stunning and unique but also simple.
- You can easily do a one-hand change with this capo.
Cons
- Considering the price and overall performance, there is no disadvantage to getting this.
Best professional mandolin capo: Paige Original Capo P-BN – 5-String Banjo and Mandolin
Being a professional mandolin player comes with a lot of demands. Every accessory that you choose, from your mandolin strings down to the smallest thing like your pick has to be of the highest possible quality. This is where the Paige Original mandolin capo comes in. It is not only stylish and uniquely designed. It is also super effective once clamped on the fret of the mandolin. With an ultra-thin design, this super-lightweight capo is made in the USA and it is designed to meet the needs of the seasoned mandolin player. You can rest assured as it will not give you intonation issues and it is one hundred percent buzz-free. The overall design factors merge ergonomics, functionality, and style to birth a capo that meets the needs of the average professional mandolin player.
It features a mechanism that helps you control the tension which in turn affects not only the overall intonation of your mandolin but your string life and overall lifespan of your mandolin. Despite being pretty solid and robust, it is slim and very easy to use, even for the total beginner who has never used a capo before. Because it is made of steel, you need not bother about durability as it can withstand even some rough handling. This is more or less the type of capo that will stick with you for a long time during your mandolin playing journey. The tubing has been improved to last a lot longer and the clips are being designed for easier use. It also has a felt feature for some added protection and it features a standard profile with a radius.
For ease of carriage, it is designed in a way that you can securely store it behind your mandolin nut when you are not using it. The overall design shows not just top-notch engineering but also artistic creativity as it was made with inputs from actual players. A very simple, easy to use, and sleekly designed mandolin capo for the seasoned professional. However, it can also be used by players of all levels, as it is simple and quick enough to use. It does not matter if you are playing live on stage with demands for numerous quick changes or you are a session player playing in the studio, this mandolin capo will serve you just right, regardless.
Pros
- Sounds absolutely amazing when compared to others in this price range.
- Can be stored behind the nut when not in use. This means you can easily use it any time the need arises.
- Easy to use.
- Adjustable tension helps give just the perfect intonation.
- Allows for quicker changes.
- Sturdy and long-lasting.
- Extra-thin and lightweight design.
Cons
- Can be quite hard to put on and take off as the hinge is too stiff. However, this is remedied by the fact that you can store this capo behind your mandolin’s nut.
Best beginner mandolin capo: Shubb C5R Standard Capo for Banjo, Mandolin, or Bouzouki
From another reputable brand in the world of string instruments, the C5R is simple but quite functional and extremely easy to use. Featuring an ergonomic and over-the-top design, with this capo, you will not only get a value for your money, but you will also enjoy your mandolin playing a lot more. This is especially useful to beginner players because of how simple it is to use. With a polished nickel finish, this capo gives you a smoother action when compared to other capos in this price range. It also features top-notch geometry, reduced tear and wear, and a contoured lever that makes it very easy to use even for the absolute beginner.
This amazing Shubb capo was first introduced to the world over 30 years ago. After its introduction, string players all over the world fell in love with it immediately after they saw it. Over thirty years down and not a lot has changed as many string players still love this capo till today. However, they have been minor tweaks and alterations in design over the years, but it still retains its basic and skeletal mechanical principle. These principles are a very unique over-center locking mechanism that gives the capo an unrivaled merge of power, precision, speed, and ease of use.
With just a single smooth flip of the lever, the capo will lock securely in place. You can also remove it just as quickly. According to reports from several users, the Shubb capo remains the best at maintaining tuning stability – you can rest assured that you will not have any intonation issues. Its soft and very resilient rubber is designed to work just like your fingertip. This is important, so the strings will not bend over the frets. The closing action will act just like your hand and will prevent the strings from pulling off the center. As a result, you will need not re-tune your mandolin after using this capo! This capo will be very befitting to the beginner player who needs something fast, accurate, and easy to use. Also, the seasoned professional or even intermediate player can benefit from this awesome engineering.
Pros
- Very easy to use.
- Maintains tuning stability.
- Fast and very effective.
- Affordable for most players.
- Regarded by many string players as the best capo.
- Versatile as it can also work on guitars and banjos.
Cons
- Might be hard to pull out really quick changes in the middle of a set.
Best mandolin capo for quick changes: Kyser Quick-Change Capo for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins
Having the “Amazon’s Choice” badge and garnering tons of five-star reviews from users on Amazon, this capo is undoubtedly one of the best mandolin capos you can lay your hands on. Designed specially to aid quick changes, it is just perfect for players who are bent on doing it rather quickly. Although featuring lightweight aluminum with a steel string, it has enormous strength and rigidity that makes it one of the most durable capos on the market. When not in use, it will pack nicely on the mandolin’s headstock without obstructing your playing. Designed and crafted in the USA, the overall make of this capo is of the best quality and it can stand up against more expensive brands.
Although specifically designed for the necks of smaller string instruments like ukuleles, banjos, and mandolins, it is very versatile and will probably work on any hand-held string instrument. Because of its smaller body, no radius, and a very light spring tension (unlike the original Kyser Quick-Change capo), this capo is the perfect match for the small neck of the mandolin. It is designed by seasoned professionals and it is engineered to not just work but also last for a long time.
It remains one of the most reliable mandolin capos in the market. This capo is handcrafted in Texas, USA. The unique thing about this capo is its ability to merge simplicity and functionality. Be it in the middle of a set or during a studio session, this capo will always come through whenever you need to make those quick changes. It is perfect for players of all levels, including total beginners.
Pros
- Simple to use.
- Lightweight but sturdy.
- Guaranteed for life.
- Because it is handmade, you can be sure of that much-needed human touch in engineering.
- Perfect for really quick changes.
- It is more like the industry standard.
Cons
- Might require a little returning after usage (in very few cases).
Mandolin Capo Buying Guide
What is a mandolin capo?
A mandolin capo is a transposing device that you attach to the neck of your mandolin to clamp down the strings and form a new headstock. This allows you to play open shape chords all over the neck of your mandolin. With the capo, you can easily play in unfamiliar keys using familiar chord shapes.
If you know what the transpose button does for an electronic keyboard, then you will easily understand what a capo does for a mandolin. String instruments have a sort of limitation when it comes to playing open shape chords all over the neck. To play chords all over the neck of the mandolin, you will have to learn the somewhat hard barre chord shapes. Aside from the fact that barre chords can be a bit tough for beginners, they will never sound or give you that open feel of open-shape chords. This makes the capo a very vital piece of gear for not just beginners but also expert players.
It also becomes quite useful if you are playing with a group or groups of other players. It opens vast possibilities for you and allows you to experiment with vast chord voicings on your mandolin. Capo is “capotasto” in Italian which translates to “head of the fretboard.” This explains it all as what the capo basically does is form a new head on your mandolin’s fretboard.
Which is the better mandolin capo, trigger, or screw?
None is better than the other. All capos have their limitations and strong points. However, you should choose a capo that meets your unique needs as a mandolin player. Your greatest need might be speed or even tuning stability.
Should beginner players use capos?
In as much as it is good for beginner players to learn and master the mandolin, the capo is also a very vital piece of gear even for the total beginner. It is important because first, you will actually learn how to use it and it also helps you play songs sooner. As a matter of fact, there are some songs that were written with the capo being placed on a certain fret.
Can you use a ukulele or banjo capo on the mandolin?
Yes, most banjo or ukulele capos will fit perfectly well on a mandolin. Even guitar capos sometimes do fit on a mandolin. But it is always advised that you buy that which is labeled “mandolin.”
Conclusion and Winner(s)
After in-depth research, we concluded. It is, however, important to remember that all capos mentioned here are amazing capos for mandolins. You can feel free to choose any one from this list that meets your unique needs. However, the D’Addario Mandolin Capo – NS Trio Capo comes top on our list. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum, you can trust this capo when it comes to the area of durability and functionality. Considering the fact that it encourages quick and one-hand changes, this makes it such an amazing and all-round capo for mandolin players of all levels. When it comes to tuning stability, you can rest assured that you will have no issues.
Second on our list is the most revered Kyser Quick-Change Capo for banjos, ukuleles, and mandolins. Proudly having the “Amazon’s Choice” badge and garnering so many five-star reviews on Amazon, this capo outperforms so many other capos in this price range and even in higher price ranges. It is designed to be simple, fast, precise, and super-functional. Kyser has always been a major player in the world of string instruments. This capo is just another testimony to the fact that they are truly unrivaled. It is perfect for players of all levels – especially absolute beginners.
Last update on 2023-04-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
