Stranded vs. Solid core wire

[paullong444]

I was talking with a guy who was convinced that solid core wire is better for wiring guitars than stranded core wire. What seemed odd about that idea is that I've never really encountered a guitar with solid core wire because stranded core seems to be the industry standard. The only advantage I see is that you don't have to tin the wire before you solder it. Has anyone else ever heard anything on this topic.

[Deathblade Eric]

Probably not

[jonny 290]

Not even Eric Johnson's OCD ears can tell the difference between stranded and solid core wire of the same gauge. At these frequencies skin effect is minimal so the increased surface area of stranded wire doesn't do too much.

From a practical standpoint, one stray strand of wire can't work loose from a 'solid wire' joint, but it can and certainly has with stranded.

[Turnaround]

There are two characteristics of stranded wire that make it favourable to solid wire. Firstly, it is more flexible. That may not be important to the internals of an instrument, but is a bit easier to handle when you are doing the wiring.

And stranded wire has more surface area than solid wire. Alternating current (like that produced by pickups) tends to ride more toward the surface of the wire, or more precisely the surface of each strand of wire. So for the same gauge of wire, the stranded wire will pass alternating current better than solid wire.

[bgavin]

In high frequency network cabling such as CAT5, long runs in the walls are solid wire, and short runs such as patch cords are stranded type.

For guitar use, use what you have. As noted above, stranded is more flexible.

[luknfur]

FWIW:

I've used telephone wire for temporary installs and couldn't tell the difference soundwise. It was free and lots of different colors in each foot. Heavier guage I can't speak for but for the lighter gauge it's a real plus that solid's not as flexible cause it stays put wherever you stick it which makes soldering a lot easier cause both hands are free.

Seems stranded has lower resistance though - don't know if it would matter for guitars.

[A9X]

Originally Posted by Turnaround

And stranded wire has more surface area than solid wire. Alternating current (like that produced by pickups) tends to ride more toward the surface of the wire, or more precisely the surface of each strand of wire. So for the same gauge of wire, the stranded wire will pass alternating current better than solid wire.

What you're describing is skin effect and it's totally irrelevant at audio frequencies.

[Turnaround]

Originally Posted by A9X

What you're describing is skin effect and it's totally irrelevant at audio frequencies.

Yah, you're right. The effect is more pronounced the higher the frequency, but the effect is not seen at audio frequencies. Thanks for the correction.

[kipsus]

Well it is seen but worst case influence might be 0.1dB or smth