What is the primary purpose of the Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar?

The TSPC Speedbar is designed to clamp across the guitar's fretboard, allowing musicians to change the pitch of the open strings. This enables the use of different tunings and chord voicings while maintaining string clarity.

What mechanism provides tension in the TSPC Speedbar?

The device utilises a steel wire power spring. This spring is specifically engineered to provide the perfect level of tension to hold strings down firmly at any fret position.

Is the TSPC Speedbar durable enough for touring?

Yes, Tanglewood has constructed the Speedbar from sturdy materials intended for 'life on the road'. The robust build is designed to withstand the physical demands of frequent travel and performance.

How does this capo affect the tone of the guitar?

The Speedbar is designed to produce a clear, articulate tone. By ensuring even pressure across the strings, it prevents buzzing and ensures the guitar's natural resonance is preserved.

What is the typical price for the Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar?

The TSPC Speedbar typically retails for approximately £18.00. This price point reflects its position as a durable, professional-grade accessory.

Can the Speedbar be used on all frets?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that it provides firm pressure in any fret position. Its design allows it to be moved easily up and down the neck as required by the music.

How does the Speedbar compare to the Flight Aluminium Ukulele Capo?

The TSPC Speedbar is designed for guitars and features a high-tension steel wire spring. The Flight Aluminium Ukulele Capo is a smaller, lighter device intended specifically for the lower tension and narrower necks of ukuleles.

Is the TSPC Speedbar suitable for classical guitars?

While it can be used on various guitars, classical guitars often have wider, flatter fretboards that may benefit from specialized capos like the K&M 30910. The TSPC is generally optimised for standard acoustic and electric fretboard radiuses.

Does the TSPC Speedbar require manual adjustment of tension?

No, the tension is provided by a pre-set steel wire power spring. This allows for quick application without the need for manual thumb-screws or adjustment dials.

What brand manufactures the TSPC Speedbar?

The Speedbar is manufactured by Tanglewood, a company well-known for producing a wide range of acoustic guitars and related musical accessories.

Is this capo categorized with instrument straps?

Yes, within the broader music retail context, the TSPC Speedbar is often categorized under 'Straps & Capos'. It shares this general accessory category with items like Fender Strap Blocks or Neotech Sax Straps.

Will the TSPC Speedbar help with alternate tunings?

Yes, Tanglewood describes the capo as a tool that will 'open up an array of tunings'. It allows players to explore different tonal ranges without manually retuning the machine heads.

Gear article

Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar Capo

The Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar is a durable guitar capo designed to facilitate diverse tunings by providing firm, uniform pressure across the fretboard. Utilising a steel wire power spring, it ensures string clarity and articulation in any fret position.

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Overview

The Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar is a utility-focused accessory designed for acoustic and electric guitarists. It serves the primary function of shortening the playable length of the strings, effectively raising the pitch and allowing for the use of open-string chord shapes in different keys. The Speedbar is distinguished by its robust construction, prioritising longevity and consistent tension for frequent performers.

Mechanism and Features

The core of the TSPC Speedbar's functionality lies in its steel wire power spring. This component is engineered to provide a calibrated level of tension, ensuring that the strings are pressed firmly against the frets without causing excessive sharping or buzzing.

Key features include: * High-Tension Spring: A steel wire design that maintains its integrity over long periods of use. * Articulate Tone: The pressure distribution is designed to maintain the natural clarity of the instrument. * Durable Chassis: Built from sturdy materials specifically selected to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent transport.

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Sound and Character

The Speedbar is designed to be sonically neutral. By employing a firm grip via its power spring, it minimizes energy loss at the fret, resulting in a clear and articulate tone. Unlike lower-quality capos that may cause dampening or uneven vibration, the TSPC maintains the guitar's sustain across all six strings.

Suitability

This capo is particularly suited for 'life on the road,' catering to gigging musicians who require a reliable tool that will not fail under mechanical stress. It is an ideal choice for players who frequently experiment with varied tunings or those who need to quickly change keys between songs during a live set.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Tanglewood range and the broader accessory market, the TSPC Speedbar sits as a mid-range, professional-grade option. While lighter alternatives like the Flight Aluminium Ukulele Capo are designed for smaller instruments and lower tension, the TSPC is built for the higher tension requirements of steel-string guitars. Compared to traditional screw-on designs like the K&M 30910 Classical Guitar Capo, the Speedbar offers a faster application suited for modern playing styles.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar?: The TSPC Speedbar is designed to clamp across the guitar's fretboard, allowing musicians to change the pitch of the open strings. This enables the use of different tunings and chord voicings while maintaining string clarity.
What mechanism provides tension in the TSPC Speedbar?: The device utilises a steel wire power spring. This spring is specifically engineered to provide the perfect level of tension to hold strings down firmly at any fret position.
Is the TSPC Speedbar durable enough for touring?: Yes, Tanglewood has constructed the Speedbar from sturdy materials intended for 'life on the road'. The robust build is designed to withstand the physical demands of frequent travel and performance.
How does this capo affect the tone of the guitar?: The Speedbar is designed to produce a clear, articulate tone. By ensuring even pressure across the strings, it prevents buzzing and ensures the guitar's natural resonance is preserved.
What is the typical price for the Tanglewood TSPC Speedbar?: The TSPC Speedbar typically retails for approximately £18.00. This price point reflects its position as a durable, professional-grade accessory.
Can the Speedbar be used on all frets?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that it provides firm pressure in any fret position. Its design allows it to be moved easily up and down the neck as required by the music.
How does the Speedbar compare to the Flight Aluminium Ukulele Capo?: The TSPC Speedbar is designed for guitars and features a high-tension steel wire spring. The Flight Aluminium Ukulele Capo is a smaller, lighter device intended specifically for the lower tension and narrower necks of ukuleles.
Is the TSPC Speedbar suitable for classical guitars?: While it can be used on various guitars, classical guitars often have wider, flatter fretboards that may benefit from specialized capos like the K&M 30910. The TSPC is generally optimised for standard acoustic and electric fretboard radiuses.
Does the TSPC Speedbar require manual adjustment of tension?: No, the tension is provided by a pre-set steel wire power spring. This allows for quick application without the need for manual thumb-screws or adjustment dials.
What brand manufactures the TSPC Speedbar?: The Speedbar is manufactured by Tanglewood, a company well-known for producing a wide range of acoustic guitars and related musical accessories.
Is this capo categorized with instrument straps?: Yes, within the broader music retail context, the TSPC Speedbar is often categorized under 'Straps & Capos'. It shares this general accessory category with items like Fender Strap Blocks or Neotech Sax Straps.
Will the TSPC Speedbar help with alternate tunings?: Yes, Tanglewood describes the capo as a tool that will 'open up an array of tunings'. It allows players to explore different tonal ranges without manually retuning the machine heads.