Rick Shubb
Mr. Acoustic

Before the Shubb Capo company grew to demand my full time attention, for many years I made my living playing and teaching music. I got serious about the guitar at age 14, and discovered 5-string banjo (my main instrument) at 15. Throughout my 20s and 30s I was an in-demand studio musician and touring performer, while maintaining a full schedule of teaching. Many of my students are now pro players, and my own playing is still regarded as influential, especially by West Coast musicians. I play occasional gigs, but I'm very choosey ;-)

— RS

my bio page | my personal page | download an article about me from Bluegrass Unlimited magazine | download an article about me from Acoustic Guitar magazine | my latest CD | Rick's Cafe

Gary Mobley
Mr. Electric

My right-hand man Gary is a pro player, too. His love of music and commitment to playing are second to none. A rocker to the core, his tastes are broad, and from hanging out with me he's recently developed an ear for bluegrass and gypsy jazz. His main instrument is lead guitar (solid body electric), and he's worked for years in both original bands and cover bands. He's gigging most weekends — that is, when his family obligations permit, and when he's not running all over the world talking about Shubb capos. (But seriously folks, he loves his job!)

— RS

Large format posters are available, featuring the players we've showcased in our magazine ads (see below). These posters look great on the wall of a music store, concert hall, or just about anywhere.

Magazine ads

Beginning in January of 2005 our magazine ads took on a new look, featuring selected players who use our products.
To view or download a PDF of these ads, click or right-click below:

John Jorgenson
Raul Reynoso
Robert Randolph
Roy Rogers
Richard Gilewitz
Rory Block
Colin Hay
Harvey Reid
Doyle Dykes
Johnny Hiland
John Jorgenson & Raul Reynoso

These PDF files are lower resolution than those used for print reproduction, but look fine on the screen. Hi-res versions available on request.

Who was Shubb Capos very first customer, in 1974?
You probably know his name. Click here.

featured artist of the month:
Lulo Reinhardt

Is there a guitar gene? Listen to Lulo Reinhardt, the grandnephew of Django Reinhardt, and you will answer YES.

I met Lulo through my good friends at Saga, who worked with him to design his signature guitar. Together we brought him to the USA for the first time, for a concert at the 2007 NAMM show. I was proud to be able to present the only US appearance by this phenomenally talented artist. He will be back, of course, and the USA will continue to discover, as Europe already knows, that the soul of Django lives on in the hands and heart of Lulo Reinhardt.

more...

About our artist program

We've never paid anyone to endorse our products, because:

   A) We can't afford it.
   B) We don't approve of it.
   C) We don't need to.

All of the above. Many players are so satisfied with our capos and other products that they are happy to be associated with them. In fact, many times players have approached us, simply asking permission to say that they endorse our capos. Of course, we say yes.

Once the connection is made, we take pleasure in standing behind our artists. Participation in trade shows and clinics, a page here on our Artist site, inclusion in catalogs and ads, replacement capos if they lose them, replacement parts if they wear out, (sent to locations on the road if necessary), custom work when needed, links to websites, etc. Some artists like to sell Shubb Capos at shows, just as they sell their CDs, or offer them as prizes at workshops. Our artists get special pricing to make this work.

Should you be included in our artist program?

Do you make your living playing music? Do you use a Shubb Capo, or one of our other products? If you would like us to consider including you in our artist program, email some information about yourself. Or snailmail us a CD and promo pack.

top of page

The players listed here on this wider circle list are not official endorsers of our products. That is to say, we have not received word — one way or the other — as to whether they wish to be listed here. We haven't been able to contact many of them, so we don't know their wishes. Some musicians simply do not do endorsements, and we respect that position.

But these great performers do use Shubb Capos, and we are very proud of that.

We won't use these names in our ads or catalogues until we receive permission. If your name is on this list, and you want it removed, or if you want to give us permission to use it, so that we can include you in our Inner Circle of artists, please contact us.

When it comes to endorsements in the music business, it is not like the larger world of advertising. Unlike sports stars or pop idols who receive a fortune from big companies to pretend that they prefer one brand of soda pop or underwear, professional musicians will only use the stuff they want to use. And most of the companies that make the stuff they use (our company, for one) don't have a spare fortune to throw at them for endorsements. They wouldn't take it, anyway.So when you see someone using a Shubb capo, I guarantee you it's because that is their choice.

top of page