Yes, you would need a unique capo explicitly designed for a 12-string guitar. This is because a standard 6-string guitar capo would not apply the required equal strain to a 12-string guitar, which has thicker strings and a wider neck.
Best Capos For A 12-string Guitar
The S3 Shubb Deluxe Series 12-String Guitar Capo
Price: $20.75-$25.51
Description:
The S3 Deluxe is specially designed by Shubb for 12-string guitars and has been overwhelmingly praised by their buyers due to its good fit for the majority of 12-string guitars.
This capo is made to imitate the human finger due to its custom-built rubber, which creates tension on your strings and results in minimal buzzing. It is simple to use, and once you adjust it, you won’t require any readjustments after every use. Aside from that, this capo is also very easy to remove.
Since the S3 Deluxe is a Shubb capo, its tension mechanism is operated by a screw that enables a wide range of adjustments. This capo is made of stainless steel, making it durable and feels more premium than its competitors.
Pros:
- Minimal buzzing due to custom-built rubber
- Imitates human finger
- Durable stainless steel design
- Adjustable tension
Cons:
- None
Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 12-String Guitars
Price: $21.95-$24.95
Description:
As the name implies, one of the main features of this capo is its quick-change mechanism made possible by its loaded spring. The Kyser Quick-Change Capo is equipped with a rubber pad that, when properly placed, equally distributes tension and doesn’t produce any buzzing sound. Another feature buyers admire in this capo is its aluminum frame. Despite its affordable price, you get a good-performing capo that can serve you for years to come.
One important thing to take into consideration is that this capo does not come with tension adjustment, meaning you can’t fine-tune the tension applied to your strings. However, you may simply mount this capo on your guitar without any setup.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Durable and reliable
Cons:
- Isn’t equipped with tension adjustment
G7th Newport Guitar Capo (C32013)
Price: $37.13-$39.99
Description:
The G7th Newport Capo is equipped with a compensated patented string pad design, a series of toothlike bumps specifically designed for fine-tuning and even tension distributed on your strings.
This capo’s pad design can deliver the best results when properly adjusted. Rickenbacker 12-string guitars, on the other hand, require capos with a uniform string pad surface since they have reverse octave string placements. The G7th Newport has an adjustable tension knob and a flip lever that allow easy placement and removal.
Pros:
- Attractive and unique design
- String pad is applicable for various string gauges
- Adjustable tension
Cons:
- Is not applicable for Rickenbacker 12-string guitars
Thalia 200 Series Capo
Price: $75.00
Description:
The Thalia Capo 200 series is a great choice if you’re looking for a good-performing capo and if budget isn’t an issue. This capo has a unique tension adjustment and comes with 7 standard- tension and 7 high-tension rubber pads.
The high-tension rubber pads are perfect for 12-string guitars, ukuleles, banjos, and other guitars with low-profile necks. Like high-quality capos, the Thalia Capo 200 series imitates the human fingers, with fret pads that apply equal tension among strings, and the same time, prevent buzzing sounds.
Pros:
- High-quality
- Good packaging
- Inclusion of many fret pads
- Covered by a lifetime warranty
Cons:
- Expensive
Planet Waves NS Capo Pro
Price: $19.99-$34.10
Description:
Similar to the G7th Newport Capo, the Planet Waves NS Capo Pro also has a sleek design. This capo comes in a variety of colors to choose from.
One of the advantages Planet Waves NS has over the G7th is its guitar compatibility. Unlike the G7th, it is equipped with a flat string pad that works well on any guitar, including Rickenbacker instruments that have a reverse octave string position. This capo may not work as great as the G7th in a particular guitar model, but its instrument compatibility is much superior.
In terms of sound quality, the Planet Waves NS Capo Pro performs great and has equal string tension. It even has an adjustable knob at the bottom. Although it is affordable, the price of this capo is reflected in its quality built. Compared to other capos, the Planet Waves NS Capo Pro may not hold up in the long run.
Pros:
- Attractive and unique design
- Works well with any 12-string guitar
- Adjustable tension
- A variety of colors to choose from
Cons:
- Built-in quality can be improved
Paige Clik Guitar Capo (12-String)
Price: $70.00-$90.00
Description:
The Paige Clik 12-string guitar capo features a vintage design that is a perfect addition if you own a vintage 12-string acoustic guitar. Aside from its unique vintage design, it is equipped with the traditional pad, which does the job done in applying tension to the strings. It has an adjustable tension knob at the bottom, contributing to buzz-free sound and secure clamping.
This capo is easy to clamp into your fretboard, although it is not as convenient as the rest of the capos on this list. The Paige Clik Capo requires you to hook and unhook the string pad wire to the frame for installation.
Pros:
- Vintage and unique design
- Adjustable string tension
Cons:
- Not convenient to mount and remove compared to the capos on this list
