Which Belden is best for instrument cable?

[colcifer]

Belden gets mentioned favorably quite a lot (I did several searches) but no one ever specifies which cable no. they use. So, which is it? Which cable maximizes flexibility, durability, and has low resistance and capacitance at a low cost (and comes in blue). I'm a complete bulk cable noob but I'm sick of Monster (have been for a while) and I want to switch to making my own.

[fdeck]

I used Belden 8410 for a long time, but it doesn't coil very easily and is hard to solder. Over the past several years I've been happy with this stuff:

Pro Co Guitar & Instrument Cable 55% Shield 1 ft.

But it doesn't come in blue. Also found this online:

Canare GS-6 Instrument Cable by the foot

I know that Canare is a reputable brand, though I haven't tried it myself.

[colcifer]

I read the specs on that canare and it looks like a good choice. Muchas gracias, fdeck.

Any other recommendations?

[colcifer]

For all the times belden has been mentioned, there ought to be more posts than this in this thread...

[colcifer]

BUMP

[fdeck]

I think that the designs which built Belden's reputation in audio cabling are obsolete. The legendary 8410 has Neoprene insulation with layers of cloth wrapping. The Neoprene causes the wire to corrode, making soldering difficult. Modern materials have made cables that are quite rugged while being cheaper to manufacture.

[colcifer]

Originally Posted by fdeck

I think that the designs which built Belden's reputation in audio cabling are obsolete. The legendary 8410 has Neoprene insulation with layers of cloth wrapping. The Neoprene causes the wire to corrode, making soldering difficult. Modern materials have made cables that are quite rugged while being cheaper to manufacture.

Ah. Thank you very much.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by colcifer

For all the times belden has been mentioned, there ought to be more posts than this in this thread...

Pretty sure I told you more or less all there is to know the last time you posted about this? Anyhow, If you want Belden in colors you get it through CBI or other OEM vendors.

[fokof]

I always use Canare.

[ggunn]

Originally Posted by fdeck

I think that the designs which built Belden's reputation in audio cabling are obsolete. The legendary 8410 has Neoprene insulation with layers of cloth wrapping. The Neoprene causes the wire to corrode, making soldering difficult. Modern materials have made cables that are quite rugged while being cheaper to manufacture.

How does neoprene promote corrosion?

[fdeck]

I suspect there are compounds in it that are acidic. All's I know is that old Belden cable develops corrosion on the conductors, and is difficult to solder. Vinyl jacketed cable (typical modern stuff) doesn't seem to have this problem.