Instrument cables rated and compared. A buyers' guide!

[boynamedsuse]

Originally Posted by bongomania

The tricky thing with considering these from a DIY standpoint at this time is that the really solidly-assembled ones would require major surgery for me to even "get at" the solder joints. Really I'll have to reserve that angle of inquiry until I have the luxury of destroying the existing assemblies. Of the ones where I was able to access that inner section, many of them even encase the soldered segment in a block of vinyl resin, which is literally not removable--so the only option is to throw away the plug.

Encasing the soldered segment in a block of vinyl resin seems like a good idea to me. Assuming that the solder connection was correct in the first place, that construction method might add to the durability.

[snyderz]

Trying to look up availability of some of these cables. Is Dimarzio 'standard cloth' the same as 'Vintage tweed overbraided'? Standard cloth doesn't show up anywhere.

[bongomania]

The ones I'm talking about don't have a name, so I just thought "standard cloth" would describe them (the other model they make has a vinyl shell instead of cloth). DiMarzio Instrument Cable: Shop Accessories & Other Musical Instruments | Musician's Friend
Maybe I should come up with something more clear.

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by bongomania

The tricky thing with considering these from a DIY standpoint at this time is that the really solidly-assembled ones would require major surgery for me to even "get at" the solder joints. Really I'll have to reserve that angle of inquiry until I have the luxury of destroying the existing assemblies. Of the ones where I was able to access that inner section, many of them even encase the soldered segment in a block of vinyl resin, which is literally not removable--so the only option is to throw away the plug.

Thanks, Bongo. That's the kind of information I find valuable. I probably wouldn't buy a cable if I knew the connector could not be detached and reused. I prefer cables equipped with Neutrik connectors.

[bongomania]

Well, even a great brand of connector like Neutrik may be filled with hard resin by the assembler.

What I can do at this time is check out the cables where I can access that inner section without destroying the assembly, and post which ones "for sure" have the solid resin filling. I'll go look at that now.

[bongomania]

I was only able to confirm three for sure are resin-injected: Vox, Armor Gold, and Bullet. There may likely be others.

[bongomania]

I have added two Live Wire cables and another Planet Waves to the list, and I also re-evaluated a few of the ratings I had previously given, so my "top 5" lists have changed. The Live Wire Elite beat out the Silver Bullet (which is still a very good cable), and the Solid Dynamic Arc fell off the list of "best at any price" (though it is still a very good cable).

[kesslari]

Very, very nicely done.
Thank you.

[MakiSupaStar]

I just want to say I love this thread. Thanks Bongo.

[bongomania]

You're welcome guys!

I just added two Spectraflex cables and another Whirlwind.

[mixtapelove]

I'm shopping for cables this weekend. This thread is invaluable. Thank you.

[Will Kelly]

The Horizon did pretty darn well except in one category and is dirt cheap. Interesting.

Great thread!

[Marty Forrer]

Excellent review!
I dont know if you have these stateside, but I've been using HotLines by Leem for over 10 years of solid gigging, and have never had to fix or replace one. If nothing else.... they last!
Although your findings are by and large subjective, comparing apples with apples must make it all a fairly accurate assessment. Shootouts like this are much more informative than someone giving an opinion based on their limited experience.
Many thanks.

[Rumblestiltskin]

Hi Marty, MoFo here, I'm still rabidly reading threads here, so much to take in....I recently bought a Fender lead with the cloth covering, looks a lot like a flathead V8 plug lead ....don't know about it's tech but it's got a nice feel and of course like all leads, turn your back and it will tie itself in a good knot or two....dontcha hate that..
This site is awesome ... thanks for the headsup.

[1SHOT1HIT]

Wow!!!!!


Are there seriously people out there that buy cables for almost $200 a piece? $200 dollars!
TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS !!!!!!

For a cable?

I expected cables to reach up to $60-$75 bucks, and thought that in itself seemed insane to spend on ONE cable. but for a professional musician, who is playing live, recording etc. I can see where expense can be of little importance to assure quality.

But $180+ dollars for just one cable?

My brain is left scrambled and confused over this.
I personally could NEVER imagine dropping that kinda cash for a cable. I'm not knocking others who do see it important, just don't or can't fathom the value in that.

Not trying to offend anyone.

[phox]

This is a gold mine! I wish I had the tools and equipment at your disposal. Your write-ups on your measurement techniques are extremely helpful, and the results will save several friends and I tons of money. Keep up the good work and the fight against evil marketing.

[kurosawa]

Great stuff!

Curious about the celebrated Bill Lawrence cable kit, and I have some Canary cable I bought a while back that I'm wondering about. Would be ultra neat if you ever get around to examining cable components (wire and plugs).

What is it that gives Atlantic Quality Zerocap such low capacitance and the Fender Platinum Acoustic such high capacitance?

It's said that Hendrix used coil cords for outrageous capacitance. Have you tried any?

[RockBobby]

Did you score the Lava or Bullet COIL cables? Thinking about getting a coil cable.

Thanks

[RockBobby]

Originally Posted by RockBobby

Did you score the Lava or Bullet COIL cables? Thinking about getting a coil cable.

Thanks

????

[keep it low]

Can anyone find a snapjack? What happened to them, ingenious design, now their websites down