Guitar Cables..?

nightprowler · February 9th, 2010, 03:16 PM

I know there's no "magic" guitar cable, but I found an interesting article & review regarding guitar cables here:
http://www.premierguitar.com/Magazin..._Part_One.aspx

Is there any tried and true cable anyone can suggest, one that's more robust, better built, better signal transfer over another?

Thanks.

FrankieSixxxgun · February 9th, 2010, 03:45 PM

I generally use anything that's not some generic piece of crap, and lately, even though they're overpriced to death, have been using a Monster cable to get from my pedals to the amp. I've broken and replaced that cable 3-4 times now though with no questions asked, so it's kinda paid for itself. In between pedals I use George L cables since I can cut them to size easily. Generally as long as the plugs make a solid connection, the copper inside the wire is a reasonable size and not oxidized, and the shielding around that copper is quality you'll be fine.

Edit - In that review you linked all the "Results" were just what the guys heard. That's totally just a bunk test then. A lot of things can affect how an amp sounds, even more-so than your input cable. Hell, try playing your amp with exactly the same wires, guitar, pedals, etc... plugged into the same exact outlet in the same exact location, but do it once at 6-7PM and once at 3-4AM. The voltage drop you'll see at 6-7PM (while everybody is cooking dinner, watching TV, playing their amps) will likely affect you more than swapping from one overpriced cable to another.

Bengal65 · February 9th, 2010, 03:59 PM

Guitar cables are like discussing pickups. There are a huge amount of opinions. In the studio, I have a cable that cost $350 for a 12' footer made by Lava Cable. It's actually conditioned to go one way. Can I hear a difference? Yes, recorded signal only. Live forget it. Other cables that I've used with much success; Whirlwind, Planet Waves circuit breaker, George L's, Mogami, Evidence Audio - Melody (nice high end) and my overall favorite tough cable, the DiMarzio cables in either the Gold or Chrome finish. Very tough, sound good, and economical.

FrankieSixxxgun · February 9th, 2010, 04:06 PM

Even my Monster cable is directional. All that means is that the shielding is grounded at one end, not both, so the interference all travels down the wire and into the chassis ground vs. into the guitar causing humming.

Thunderball · February 9th, 2010, 04:18 PM

The sound difference is negligible, so I just buy for looks.

These are my favorites - the VOX Coil Cable. Retro look, L-shaped connector, and an assortment of cool colors. Plugging that red one into my red Ric is a sight to behold.

Buy cables for looks.

-PMK- · February 9th, 2010, 06:26 PM

I have Planet Waves with the Circuit Breaker Cable.
No idea what it sounds compared to other cables.

Like the easy way the plugs are connected to the cable, easy to fix if cable is broken at the plug (well easy to fix anywhere but then it'll get little short

)

charlie chitlins · February 9th, 2010, 08:50 PM

I have some Whirlwind cables with really heavy rubber jackets that cover the whole jack and extend a few inches down the cable.
I've been gigging them for about 18 years.

Synchro · February 9th, 2010, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderball

The sound difference is negligible, so I just buy for looks.

I tend to agree that the sound difference is minor and of no consequence in real world playing situations. I use George L's exclusively because I like the fact that I can re-terminate them in no time whatsoever and make custom length cables.

Bear · February 9th, 2010, 09:07 PM

Up until recently, I always used the usual bargain basement cables. I didn't buy the hype about better cables making your guitar sound better until a Monster Jazz cable was given to me. I was astounded how much better my guitar sounded. I guess the cheap cords roll off a lot of treble and bass. Anyway, better cables do make a sonic difference.

Bengal65 · February 9th, 2010, 09:39 PM

Lava now makes a George L type setup. I really like their jack design over the G. L's much better. I'm ordering a pedal board kit soon.

http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html

Lava Cable in coils now!

http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html

funnyorangeguitar · February 9th, 2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear

Up until recently, I always used the usual bargain basement cables. I didn't buy the hype about better cables making your guitar sound better until a Monster Jazz cable was given to me. I was astounded how much better my guitar sounded. I guess the cheap cords roll off a lot of treble and bass. Anyway, better cables do make a sonic difference.

@Bear. Which specific cable type do you use... ? and what length,

I heard it said (here I think) the Mr Setzer uses longer cables to enhance treble response? thanks.

Synchro · February 9th, 2010, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bengal65

Lava now makes a George L type setup. I really like their jack design over the G. L's much better. I'm ordering a pedal board kit soon.

http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html

Lava Cable in coils now!

http://www.lavacable.com/lava.html

They look great.

Bengal65 · February 9th, 2010, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Synchro

They look great.

I just reminded myself and ordered a kit just now. It should clean up my pedal board nicely. Mark at Lava Cable is great to deal with and builds the cables himself.

Poppatwang · February 9th, 2010, 10:24 PM

Expensive cable sound different, not necessarily better. Some people use coil cords because it rolls off hi end. Personally I want a cord that looks like it came off a 1956 GE Toaster. So I use Spectraflex.

Bear · February 9th, 2010, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funnyorangeguitar

@Bear. Which specific cable type do you use... ? and what length,

I heard it said (here I think) the Mr Setzer uses longer cables to enhance treble response? thanks.

It is the 12' Monster Jazz cable with a 90 degree plug on one end and a straight plug on the other end. It was given to me and I'm really pleased with how it allows all the signal from my guitar to get to the amp.

Synchro · February 9th, 2010, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bear

It is the 12' Monster Jazz cable with a 90 degree plug on one end and a straight plug on the other end. It was given to me and I'm really pleased with how it allows all the signal from my guitar to get to the amp.

I've grown fond of having a 90 on both ends; just one more reason I roll my own these days.

Sarah93003 · February 10th, 2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poppatwang

Expensive cable sound different, not necessarily better. Some people use coil cords because it rolls off hi end. Personally I want a cord that looks like it came off a 1956 GE Toaster. So I use Spectraflex.

I'm using Spectraflex these days. I have a different color for each guitar.

LATS · February 10th, 2010, 02:16 AM

The techies among us might appreciate this >engineering model< as a means of investigating the effects of cable capacitance.

Particularly this quote from Bill Lawrence:
"The DC resistance of a pickup tells you as much about a pickup's tone and output as the shoe size tells you about a person's intelligence!"

mikante · February 10th, 2010, 02:39 AM

George L's for me, imho the singnal going through these cables sounds pure enough, plus, my pedal board is constantly changing and I need versatility.
I use Planetwaves for the long run!

Quietly · February 10th, 2010, 03:31 AM

Planet Waves Circuit Breaker here to. If the standby switched actually worked on my CC (HS Filtertrons) I wouldn't need it but in the standby position it hums so much it is unusable.

mikante · February 10th, 2010, 04:05 AM

strange, mine is dead quiet, I've tryed it with any sort of pickup.

araT · February 11th, 2010, 05:44 AM

I swear by my DiMarzios, my oldest is about 11 years old now, still going strong, and sounds as good as the new one I picked up a few weeks ago.

Michiel · February 11th, 2010, 06:44 AM

I use a cable I bought about 10 years ago. Don't remember the brand (wow THAT's helpful!

). I used to solder my own cables before, but I learned the hard way that that was a bad idea.

Tara, I like the looks of those DiMarzios.
What's the product ID? I'd like to see if I can get them here somewhere.

araT · February 11th, 2010, 07:20 AM

Hey Michiel! I wish I could tell you, all I know is they are called "DiMarzio Instrument Cables"

http://dimarzio.com/site/#/cables/ - Click instrument at the bottom, and then instrument cable from the menu that appears on the left..

I'm sure Musicians Friend or someone would carry them, and I'm sure there's an EU reseller too (considering they've been all the way down here for at least a decade), just look for "DiMarzio cables" & make sure you get the fabric one, not the rubber one (which is called the "Basic guitar cable" - I've not tried those) they don't seem to have too much of a selection of cables

EDIT:

Bingo! http://accessories.musiciansfriend.c...ble?sku=332100

Michiel · February 11th, 2010, 07:43 AM

Thanks Tara, I'll see if I can get them somewhere around here.
Musician's Friend seem to ship only to canada?!

jaguarguy · February 11th, 2010, 07:46 AM

I like Pro Cables and Sounds (PCNS) from Warren, Michigan. They are a small but high quality manufacturer. Their cables really make a difference

araT · February 11th, 2010, 07:52 AM

Sorry, I really don't know any of the good EU online stores, I've never ordered anything from there and when I'm home visiting the folks (in Germany) I hit the local stores that have no idea what that magical intweb thingy is..

I came across a few listed on german & UK ebay on my search for links for you.. eBay might not be a bad idea, the ones I saw are new (still in packaging) & a little cheaper than the stores

http://shop.ebay.nl/?_from=R40&_trks...All-Categories

araT · February 11th, 2010, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaguarguy

I like Pro Cables and Sounds (PCNS) from Warren, Michigan. They are a small but high quality manufacturer. Their cables really make a difference

Welcome jaguarguy!! great to have you here

you should post a thread in the welcome forum with that sexy sexy 1959 Duo Jet I see mentioned in your sig

Michiel · February 11th, 2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by araT

Sorry, I really don't know any of the good EU online stores, I've never ordered anything from there and when I'm home visiting the folks (in Germany) I hit the local stores that have no idea what that magical intweb thingy is..

I came across a few listed on german & UK ebay on my search for links for you.. eBay might not be a bad idea, the ones I saw are new (still in packaging) & a little cheaper than the stores

http://shop.ebay.nl/?_from=R40&_trks...All-Categories

Heh

, I saw those too, but I'm afraid the neon colors won't go with my shoes

. I WILL check out that British seller though; he seems to offer the tweed version in both 10' and 15'. His price is a little high though, compared to Musician's Friend.
I just email MF about intl shipping btw. I'm curious to see their response.

araT · February 11th, 2010, 08:07 AM

Down the bottom in the stores section there are a few black/khaki/grey/b&w ones.. they're a bit bland, but they're better than the fluro ones.. ahh yes, I see now you found the tweed one there!

I've got a red one & an olive green one, and I'm looking to order one of their stereo cables for my Rickenbacker real soon..

Good luck! and I hope you love em as much as I do, I have a feeling you will!

Michiel · February 12th, 2010, 10:19 AM

Thanks again Tara. Our local 'Ye Olde Musicq Shoppe' did not have the DiMarzio cables, so I'm going to get them off ebay.

BTW, here is actually a relevant & on-topic question from me (for once!):

What lenght of cable do you folks prefer?
Think different scenarios: on stage, off stage, home recording, etc

Michiel · March 9th, 2010, 04:05 PM

Hey Tara, I just got those DiMarzio cables and they're awesome.
Thanks for the tip!

gringo · March 9th, 2010, 04:26 PM

I agree with Tara.
The Dimarzio cables run about 30-40pf/ft and are as tough as any cable I've ever used.

DW_Dillinger · March 9th, 2010, 04:27 PM

I used every cable on the market and I though it was a forgone conclusion that they would have to be replaced every 2 weeks or so. I use Monster cables now and even though I can't say for sure that they sound any better than any other cable, they certainly last. I think they come with a lifetime warranty of some sort but I have 4 and they have never failed in the 3 plus years I have owned them and thats good enough for me. They are obviously more expensive but they have paid for themselves 10 fold at the rate I was replacing every other cable I have used.

Bigsby · March 9th, 2010, 06:06 PM

Monster have slightly oversize plugs..well mine does.

Anyone else notice this..

rcboals · March 9th, 2010, 06:29 PM

http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/colum...nt_cables.html

jmiked · March 9th, 2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by funnyorangeguitar

I heard it said (here I think) the Mr Setzer uses longer cables to enhance treble response? thanks.

Longer cables lengths reduce treble, not enhance.

DW_Dillinger · March 9th, 2010, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigsby

Monster have slightly oversize plugs..well mine does.

Anyone else notice this..

I noticed this too...I like the slightly snugger fit but putting another cable in a guitar you've been using a Monster in it is no longer an option...im not sure if it is stretching the jack or if i'm used to the feel of the Monster going in and out.

That sounds kind of dirty

tyguy · March 9th, 2010, 09:47 PM

Buy a good quality cable and don't fret.I love Warren Haynes tone and he uses a fifty foot cable.Why?To cut highs.The brightness in the extreme high dollar cables(Mogami etc.)is achieved with capacitance in the shielding and or some of them add small caps in the cable.Build yourself a capacitance box(rotary switch w/caps on it)and get more brightness(differences) than you'll ever need.It's all still a matter of taste.I just want a quality cable and don't want it to accent highs.I don't know how you could tell if you're gettin' the natural tone of the guitar or not.How do you check and what are you gonna' compare it to?.the Best, Ty M. aka:"TROLL"

LATS · March 9th, 2010, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyguy

... I just want a quality cable and don't want it to accent highs.I don't know how you could tell if you're gettin' the natural tone of the guitar or not.How do you check and what are you gonna' compare it to?.the Best, Ty M. aka:"TROLL"

If you want to know what your guitar 'really' sounds like, make a 1/4"-to-RCA adaptor, and plug into the AUX input of your stereo system.

You won't like it!

All cables roll off the treble. The worst ones make it sound like there's a blanket thrown over your speaker cab.