Jerry Hatrick - Posted - 02/23/2026:  00:45:03

Daft question maybe, but is it possible or even sensible to deploy de-tuners whilst you have a full capo in place on the neck? I’ve never tried it myself because I imagine it might harm them, but does anyone play stuff like Flint Hill Special in say A or Bb (with capo on second/third fret)?

Fathand - Posted - 02/23/2026:  04:23:53

I've tried it and it seemed to work OK but never tried it while performing.

You should experiment with your D Tuners and different capos. I imagine a soft capo like Shubb will have different results than a hard Paige.

Capo position may yield different results as well. I like to use a Paige directly on the fret, Shubb behind it. Tightness of capo is another variable.

teetommy - Posted - 02/23/2026:  04:34:25

I’ve done it with my cheat a key and it works pretty well

Jerry Hatrick - Posted - 02/23/2026:  08:04:39

Yes, I’m sure capos make a difference, and I notice some guitar players will fine tune after capo placement, presumably on the basis that some capos tend to push the strings a little sharp. Plus the intonation on fretted instruments can drift a little as you get higher up the neck.
However, I do mean adjusting the de-tuners whilst performing; if the extra pressure of capos does push the strings slightly out of tune, does that extra pressure also potentially affect the inner workings of the de-tuning pegs, ie is competing pressure at both ends (peg and capo) of the string inadvisable?

Culloden - Posted - 02/23/2026:  09:47:14

I don't know that it would cause damage to the workings of the tuner, but it is a recipe for breaking strings. Also, having the capo in place and tuning the string will wear on the nut.

HSmith - Posted - 02/23/2026:  23:57:41

Hi
Mark raises an interesting point regarding wear at the nut.
My current banjos are not fitted with 'D' tuners. However for many years, I played a Stelling fitted with the compensated nut and a set of 'D' tuners. I really had little interest in playing the classic 'tuner' numbers, but was further discouraged from doing so because I was concerned that repeated tuner use would cause wear at the nut, bringing buzzing and intonation issues. I worried that here in the UK, I might find it difficult to find a luthier who could make and fit a replacement compensated nut.
Have any users found that 'D' tuner use caused such wear problems, or was I worrying unnecessarily?