The humble capo has graced the bags of performing musicians for decades, squeezing it to change the overall tone of the guitar with one swift movement. Now, a new take on the capo opens up whole new musical worlds of alternative tunings.
First of all, to answer a question that has been bothering me for a long time, the pronunciation is 'kaypo', not 'kahpo'. It derives from the Italian word 'capotasto', meaning 'curtain head'.
Even non-musicians will probably recognize these handy little gadgets. They come in a variety of designs and allow you to effectively shorten the strings on a guitar, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, or similar instrument. By retuning the entire instrument at once, it allows practiced (or lazy) guitarists to quickly switch to a new key without having to turn any of the tuners.
Axexel's 'Freestyle Voyager 1' capo takes a similar approach, but treats each string individually.
FreeStyle™ Voyager 1, description of component parts
While a traditional capo clamps onto the top of the fretboard, the Freestyle clamps sideways, giving each string a separate ‘hammer’ with four different note options. You can choose to lock onto one of three consecutive frets, with adjustable hammers that lock in at the perfect spot to eliminate buzz, or remove the hammer altogether and let it ring out on the open fret of a string.
All contact with the instrument is naturally rubberized so nothing gets scratched or bruised, and the spaces between the hammers are spring-loaded to stay evenly spaced even when moving up and down a variable-width neck that changes as it approaches the body. A separate version is designed to handle super-wide classical and 12-string guitar necks.
Axexel
Bottom line: First off, it's a horribly ugly add-on to an instrument that you probably chose at least in part based on its gorgeous looks—but traditional capos don't improve the look of a guitar, so let's not knock too many points off here.
Second, you gain a new world of flexible tuning options that will completely change the character and creative potential of the instrument.
Download Discover FreeStyle V.1
Indeed, the way the hammers fit into place suggests that there is a fifth option for each string; you can mute it by gently placing the hammer on the string; this makes for a simple and quick transition between, say, a drop D tuning and a Keith Richards-style open G five-string.
It's not a visually elegant solution in its current form, but I can see this device being a wonderful and interesting creative tool for songwriters, as well as a flexible and practical shortcut for artists.
So how much and where can you get it? Well, a lot, apparently, via the Axexel newsletter. Jazz guitarist, teacher and inventor Ben 'BenJammin' Ryan says the FreeStyle Voyager 1 cost a lot to develop, and the first 50 units are “nearing completion and ready to be sold as a high-value limited edition to early adopters.”
Axexel
Beyond that, there are plans for a cheaper production version if there is interest. Personally, I am a huge fan of this odd machine and would love to get my hands on one. What a lovely thought!
Source: Axel