Patent ID: 8642863

Claim:
A capo for use with an instrument having at least one string, the instrument having a neck that has a length and a variable width, wherein an upper surface of the neck defines a fretboard, wherein, in a relaxed position, each string of the at least one string is positioned above the fretboard, the capo comprising: at least one string compressor, wherein each string compressor of the at least one string compressor has a contact portion configured to contact the at least one string; a frame having a longitudinal axis, wherein the frame has a recessed portion extending longitudinally, and wherein the recessed portion is configured to position the contact portions of the at least one string compressor at a raised position relative to the at least one string and the fretboard; means for individually moving the contact portions of the at least one string compressor from the raised position to a depressed position, which is at a predetermined depth from a bottom surface of the frame, to selectively apply pressure to at least one string on the instrument; and means for selectively fixing the frame to a selected portion along the length of the neck of the instrument such that the bottom surface of the frame is positioned at a predetermined distance above the fretboard, wherein the predetermined distance is greater than the predetermined depth, and wherein the means for selectively fixing the frame to a selected portion along the length of the neck of the instrument comprises a ratcheting gear lock, wherein the ratcheting gear lock is configured to slide along the longitudinal axis of the frame, wherein, in the depressed position, the contact portion of each string compressor of the at least one string compressor presses a selected string among the at least one string against the fretboard.