Instrument cable repair

walknbluez · #1 08-21-2010, 12:25 PM

I'm was going to try and solder this cable and when I unscrewed it I can see that there isn't much wire to work with. There is a gap between the metal and the wire. Is this repairable in this situation or is it even worth it to try? Never repaired a cable before so I wasn't sure.

Pilgrim · #2 08-21-2010, 12:34 PM

Do a web search for "how-to". It's an easy fix if you strip off the insulation to give yourself material to work with. You can normally re-use the connector if you get the old solder out.

Don't forget to put the insulator on the cable BEFORE you solder the connector on. make sure to use the strain relief tabs.

tysonh · #3 08-21-2010, 12:37 PM

It sure is repairable done it myself before. I even cut off an angled end on a shorter cable and switched it to a 15ft cable for a Jazz Bass

fdeck · #4 08-21-2010, 02:09 PM

Definitely a do-able repair. If a cable has received enough abuse to need repair, then you should cut off a couple inches of cable, since the ends are where cables wear out the quickest.

Notice on most cables that there are two sorts of insulating material between the outer and inner conductors: A thick clearish-whitish part, with a black outer layer. The black part is conductive, and should be carefully trimmed away so it doesn't touch the inner conductor and create a short.

CharlieC · #5 08-21-2010, 02:15 PM

Please do yourself a great favor... totally chop, re-cut, and re-strip the necessary cable to create a brand new pair of contacts to re-solder... it's only an inch of copper and a lifetime of electronics know-how 101... go for it! :-)

pbd · #6 08-21-2010, 02:26 PM

I agree with CharlieC, cut it and start over. If you need help please feel free to call my tech and we'll help you out. 586-634-2411

Todd

Pro Cables N Sound

CharlieC · #7 08-21-2010, 02:30 PM

To Todd pbd, Cheers! You've just kicked it up a notch with the tech supprt! \m/

**TheFantod** · #8 08-21-2010, 04:55 PM

Here's a good video from YouTube. You can fast forward it if you need to get to the soldering part. Quite simple actually.l

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smg68qgJa-I

pbd · #9 08-22-2010, 08:12 AM

nice youtube video, good find!

Todd

Munjibunga · #10 08-22-2010, 02:04 PM

Superb video. Should be stickied.

ggunn · #11 08-23-2010, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walknbluez

I'm was going to try and solder this cable and when I unscrewed it I can see that there isn't much wire to work with. There is a gap between the metal and the wire. Is this repairable in this situation or is it even worth it to try? Never repaired a cable before so I wasn't sure.

Absolutely it's worth repairing. You might even be able to solder it back as it is, but I wouldn't advise it; the wire would be under constant tension and would probably pull loose again very soon. I'd cut the cable an inch or so away from the connector, remove all the old solder and wire from the connector and reconnect it. If you pay attention to how the shield is connected when you do the cleanup, you should be able to duplicate it pretty easily. It will be good for you, too; basic soldering skills are a good thing for any electric musician to have.