Coiled Cables

WilliamSandoval · #1 07-15-2011, 01:22 PM

I wasn't sure which category this would fall under, but are there any advantages/disadvantages as to having a coiled instrument cable over a straight cable?

INSTRUMENT CABLE 25' COIL - BRAND NEW- | eBay

NickInMesa · #2 07-15-2011, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WilliamSandoval

I wasn't sure which category this would fall under, but are there any advantages/disadvantages as to having a coiled instrument cable over a straight cable?

INSTRUMENT CABLE 25' COIL - BRAND NEW- | eBay

In the 80s they were all the rage.

The issue is they do collect dust and get dirty really quickly. They are also very bulky.

Straight cables are easier to wind up like you would a rope on a boat, between your palm and your elbow, and stash in a gig bag.

**line6man** · #3 07-15-2011, 01:27 PM

AFAIK, some people like them for their high parasitic capacitance.
Personally, I don't like the effects of cable capacitance, so I would not use one unless I had a low impedance signal.

I would not use one to begin with, however. I hate those coiled cables! They tangle up and become worthless.

GeoffByrne · #4 07-15-2011, 01:31 PM

I've got 2 of these from the 70's & I'm still using them.

They're good in a confined space.

2400 · #5 07-15-2011, 01:32 PM

I like coiled cables. They weigh more, sure, but they tend to clutter less, cause they sort of stretch and shrink and never take up too much real estate on stage. Because of this, they're also very easy to roll up in a case. I use Coils by Bullet Cable, and I haven't noticed any loss of frequencies, as far as I can tell.

ChasBass · #6 07-15-2011, 01:38 PM

I am considering this one Vox Premium Vintage Coil Guitar Cable and more Instrument Cables at GuitarCenter.com. or the Fender Premium.

I used a heavy Whirlwind coil cord in the 70's straight into an SVT.

Great sound. You have to get used to the pull sometimes. Worked well on most stages.

SGD Lutherie · #7 07-15-2011, 02:51 PM

I used them when I first started playing back in the early 70s.

They can sound darker with passive basses, but actives shouldn't have an issue with them.

Some people like Hendrix liked them because it took the edge of the sound of his Strat.