Last time I set up for my semi-regular jam with the guys, I spent 10 minutes fiddling with my amp as I had no sound. I didn't suspect my patch cable because I didn't get the usual cracks and pops and other obnoxious noises one typically hears with a cable that has a short in it. So I tried a different cable and sure enough, the cable was the problem. This really grinds my gears because even though it wasn't an expensive cable (not the cheapest quality either) it was fairly new and was not abused in any way. So I'm looking for a recommendation for a dependable patch cable that won't cost an arm and a leg. Thanks.
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Double Bass Recommend a dependable patch cable?
- Thread starter Lenbytown
- Start date
I think I've been using Rapco. After about 6 years I finally had one start to go but that's not bad for how cheap they are.
My favorite for DB is the Lava Cables Soar model. I use the 15 ft version.
I have had one Planet Waves bite three dust prematurely.
If you are using a preamp before the cable, the sonic differences between cables are largely negated. I stopped mounting my preamp on the tailpiece a little over a year ago, and the Soar beats out everything else I've tried.
I have had one Planet Waves bite three dust prematurely.
If you are using a preamp before the cable, the sonic differences between cables are largely negated. I stopped mounting my preamp on the tailpiece a little over a year ago, and the Soar beats out everything else I've tried.
Make your own or have a buddy do it. I use Canare GS6 cable and have tried it against uber expensive ones and have always preferred the Canare. About a buck per foot. I make mine in bright colors so that the stage guys don't inadvertently walk off with it. edit--Markertek has it for $.87 per foot
...assuming you believe there are any substantial sonic differences between cables*, per se, that are discriminable under real-world conditions. Especially, at the frequencies we're interested in, I do not and with good reason. Corrosion on connectors can degrade the sound. I buy good cables because of their physical and electrical integrity.
*Edit-- I'm excluding "junk" cables from consideration here. That is, those with poor shielding, cheap connectors, and conductors of undesirable capacitance.
Mike, this is something I've thought of trying out myself. I'm a total noob but am just starting to get into entry level hifi stuff (just scored an old Technics by Panasonic mid 70s receiver to get started) and in my research came across this interesting recipe for DIY audio cables (Invalid Link Removed). But I digress...
Thanks for the heads up on the Canare cables and yes, keep us posted about the connectors.
Thanks for the heads up on the Canare cables and yes, keep us posted about the connectors.
With possible exception of homeopathy, there is no topic on which such outlandish claims are made on the basis of so little evidence as that of audio cables.
The guy in the link above is no exception, but at least he isn't trying to part you from your hard-earned (at least as far as I read), and he's recommending cheap, off-the-shelf components. Again, as far as I read, he appears not to appreciate his own irony in the choice of "Moonshine" as the name for his project.
It needs to have wire in the middle, it needs adequate shielding, and it needs not to fall apart. Some connectors fit better than others and are more robust. Everything else is *&^%$%^.
The guy in the link above is no exception, but at least he isn't trying to part you from your hard-earned (at least as far as I read), and he's recommending cheap, off-the-shelf components. Again, as far as I read, he appears not to appreciate his own irony in the choice of "Moonshine" as the name for his project.
It needs to have wire in the middle, it needs adequate shielding, and it needs not to fall apart. Some connectors fit better than others and are more robust. Everything else is *&^%$%^.
I did a review of about 15 different cables for Premier Guitar a few years ago, along with a guitar player friend. This included some exotic cables and some basic ones.
We decided that cable choice comes down to feel (weight, flexibility) and durability. Although we heard some small differences between cables, the reality is that once you're on a gig, the acoustic environment dominates over subtle nuances of sound. If price brings better durability, go for it...but price is hard to justify on sound alone.
Because double bass pickup jacks usually are attached by a clip to the strings or occasionally to the tailpiece, I look for a lighter, more flexible cable to avoid pulling too much on the jack.This tends to be the less expensive cables with less material between the center conductor and the shield.
We decided that cable choice comes down to feel (weight, flexibility) and durability. Although we heard some small differences between cables, the reality is that once you're on a gig, the acoustic environment dominates over subtle nuances of sound. If price brings better durability, go for it...but price is hard to justify on sound alone.
Because double bass pickup jacks usually are attached by a clip to the strings or occasionally to the tailpiece, I look for a lighter, more flexible cable to avoid pulling too much on the jack.This tends to be the less expensive cables with less material between the center conductor and the shield.
I have some Canare cables that are approaching 25 years old, and they're still good as new. Canare makes good stuff.
For the past five years or so I have been using Planet Waves Classic Series cables, and they've been very reliable, and I'm very happy with them. I have several of these cables for use with DB, EUB, and BG, and they've stood up to a lot of use and abuse without any problems whatsoever. I highly recommend them.
For the past five years or so I have been using Planet Waves Classic Series cables, and they've been very reliable, and I'm very happy with them. I have several of these cables for use with DB, EUB, and BG, and they've stood up to a lot of use and abuse without any problems whatsoever. I highly recommend them.
I just had a Planet Wave fail after about ten years of much abuse, not bad. I took the ends off and found them to be a pin that is inserted into the cable rather than a solder joint. The cable had loosened around the pins so it was making a poor connection. I clipped about an inch of each end, put the connector back on and was back in business. One thing I like about the cable is that it has an on-off switch built into it.
If you go to
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
you can have them custom build your cables to your exact specs: Cable brands (Mogami, Canare, . . .); Connector brands (Neutrik, Canare, . . .) and styles of connector on each end, and lengths. More expensive than cheap cables, but not the most.
I've been using Mogami cables with Neutrik connectors made by RedCo for a couple of years now with no problems. 'Course, I'm not a pro and I don't gig more than 6-8 times a year, so . . .
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
you can have them custom build your cables to your exact specs: Cable brands (Mogami, Canare, . . .); Connector brands (Neutrik, Canare, . . .) and styles of connector on each end, and lengths. More expensive than cheap cables, but not the most.
I've been using Mogami cables with Neutrik connectors made by RedCo for a couple of years now with no problems. 'Course, I'm not a pro and I don't gig more than 6-8 times a year, so . . .
Jack,
Thanks so much for that link. I was surprised at how reasonable the prices are, all things considered. It also seems to be a fine source for buying the parts if you want to make the cables yourself, as I would. Gee, and they're right here in CT!
Thanks so much for that link. I was surprised at how reasonable the prices are, all things considered. It also seems to be a fine source for buying the parts if you want to make the cables yourself, as I would. Gee, and they're right here in CT!
Wow. So many choices. I'll have to see which ones are available in my neck of the woods a go from there. Thanks to everyone for your feedback.
If you want an off the rack well built, reliable, not too expensive cable go to L&M and buy a [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]. In my experience Radial (a Canadian company) makes no bad products.
