Get your Wingo Quick Change Capo here:
Introduction
The Wingo Quick-Change is a well built capo that we are happy to recommend. Price-wise, this is a cheap capo and that made us nervous at first. We have found that this capo performs better than expected. It will get the job done, and it will do it well. The spring is strong, the pads are nice and the grip style is intuitive. While the make is slightly lower quality than nicer makes, we are happy saying this capo is a bargain for the price.
Capo Make
This capo is a "quick-grip" style. The idea is that you can grip it with one hand beneath the guitar neck, so you can (in theory) change it in the middle of a song. Many people find this style their favourite to use. It is certainly is fast to use. One advantage this capo has over the more famous Kyser is that the gripping mechanism is located below the guitar, so you will never bump it with your hand, which can sometimes be a problem for the Kyser.
The Wingo is well made. The body is made of high-grade alluvium alloy, so it is both light weight and sturdy. When you hold it and put it on the guitar it feels solid. We expect the capo to last a long time. The pads are silicone which make a nice firm press on the fret board creating that desired seal. So long as you place it correctly, you shouldn't get any buzz.
There is a spring located in the hinge which created the pressure to clamp down on the fretboard. The spring is on the strong/tight side, which is to our liking. It is also to be expected from a cheaper make. This means you will never have problems gripping the guitar.
There are two potential drawbacks to the strong spring. First, some people might find it a little tough to open it with one hand. If your hand grip-strength isn't that high, then maybe we'd recommend a capo with lighter tension, like the Kyser LT or a different type of mechanism like the conceptually elegant Shubb S1 or even technologically-sophisticated G7th Performance 3.
The second problem is that some people have found that as the spring are so tight, the Wingo Quick-Change can make the guitar go a little sharp. This is especailly true for a tick-necked guitar, what can be called a "D" shaped neck. This issue will be important for anyone considering playing live with a band, as you want to stay in the same key with everyone else.
Overall we are happy with the make of this capo.
Other Considerations
The Wingo has a zig-zaggy look. The handle sits underneath the guitar and really stands out. Also, the metal bar on the top is tighter than others. We find this looks a little clunky, compared to others, but it may suit your taste. The capo come in black, silver, red and even a faux rosewood.
The capo is designed for many stringed instruments. You should be able to use this with aucoustic and electric guitars, as well as banjos and mandolins. The site says it is even usable with ukuleles, but we are nervous given the high tension. If you are only playing a uke we recommend a specifically designed capo, like the Kyser Quick Change for Ukeleles. For a classical guitar we recommend a specifically designed capo like the Kyser Quick Change Capo for Classical Guitar.
One little bonus is that every capo comes with five picks. The picks are not exceptional, but they are fine
Conclusion
In summary the Wingo Quick-Change is a well-made capo that we recommend. We have been surprised at the quality Wingo has achieved at the price point. If you are looking for a cheap capo that is easy to use and will get the job done, look no further!
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