Something a bit different this month. For all you singer/accompanists out there! 

I recently acquired a Dunlop D64 iPhone/iPod holder which can either be attached to your guitar top or to a table stand with the help of a rather powerful suction base and all of which comes with the package. I say iPhone/iPod but in fact I guess it will work with most similarly sized smart phones - my HTC Desire is a perfect fit.

Now I'm not suggesting you go and fit one of these things to your newly acquired custom-made classical guitar which cost you 000's of whatever you pay in, but for most regular guitars with factory finishes and/or a scratchplate it should be fine. 

First thing I noticed when I opened the mailbox was how well packaged and made the product is - and it works just like it says it does in the instructions. My only gripe might be that if you attach it to your scratchplate the hinged arms do not allow you to locate the phone far enough away from your right hand (for right-handed ...

I was recently asked if there is a version of the Flexi-Capo which fits instruments with narrower necks, like banjos, ukeleles and mandolins.

Well, to my knowledge there are none - or at least none so far. The makers of Spider Capo, a competitor product from the US, do produce a "Mini" model for such instruments and they also have a special wide "XXX" version for 6-string basses and 7/8-string guitars, however they appear to be quite expensive compared to the Flexi-Capo.

Just in case you are wondering if it would be possible to cut off a piece of the metal shaft which holds the fingers and then just use say, four fingers instead of six, I should warn you that the threaded part of the shaft does not extend throughout its length so if you try it you may just render your Flexi-Capo useless. That is not to say a person with engineering skills couldn't do the job for you!

Have fun.