Instrument cable question

pica · #1 08-04-2010, 03:53 PM

Hi Everyone

I just ordered a new Carvin bass and didn't give two thoughts about an instrument cable until today. Is there a difference in instrument cables or are they all the same. If not, what is the difference. What do you guys recommend.

ggunn · #2 08-04-2010, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pica

Hi Everyone

I just ordered a new Carvin bass and didn't give two thoughts about an instrument cable until today. Is there a difference in instrument cables or are they all the same. If not, what is the difference. What do you guys recommend.

INCOMING!!!

NateS · #3 08-04-2010, 04:00 PM

i was on another forum the other day, and somebody posted a heated question like this. i wish i had the picture the first person posted, of a (literally) semi-opened can of worms.

in before the fight, cable doesn't really matter. use what you want.

pica · #4 08-04-2010, 04:02 PM

I'm sorry but I did a search first before posting and didn't find anything. I don't understand why this would be a heated question.

scottbass · #5 08-04-2010, 04:03 PM

Someone really asked this question? hehehe

rollerberg2000 · #6 08-04-2010, 04:04 PM

Incoming indeed.

I'll try to sum up about 400 different threads into 3 concepts:

1) Really cheap cords work as well as the most expensive cords you can buy. But they break and can be microphonic (noisy when you move around)

2) Middle of the road (store brand) cables work fine, last a long time and carry a signal just as well as expensive cables. I've had one of these for twenty years and it works fine to this day.

3) Boutique cable manufacturers boast a lot of things science just doesn't back up. Some users still like them because invariably they come with a lifetime unconditional warranty which I can see some purpose in. You would just buy it once and if you are really rough on cords or just have bad luck this could come out in your favor.

There, I saved you countless hours searching threads.

pica · #7 08-04-2010, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbass

Someone really asked this question? hehehe

Yea, someone really asked this question. Not everyone on TB are seasoned professionals.

scottbass · #8 08-04-2010, 04:12 PM

The Lyric HG is considered "the big brother" to the Melody Cable. It offers two 20awg solid copper conducting cores and one would be hard-pressed to hear every accolade given to this amazing cable. We recommend you listen yourself and discover why it is deserving of such praise.

The Lyric HG™
A refinement of the original Lyric cable with greater resolving ability. The best cable we offer.

Design Consideration: Result:

IGL™ Copper conductors: Smooth midrange and highs

Symmetrical Design: Dynamics scream from the quietest of backgrounds without using the shield to carry your signal

Solid Core Conductors: Preserve clarity and focus, revealing harmonic detail and articulation

20 awg Conductor Size: Large enough to communicate punch and authority, small enough to preserve a sense of air and delicacy

Enhanced Dielectric: Additional air reduces dielectric involvement

Conductive skins applied -
to positive and negative runs: Reduced microphonics with high gain amps

High Density Copper Braid Shield: Nothing but signal gets to your amp

Woven Nylon Jacket: Increases flexibility and protection for stage use.

20 foot straight 1/4" to straight 1/4" cable: $155

scottbass · #9 08-04-2010, 04:17 PM

OK - here's a straight answer (sorry for the sarcasm):

What rollerberg2000 said is exactly true. IMHO. As long as the connectors are soldered well and the cable itself is flexible enough for your taste, it's a good cable. You should be able to buy a good cable from any number of places for $25 or less. Spending $155 (or more!) on an instrument cable is throwing lots money away.

IMHO

jazzblade · #10 08-04-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

The Lyric HG is considered "the big brother" to the Melody Cable. It offers two 20awg solid copper conducting cores and one would be hard-pressed to hear every accolade given to this amazing cable. We recommend you listen yourself and discover why it is deserving of such praise.

What a DEAL! I have to buy TWO at that price then I will sound just like the OX!

For real, a couple of $25 cables should last years, notice ONE for a backup

pica · #11 08-04-2010, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottbass

OK - here's a straight answer (sorry for the sarcasm):

What rollerberg2000 said is exactly true. IMHO. As long as the connectors are soldered well and the cable itself is flexible enough for your taste, it's a good cable. You should be able to buy a good cable from any number of places for $25 or less. Spending $155 (or more!) on an instrument cable is throwing lots money away.

IMHO

Thank you!!!

**ExaltBass** · #12 08-04-2010, 04:21 PM

SOLID CONSTRUCTION IS THE KEY! I roll my own, and I construct them for EMI/RFI rejection, long term usage/abuse, and low capacitance. Canare/Neutrik/WBT Silver Solder is my formula.

This has worked for me for a LONG time, and it's a whole lot cheaper than store bought pre-made cables.

ggunn · #13 08-04-2010, 05:44 PM

Wow. 18 posts in and so far we all agree. That must be some kind of record!

jazzblade · #14 08-04-2010, 05:49 PM

Quote:

SOLID CONSTRUCTION IS THE KEY! I roll my own, and I construct them for EMI/RFI rejection, long term usage/abuse, and low capacitance. Canare/Neutrik/WBT Silver Solder is my formula.

I agree but not everyone is into DIYS. I usually buy a decent cable and if something goes wrong with it MUCh later, I just buy quality jacks and fix it myself. (I usually end up making cables for friends too)

sobie18 · #15 08-04-2010, 05:52 PM

Get an Instrument cable (shielded) and NOT a speaker cable.

Pilgrim · #16 08-04-2010, 05:55 PM

Just buy a major brand cable from a retailer like Guitar Center - but NOT a really expensive one like Monster. People obsess over this way too much. Don't walk on them with heavy boots and yank on them all the time and you won't have problems.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobie18

Get an Instrument cable (shielded) and NOT a speaker cable.

That's right!! MARK your speaker cables so you can tell them apart from instrument cables. They are different electronically.

Phalex · #17 08-05-2010, 06:50 AM

Cheaper cables tend to be more supple because they have less shielding. They generally have lower capacitance, and they break quicker IME.

Expensive cables tend to have a whole lot of shielding, and are stiffer. They generally will have more capacitance, and last longer than cheap cables.

I think the key to any cable it the 1/4" connectors that plug into your bass and your amp. A middle of the road cable usually has a supple cord, and a good quality connector.

Personally, I like Sound Links cables. Good price, and good performance.

I usually replace the cable I use onstage about once a year. Getting stepped on over the course of a years worth of gigs is what kills the majority of my cables IMO.

T. Alan Smith · #18 08-05-2010, 08:33 AM

Just buy a nice quality cable made from well recommended components(Belden or Canare wire, for example and Switchcraft or Neutrik connectors, for example). From my experience, Whirlwind Leader and Conquest still offer the most bang for the buck. If you want nicer, Audiopile makes very nice cables at reasonable prices. There are other's as well. Personally, I use Bayou for instrument, Audiopile for pedal interconnects and Lava for speaker cabs. I used to use Monster for everything, but not only has their quality been hit or miss, their return policy has not been worth it to me.