Cable thread: what

Bassmike62 · #1 11-27-2010, 02:18 PM

'Evening ! Seems the worst of my pedal GAS is over (...). I have 14 pedals (6 looped in a Boss LS2) on a PedalTrain right and use (very) ordinary cables, so obviously I'm getting a little noise. So I'm looking at changing them.

What are the good patch cables out there ? Are they expensive ?

Thx.

bassbrad · #2 11-27-2010, 03:15 PM

George L's or Planet Wave sell kits that you can make you own cables to length a bit pricey but worth the convenience and they sound great.

Mr. Pickles · #3 11-28-2010, 12:10 PM

Opening a can of worms here, but I would go with soldered cables to avoid potential problems. The solderless kits are loved and used by many, but you can save money by rolling your own. Bulk cable is relatively inexpensive but the connectors can be pricey. And soldering is a skill that every gear hound should have - it will come in handy!

RickenBoogie · #4 11-28-2010, 12:30 PM

Can of worms for sure, but pre-fab cables by Monster or Mongami are top notch, if over-priced, and over-hyped. Great cables nonetheless.

bassbrad · #5 11-28-2010, 03:03 PM

I use to be like Mr Pickles but after the last board i did DIY cables for it was worth the added expense to go with the kit cable sets.

G.Bisson · #6 11-28-2010, 03:35 PM

I'll spill some more worms from the can.
DiMarzio makes quality cables. They have a tough outer shell, come in many cool colors (makes cable messes easier to sort out!) and are noiseless. Plus they are cheaper than Monster or Planet Waves cables. Not one DiMarzio has ever gone bad on me, can't say the same for Monster or Planet Waves.

TOOL460002 · #7 11-28-2010, 03:45 PM

nobodys mentioned audiopile yet, so i will say that ive gotten a half dozen cables from them (albeit longer ones). they are very cheap for made to order cables, and have excellent customer service.

ive also got a whole bunch of those short monster cables, and several sets of george ls. i wouldnt pay that much for monster if you need a ton of cables, and the quality difference is negligible.

also, +1 on making your own cables. as has been said, the jacks are the most expensive part. cable is super cheap, so you can always unsolder and resize cables as your board changes.

Mr. Pickles · #8 11-28-2010, 05:26 PM

Bam!

From SpeakerRepair.com - 20 pack of pancake plugs:
1/4" TS Plug Mono Right Angle Male Connector - GLS Audio - 20 Pack $19.99

And from redco.com:
30 feet of Mogami w2319 for $10.80

Wish me happy soldering

TOOL460002 · #9 11-28-2010, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Bam!

From SpeakerRepair.com - 20 pack of pancake plugs:
1/4" TS Plug Mono Right Angle Male Connector - GLS Audio - 20 Pack $19.99

BAM indeed. im all over those plugs i think (got like 50ft of cable sitting around). again, id say that you should check out audopile (google it, forget if its a .net or .com...). they have quality cable for just super cheap man.

ive heard those pancake jacks are a pita the solder, so maybe i should go with something easier (got tons of trs jacks... just not ts). time to warm up the iron, because im at least going to give those jacks a chance.

thanks for the heads up man!

39-Bassist · #10 11-28-2010, 06:22 PM

George L's all the way....you get what you pay for...

McSpunckle · #11 11-28-2010, 06:38 PM

While I totally support making your own cables, I don't really think custom making them to be perfect for your board is a great idea.

I did it a long time ago, and now I have a bunch of random length cables.

Make them pretty standard sizes. Some just long enough to make a "U" with a bit of slack, some longer for any longer runs, but if you custom fit them, you better be ready to make more unless you're never going to change your setup.

That said, those cheap multi-coloured patch cables you get 5 for $10 would probably be fine in almost any case. These cables are really short, and aren't moving around. As long as the shielding is good, you're fine.

blastjv · #12 11-29-2010, 08:11 AM

I just made all my own for my board using those GLS connectors and Canare GS-4 cable. The GLS connectors were no problem at all to solder. Only issue was that the connectors didn't grab the thinner GS-4 cable, so I just had to double up on heatshrink in that area. Came out great.

I agree that if you change your board around a lot it can get crazy with ending up with a lot of random length cables, but I think I'm really finally done screwing around with trying pedals and it's not a big deal to make a new cable if I need it later...

-JV

Mr. Pickles · #13 11-29-2010, 08:20 AM

I'm done screwing around with pedals, so I want this board done.

Anyone have a tutorial for soldering cables? Will I need heat shrink?

McSpunckle · #14 11-29-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

I'm done screwing around with pedals, so I want this board done.

Anyone have a tutorial for soldering cables? Will I need heat shrink?

I don't use heat shrink. If you get the kind of connector that really clamps down on the cable, it's not really needed, 'cause the cable isn't going anywhere. But it's still not a bad idea. I've not had anything fail yet, though.