Does Cables Matter for a Bass

[Bass_Pounder]

Originally Posted by J2Kbass

What I'm about to say is true- cables can make a difference. But it is very subtle.

I decided to test out cables to see if there was a difference. One of the first I tried was monster bass cables. They were advertised as "extending low frequency response". The cables 100% changed the sound, even though it was subtle. It provided a slightly, darker, fuller tone with less "sparkle". I was a-b'ing the cables in front of my band mates before we went on the road for a month. They, like most people, said I was crazy and the cables didn't make a difference. I then proved it to them by plugging into my even tide pitchfactor. I used cbi cables with the eventide pitchfactor(crystal setting) and every high note created by the pedal was heard. I then used the monster bass cable on the same setting and it cut out some of the highest frequencies creating a shorter trail off. My bandmates COULD HEAR THE DIFFERENCE when used with the pitchfactor(crystal setting).

My conclusion- when I wanted the clearest sounds( I use a lot of effects) I use my cbi cables. When I want a slightly darker, fuller sound, i use monster bass cables.

Some cables DO change the sound quality and tone, but not all. The thing is it's INCREDIBLY subtle. So subtle no one is going to notice.

Those who say the cables don't make a difference are incorrect.

It is not my opinion. It is true.

Have you read ANY of the posts in this thread and the thousands of others about Monster cables ?

The only difference is that by any standard, Monster can be considered defective cables because of the capacitence factor that sucks your highs away.

[PlungerModerno]

Originally Posted by penguineman

not sure if this is actually the right spot for this or not but what cables is everyone using?? I've got several Monster cables I use but none of them are specific for Bass Guitars a few are guitar cables and a few are insturment cables. does it really matter if it is Bass specific unless your in the studio or something like that recording?

I'm using a Planet waves (with "oxygen free copper" written along it) cable and an Ashton cable.
The ashton is longer by about 3 m (20' vs. 10')
There is no perceptible difference. through a speaker (albeit low quality) or a direct recording.
My assessment is the cables are shielded and sufficiently short for the purposes I use them.
A 100 km cable will matter, or a cable next to a huge EMF will matter. But for most of us, good connectors and adequate shielding is enough.

I'd be wary of expensive 'elite' audio gear - because of the pseudo-science and because of the ridiculous cost.

I buy cables 'cos they're tough and won't effect my signal with noise.

If a cable 'colours' the signal by attenuating highs - that's distortion. A cable should be 99.9999% flat.

[J2Kbass]

Originally Posted by bongomania

That's hilarious.


BTW, I'm not saying your ears, your experience, or your conclusion were wrong. They were either "right" or at least "right for you in that moment, with that rig". But in order for something to be "true, not opinion" it really has to be tested with a lot more scientific rigor than just a personal listening session. For example, do you know why the cables sounded different?

I appreciate what you're saying. I simply wanted to let people know that there can be a difference in cables. Now - what causes that difference is something I don't know and something I have no interest in learning. I play bass, and I'll stick to playing. That doesn't change the fact that there is a difference between cables( regardless if cables are deemed "defective" because of "capacitance factor")

Now - in terms of True vs opinion depending on scientific rigor -

I don't need "scientific rigor" to know that a Lamborghini Reventon is faster than a Corolla. I also don't need to know why(scientifically) they are different. I just need to drive them to know they are different.

I don't need "scientific rigor" to know that an HD TV from 2012 has a different picture quality than a standard tv from 1995. I also don't need to know why(scientifically) they are different. I just have to look at them to know they are different.

I also don't need "scientific rigor" to know why a Monster bass cable sounds different than a cbi cable. I also don't need to know why(scientifically) they sound different. I just need to listen to them through the same amp, head, bass. ( by the way I'm not saying one's better than the other, only stating that they are different.)

This thread was asking DO(actually they said "does") cables sound different. Not WHY do cables sound different.

It's TRUE that cables can sound different, regardless of why. But is it noticable enough for people to spend more money, thats a matter of OPINION. Many people's OPINIONS might be no. I respect that. My OPINION is yes.

[BadJazz]

What I am about to say is 100% true:

[BklynKen]

Originally Posted by BadJazz

What I am about to say is 100% true:

Well-said.

[BawanaRik]

I tend to use George Ls. The other favorite I have are a house brand made for a now defunct local music store. Just because a cable costs a lot isn't proof it's any good. I was fortunate enough to have a guitar player I knew buy Monster Cables ten years ago and saved me the money. You can save the same money by reading any one of a number of reviews on said MC.

Don't use the Ls live. They have material memory, like most good cables. That means they can coil up at anytime and pull your amp down.

When playing for real I use a nady wireless.