
The Best Capo's, From the Best Music Shop.......
When it comes to guitar accessories, few tools are as deceptively simple yet profoundly useful as the humble capo. A small clamp that sits on your fretboard, a capo allows guitarists to shift keys effortlessly without having to completely rethink their chord shapes. It’s a little device that packs a mighty punch, and few brands have done more to innovate in the capo world than Kyser.
Let’s dive into the fascinating history of capos, the rise of Kyser as a household name in guitar accessories, and, of course, their best models—available now at Musicmaker!
A Brief (But Juicy) History of the Capo
The capo’s origins date back to the early 1700s when luthiers and musicians began devising ways to change pitch on fretted instruments without retuning or using elaborate finger gymnastics. The word “capo” itself comes from the Italian “capotasto,” meaning “head of the fretboard.” Some of the earliest capos were rudimentary metal bars strapped onto the neck with leather, creating a clunky but functional tool.
Over the centuries, different capo styles emerged—the English yoke capo, the Spanish cejilla, and various screw-based models—but they all had their drawbacks. Some lacked precision, others were hard to move quickly, and a few even damaged instruments. It wasn’t until the 1980s that one man—Milton Kyser—completely changed the game.
Imagine what they did before Capos......
The Rise of Kyser: A Texas Innovation
In 1981, a retired machinist from Texas named Milton Kyser looked at the clunky, fiddly capos of the time and thought, “There has to be a better way.” The result? The Kyser Quick-Change Capo—a sleek, spring-loaded marvel that allowed guitarists to move the capo up and down the neck with one hand, all while maintaining even pressure across the strings.
Kyser didn’t just create a new capo; he created a revolution. His innovative design made changing keys mid-performance faster and smoother than ever before. To this day, every single Kyser capo is still handmade in Texas, staying true to the company’s original ethos of quality craftsmanship.
The Best Kyser Capos (Available Now at Musicmaker!)
With a legacy built on innovation and quality, Kyser continues to produce some of the best capos on the market. Here are some of their top models, all of which you can find at Musicmaker:
Kyser Quick-Change Capo: The Original Legend
This is the capo that started it all. Lightweight, durable, and incredibly easy to use, the Kyser Quick-Change Capo remains a must-have for guitarists of all levels. The spring-loaded mechanism allows for one-handed operation, making it ideal for live performances.
- Made from high-quality aluminium
- Available in a variety of colours and finishes
- Padded grip for comfortable handling
- Ideal for acoustic and electric guitars
If you want a capo that just works—flawlessly, every time—this is the one to get.
This is but a handful of the many, many colours and styles available.
Kyser Low-Tension Capo: A Gentler Touch
Some guitars, particularly vintage instruments and those with lighter gauge strings, require a capo with less pressure to avoid tuning issues. That’s where the Kyser Low-Tension Capo comes in.
- Designed for guitars with lighter string tension
- Reduces tuning shifts and string buzzing
- Retains the same one-handed ease of use
Perfect for folk guitarists or anyone using lighter gauge strings who still wants Kyser’s legendary convenience.
Kyser x Fender Capo: When Icons Collide
Imagine taking Kyser’s rock-solid engineering and combining it with Fender’s classic style—that’s exactly what you get with the Kyser x Fender Capo Series.
These capos feature Kyser’s legendary Quick-Change technology but with Fender-inspired colours and finishes, including classic sunburst and vintage cream. It’s not just a tool; it’s a statement piece.
- Same trusted Kyser performance
- Officially licensed Fender designs
- A must-have for Fender guitar enthusiasts
Why Kyser? Why Musicmaker?
Kyser capos have stood the test of time because they are built with musicians in mind—designed for durability, ease of use, and consistent performance. Whether you’re gigging on the road, recording in the studio, or just jamming in your bedroom, Kyser capos will never let you down.
And where’s the best place to get them? Musicmaker, of course! With a history of supplying musicians with top-quality gear since the early 1980s, Musicmaker is Ireland’s go-to shop for everything guitar-related. We stock a wide range of Kyser capos and other accessories to ensure you have the best tools for your craft.
So, if you’re ready to upgrade your capo game, check out our selection of Kyser capos at Musicmaker today!
Check out all of our Kyser Capos HERE.
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