Capo bars

[Delwin D Fandrich]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: caut-bounces@ptg.org [mailto:caut-bounces@ptg.org]On Behalf Of
> Mark Cramer
> Sent: January 29, 2004 6:56 PM
> To: College and University Technicians
> Subject: RE: Capo bars
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I have done both as well. I agree "one" of the many types of 
> available bronze wires works much better than steel. 
> 
> Del
> 
> Can I ask which one?
> 
> And how about a diameter?
> 
> I actually have a 1963 Baldwin L ready to tear down, with the 
> intent of "replacing" the "jumbo-radiused" capo with one of 
> hardened steel. (my attempt to mimic the benefits Ron Overs 
> reaps from 'hardening' capos)
> 
> I can't imagine why bronze though? (and I'm asking from a point 
> of ignorance, not studied opinion)
> 
> Will the string (harder than bronze) not imbed almost immediately 
> into the rod, similar to one of those tiny 1mm radius that have 
> been discussed, or is this what you intend?  
> 
> Don Rose mentioned Young-Chang's friction problems with "one" 
> type of bronze. As a result, didn't they abandon the insert 
> capo-rod altogether, or did they come up with a 
> alternate/successful alloy?
> 
> With a polished/hardened steel rod, I would dream of the problems 
> Ron Overs describes; termination surfaces so "slick" that strings 
> won't hold their space. All other factors considered though 
> (front duplex scale, termination angles, etc.) no noise, and no 
> rendering problems.
> 
> Yes? No?
> 
> Thanks BTW for reviving this discussion. 
> 
> I want to do this capo replacement thing, and will be pleased to 
> share my results with the class.
> Thanks for allowing me to benefit from your experience; Del and 
> all others.
> 
> 
> Mark Cramer,
> Brandon University 


I don't remember specifically which bronze. At the time I went to Alaska Copper & Brass, told them what I wanted to do and they told me what they had that would be appropriate. I bought a bunch and still have some. I also don't have my Materials Handbook handy, but it was probably either a manganese or silicon bronze. I've also had new V-bars cast from these materials, both worked without unintended side effects. The diameter was 1/8". The rod was fitted and epoxied in place with a commercial version of "liquid steel" then back beveled as illustrated in one of my PTG articles.

Del