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#292540 - 05/02/12 04:01 AM
Re: Good guitar cables advice?
[Re: Megi]
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Alidore
One of the Regulars
Registered: 16/07/11
Posts: 59
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All my cables are copper core/copper shielding. Ive come accross some pretty crappy cables trying to repair some for the school. They seem to be a braded copper core with aluminium strips of foil for the outer shielding/earth, these strips aren't even joined and can't be soldered. Try and strip off the outer insulation and they flake off with it.
The best cables I have are made from an old computer network that was stripped out, I mean a really old coax network. Solid copper core and braded copper shield, with a good insulator between.
guitar cables may be on their way to hifi cables, smoke, mirrors and voodoo. just get some good quality co-ax, and you'll be sorted.
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#292543 - 05/02/12 09:48 AM
Re: Good guitar cables advice?
[Re: Alidore]
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The Tiggs
Professional Forumite!
Registered: 08/04/10
Posts: 412
Loc: Derby
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There should be /often is a single solid tracer wire for the earth connection in AL foil screened wires. These are computer cables, intended for installations and not for portable equipment.
I wouldn't really use old cable myself and often find it just as cheap to buy ready made cables these days. For my custom lenghts and configurations I have a real of guitar cable, a reel of twin screened and a stock of plugs etc. from places like Rapid, RS or Studiospares. Best to advoid the very cheap ones.
As for capacitance effects - don't have the cable too long and turn the treble control up a 1/20th of a turn.
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#292557 - 05/02/12 01:14 PM
Re: Good guitar cables advice?
[Re: Jocko]
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Megi
Old Timer
Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 1281
Loc: Lincolnshire
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My impression of expensive cables is the same as my impression of expensive pots and capacitors!
Hi Jocko, - let's not open up the capacitor thing again ha ha! but with respect, I think there is at least something to be said for paying a bit more for better cables - it's not just mojo IMO, for example I have found these demos on Youtube, which on the face of it do seem to show that the cable can have a significant impact on the sound:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8ljxpyqdEw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiZtqTi4epE
I know, they would say that wouldn't they? but still, I think there is something in the low-capacitance thing - maybe at least worth trying to source lower capacitance guitar cable types - they don't have to cost a fortune. I've just found this place for example: http://www.designacable.com/ - they do quite reasonable prices for Sommer cable (which has a very low capacitance spec. at 74pF per metre) fitted with good quality Neutrik jack plugs. Just an example, I'm not trying to advertise on their behalf. But I do think it's maybe worth fussing about some of the small details of guitar gear - it might add up to a significant difference overall.
Edited by Megi (05/02/12 01:14 PM)
_________________________
Graham, jazz guitar nut!
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#292558 - 05/02/12 01:28 PM
Re: Good guitar cables advice?
[Re: stickyfiddle]
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Megi
Old Timer
Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 1281
Loc: Lincolnshire
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Good cables are significantly better than cheap cables. But "Premium" cables are just money for old rope. Rob at http://www.kablonline.com makes great cables for very good prices. Alternatively, I have a couple of Whirlwind Leaders that are brilliant, and never broken in years of use. Or if you want 3 or 4 long-ish cables you can make your own without breaking the bank, but buying in bulk from Studiospares is the way to save money in that particular game. I would definitely advise against Planet Waves or anything else that uses molded plugs. They may have a lifetime warranty, but a cable you can fix yourself is usually much more useful in the long run 
_________________________
Graham, jazz guitar nut!
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#292567 - 05/02/12 04:56 PM
Re: Good guitar cables advice?
[Re: stickyfiddle]
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Megi
Old Timer
Registered: 08/07/11
Posts: 1281
Loc: Lincolnshire
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Hi again SF, I wasn't meaning to advertise Elixir - just using their video as an example. They do seem a wee bit pricey I have to agree (and they seem to have molded plugs!). I take onboard your other points too. I think I'm going to go for sensible specs, good quality type cable and rugged jack plugs (as you say, user servicable), without going too high in price - something like the kablonline stuff maybe.
_________________________
Graham, jazz guitar nut!
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