Recurring problem with my instrument cable...

[TheFantod]

...I had an older cable with a short in a plug, so I replaced the plug with a a right angle G&H Plug. Three times now, I've picked my bass out of its stand while accidentally stepping on the cable, and the cable has snapped out of the plug. It's always where the core of the cable is soldered to the tip. The outer wrap soldered to the ring never has a problem.

Is there any fix to this? I didn't use shrink wrap. Would that help relieve stress on the cable/jack join? There are also "clamps" at the bottom of the jack. Should I really clamp them down tightly?

Or do I just need to stop being careless?

All opinions welcomed.

 

[bassmanbiff]

you always need to have a cable solidly retained by the connector.

The little "clamps" should be crimped against the cable firmly, but not so firmly there's a risk of damaging the cable. The insulation is usually deformed a bit so it gets a good grip.

It's not good to crimp it so hard there's a risk of crushing the insulation around the center conductor or shearing off some of the shielding.

 

[darkstorm]

What bassman said comnbined with no stepping on cable like that. Lol.

 

[73jbass]

Unplug the bass before you put it on the stand.

 

[somegeezer]

Stop being so careless. It's really not that hard. You would have thought if you kept doing it, that you would have learnt not to do it by now.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Unplug the bass.

I'd be worried about possibly damaging the bass!

Also, if this is with your EB MM bass, then you should be keeping it unplugged when you aren't using it. You'll drain the battery if a cable is left plugged in.

 

[bassplayer8953]

Unplug the bass.

I'd be worried about possibly damaging the bass!

Also, if this is with your EB MM bass, then you should be keeping it unplugged when you aren't using it. You'll drain the battery if a cable is left plugged in.

True...with any active bass.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

Maybe I should have made that bit clearer, that it isn't just the EB MMs

 

[TheFantod]

Unplug the bass.

I'd be worried about possibly damaging the bass!

Also, if this is with your EB MM bass, then you should be keeping it unplugged when you aren't using it. You'll drain the battery if a cable is left plugged in.

Oh don't worry, I unplug that badboy (Stingray) before it goes on the stand.

It's the P-bass cord I keep stepping on.

I think I might just get in the habit of unplugging both of them. That would stop the carelessness! :scowl:

 

[UncleFluffy]

Adhesive-lined heat shrink.

Of course, that just turns "pulling the cable out of the plug" into "pulling the bass out of the stand".

 

[Craig_S]

I've picked my bass out of its stand while accidentally stepping on the cable, and the cable has snapped out of the plug

I say watch where you're stepping. That's the easiest fix of all. I've been playing professionally for 30 years. I don't remember ever doing what you're talking about.

 

[James Judson]

A good strain relief will work wonders for your troubles. Soldier is made up of tin and lead. Both very soft and can't be counted for strength. Clamps, shrink tubing, duct tape etc will help (check out any Who video, Rogers mike has about half a roll of duct tape, when you see what he does with it you will know why).

Ooh and if you come over to my house for a jam. Please don't step on any of my cables.

 

[Marginal Tom]

If the problem persists, go wireless!