Elliott Capos, Setting the Standard

In 1850, James Ashborn (Wolcotville, CT) applied for his guitar head and capotasto patent. It was the first officially patented capo design in the United States. However, his design wasn’t the first capo—that honor dates to the 1700s when a C-shaped, non-padded piece of brass was placed on the fretboard (most likely scratching things up in the process).

Ashborn’s skill as a luthier is legendary. His capo design utilized the available technology, and lots of ingenuity, to make a functional capo. The device used a lever and cam to tighten the capo while the device’s pressure held it in place on the guitar.

Various capo patents have been filed since then, intending to improve upon this simple device. Fast forward some 120 years and a man named Phill Elliott took an interest in finding a capo with a compact design that would not interfere with the fretting hand while playing.

Not finding what he wanted, Phill headed to his brother’s machine shop and began experimenting, making improvements to the prevailing capo design that was available at the time. His study of the materials and application paid off.

The very first Elliott Capos were given to away to musician friends by Phill or sold to help cover the cost of materials. Eventually, he found himself making capos all week and picking at bluegrass festivals on the weekends. All the while, Phill continued to tinker with the design at every opportunity. Given a gift in a dream one morning, Phill went to his shop and made the first “Push Button” capo. The Elliott Capo had been born. This is the tried-and-true patented design they still produce today. Studio quality sound and predictable functionality is built into every Elliott Capo.

The man behind the dream. Phill is a founding member of the Alan Munde Gazette and played for seven years with Billy Joe Foster. An accomplished guitar player himself, Phill has always had an active interest in well-designed capos. With an artisan eye for detail, he was relentless in his quest for the best capo he could make. Founder and original designer of The Elliott Capo, Phill also has a passion for excellence in customer service.

Phill’s wife and longtime supporter, Connie, is the force behind the man. Connie joined Elliott Capos full time in 2003. Connie has been the voice on the phone, answering e-mails and processing orders for many years. Connie has helped keep things moving, has carried the torch of the capo business. Connie is also driven to provide excellence in customer service.

Scott is Phill’s son. Scott is about all things mechanical. Following in Phill’s footsteps, Scott is now CEO of Elliott Capos. Scott has been involved with Elliott Capos since 2004 and has embedded himself in the business slowly and precisely over time. With a discerning eye for detail and the streamlining of production, Scott was blessed to assume the reigns of Elliott Capos in 2015. Understanding the dream that has defined his father’s capo legacy, Scott is focused on product excellence and design and is driven by the customer experience.

Scott’s wife, Melisa, is his biggest cheerleader. Melisa has also been involved in Elliott Capos starting in 2004. Joining full time in 2015, Melisa has become the voice on the phone and main customer service contact, fulfilling orders along with Connie. Melisa also understands the dream that has defined The Elliott Capo experience for many years. She is passionate about the customer experience and excellence in service.

Elite Guitar Capo - The Elite Guitar Capo features the Elliott push button top bar and the McKinney saddle to keep the capo centered over the fret board. Padded with genuine leather, the seat protects your instrument’s finish.

Elliott Guitar Capo - The Patented Elliott Guitar Capo features an exclusive quick release “push button” locking top bar system and a unique wrap around saddle design to keep the capo securely centered over the fret board.

Elite Twist Guitar Capo - The Elite Twist Guitar Capo features the Elliott push button top bar and the McKinney saddle to keep the capo centered over the fret board. Padded with genuine leather, the seat protects your instrument’s finish.

Elite Banjo Capo - The Elite Banjo Capo features the Elliott push button top bar and the McKinney saddle to keep the capo centered over the fret board. Padded with genuine leather, the seat protects your instrument’s finish.

Elliott Banjo Capo - The Patented Elliott Banjo Capo features an exclusive quick release “push button” locking top bar system and a unique wrap around saddle design to keep the capo securely centered over the fret board.

Elliott Capos have become the standard accessory for discerning guitar and banjo players. Yes, they are expensive… and yes, they are worth every penny.

Additional models and accessories are also available. To purchase an Elliott Capo please

visit our physical store or order from our online store at theacousticshoppe.com.

With 25+ years of experience in the acoustic music industry as The Chapmans, our goal is to provide you with the best customer experience possible so we can be your music store for life. Voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for 7 years in a row (2015-2021) & Top 3 Emerging Dealer in 2017, 2018 & 2019.

For more information, give us a call at 417-720-1223, shoot us an email at

Springfield, Missouri.