Lava Cable introduces the Lava Plug!

[LavaMan]

Lava Cable along with G&H Industries has designed a revolutionary DIY solder-free plug specifically designed with tight tolerances to match the Lava Mini ELC cable. The Lava PlugTM is first solder-free DIY plug on the market not to use a set screw to make the ground connection. Instead, a sleeve making 360 degree ground and outer jacket contact is used. The housing at .439" wide is also the smallest available, allowing for pedal spacing at or near 1". (around 7/8" if pedals are staggered)

Pedal board kits will have 10' of cable, 10 plugs plus a small stripper and retail for $74.95. Plugs and cable will be sold in bulk as well:

Bulk Mini ELC: $1.65 per Foot

Lava Plug: $6.50 each

The Lava PlugTM with Mini ELC cable will be available on or about December 15th (maybe as early as December 3rd). Update: Kits and plugs can be pre-ordered now on my website!

http://www.lavacable.com/LavaPlug1.jpg

[Butterfly]

Looks good lava man. I want to redo my pedal board. I'll watch for mid december.

[GDking]

You are cooking with gas sir. Great idea.

[curehardy]

can i preorder? i need about 24 ends + cable.

[ford]

Nice......... I'll be ordering a basic kit sometime soon after they are out..

rock

bford

[Serious Poo]

Nice! :AOK

[dbx]

Wow...any chance a R/A plug is in the works?

[Glowing Tubes]

I like it, I like it a lot...

[JRenn]

I'll be ordering one too!

[Flyin' Brian]

Wow...any chance a R/A plug is in the works?
Looks to me like this takes up less space than a r/a and the ELC mini is very flexible.

[dbx]

Looks to me like this takes up less space than a r/a and the ELC mini is very flexible.

Looking at the way the grounding sleeve is set into the plug, I don't know that a R/A would be possible...maybe the LavaMan can "straight"-en me out...;)

[Brick]

Awesome!

A Christmas present I'll buy myself and open early :D

[Josh O]

Holy moses, that's awesome!!!

[LavaMan]

Answers to questions:

1. You can pre-order send me an email: mark@lavacable.com

2. I have already asked for a right angle design, but I want to get some feedback first on this one - if you notice you can strip real short and still get a 1"-1 1/8" jumper....

[dbx]

Answers to questions:

1. You can pre-order send me an email: mark@lavacable.com

2. I have already asked for a right angle design, but I want to get some feedback first on this one - if you notice you can strip real short and still get a 1"-1 1/8" jumper....

Great on the R/A plugs, I think the overall design will answer alot of tight fit situations combined with improved flexibility. The short jumper will be a big improvement over the pedal crank.

What's the recommended method to strip the cable? How sharp of a bend could you put on the cable if you used the straight plugs?

[Dr Git]

Great Idea......Lifetime warranty>

[j_m_s]

Ive got cable GAS its official. Now now, RA ones?

[LavaMan]

Great on the R/A plugs, I think the overall design will answer alot of tight fit situations combined with improved flexibility. The short jumper will be a big improvement over the pedal crank.

What's the recommended method to strip the cable? How sharp of a bend could you put on the cable if you used the straight plugs?

You can put a fairly sharp bend in the cable - at .195" it is just slightly bigger than GL's.

You can use anything to strip - I use the Eclipse Economy UTP stripper #200-042 (about $4-5):

http://www.audiosoundselectronics.com/images/product/medium/4476.jpg

But, you can use an xacto knife, razor blade or any other small stipper. 7/16" of an inch seems to be best length to strip back, and once you push the sleeve on you can use some sharp scissors to leave just 1/16" exposed so a small amount of the braid can then be be pushed back over the sleeve with your thumb.

[Glowing Tubes]

Would be great if you could include something like one of those in the kit.

[football]

This looks very cool.

[KeithC]

Looks cool. I'm sure I'll try them at some point!

[LavaMan]

Would be great if you could include something like one of those in the kit.

I called the company awhile back and they would not give me distributor pricing...maybe I need to call again....

[Sniper-V]

Just about perfect timing for me!

I'm about to redo my pedal board...again.
And,
Wasn't sure what to go with.

[JRenn]

I called the company awhile back and they would not give me distributor pricing...maybe I need to call again....

Do you think you should put some soundclips up with a board wired with yours and maybe GL's, Planet Waves, and whatever else to see how they compare sonically?

I trust your reputation as the cable guy around here, but a little more audible enticement might help close the deal with a lot of guys.

[LavaMan]

Do you think you should put some soundclips up with a board wired with yours and maybe GL's, Planet Waves, and whatever else to see how they compare sonically?

I trust your reputation as the cable guy around here, but a little more audible enticement might help close the deal with a lot of guys.

It would be very, very hard to do sound clips with any efficacy with pedal jumper cables. It is hard enough as it is with 15'-20' instrument cables and after much thought I do not believe any soundclips can really provide a valued result, enough to make a truly informed judgment on anyway, as I have considered doing these for many of cables already. I posted cable recordings on some other forums that have been done by others and they always get mixed reviews...

Any kind of A/B'ing is best done in person. And I have no problem refunding anyone's purchase who's not completely satisified...I stand by my products...

[Funky Monkey]

Wow, after several years of happily using them (and watching all of the other products that claimed to outdo them) I've never been able to be convinced to replace my George L's. Now I'm really raising my eyebrows- especially since just going down to a Pedaltrain Jr. I'll be keeping my eye on these, Mark. Great idea, nice work (as expected.) You continue to be da man. :D

[smallcrap]

Hey Lava,
How does that small inner sleeve that directly touches the wire stay fastened to the cable?

[Fixxxer]

Mark,

Please look into the possibility of the getting the cable stripper!

Also, is this the same LAVA ELC that we can buy form you directly? I am thinking this may be a good stopping point before I go intot he higher end patch cables if it is.......

[JRenn]

It would be very, very hard to do sound clips with any efficacy with pedal jumper cables. It is hard enough as it is with 15'-20' instrument cables and after much thought I do not believe any soundclips can really provide a valued result, enough to make a truly informed judgment on anyway, as I have considered doing these for many of cables already. I posted cable recordings on some other forums that have been done by others and they always get mixed reviews...

Any kind of A/B'ing is best done in person. And I have no problem refunding anyone's purchase who's not completely satisified...I stand by my products...

Right on. I'm sure I'll be totally happy with them. I was just throwing that out there in case it might have been plausible.

Can't wait to get my hands on a set!

[Lucidology]

Great Idea Mark ...

[LavaMan]

Mark,

Please look into the possibility of the getting the cable stripper!

Also, is this the same LAVA ELC that we can buy form you directly? I am thinking this may be a good stopping point before I go intot he higher end patch cables if it is.......

This is the "Mini ELC" - .195" Outer diameter - the regular ELC is .305" outer diameter...the Mini ELC is available now on my website as part of a "soldered" pedal board kit.

[Vintagegitar.no]

This is the "Mini ELC" - .195" Outer diameter - the regular ELC is .305" outer diameter...the Mini ELC is available now on my website as part of a "soldered" pedal board kit.

Lovely Mark!

I'm really looking forward to get this stuff in stock.
LAVA rocks!

You got mail btw!

[bluesmain]

Very cool !

[sumis]

so this is intersting indeed. but the question is if there are any other reasons than financial and convenience not to order pre-soldered lava elc ... ? would lava man himself advice me to buy a solderless kit instead of getting soldered patch cables?

i'm in the process of finishing my rig, and cabling is a tough choice. i narrowed it down to a few choices, and lava elc is one of the front runners. now things are become complicated, because i won't solder myself, but i can't afford evidence . . .

.

[LavaMan]

so this is intersting indeed. but the question is if there are any other reasons than financial and convenience not to order pre-soldered lava elc ... ? would lava man himself advice me to buy a solderless kit instead of getting soldered patch cables?

i'm in the process of finishing my rig, and cabling is a tough choice. i narrowed it down to a few choices, and lava elc is one of the front runners. now things are become complicated, because i won't solder myself, but i can't afford evidence . . .

.

This kit is ideal for those who do not solder and who want to custom lengths on the spot...or when routing cables underneath board..a lot flexiblity and increased reliablity over other solder-free products due to the design...

[LavaMan]

Update: Kits and plugs can now be pre-ordered on my website!

[dyer_maker]

Any special cable requirements? I've got a bunch of George L's .155 and .255 cable I'd like to use.

Thanks

[LavaMan]

Any special cable requirements? I've got a bunch of George L's .155 and .255 cable I'd like to use.

Thanks

This plug will only work with my Mini ELC Cable as they been designed as a matched pair.

[sumis]

This kit is ideal for those who do not solder and who want to custom lengths on the spot...or when routing cables underneath board..a lot flexiblity and increased reliablity over other solder-free products due to the design...

thanks, but what about sound/reliabilty issues. what's your take?

.

[LavaMan]

thanks, but what about sound/reliabilty issues. what's your take?

.

This is the most reliable design to date - all the others use a set screw for the gound connection which is notoriously unreliable. Plus the cable was designed from the gorund up to be an pedal jumper/installation unlike others that just use off-the-shelf cable...

Update: UTP stripper pictured previuously in thread will now be included with each kit!

[bobe]

My turn:

Earlier this year I purchased from you a lot of Evidence Audio Lyric HG for long lengths and E.A. Melody for patch cables. Sadly, I miscalculated my measurements and needed longer patch cables. My fault, so I never bothered to mention it. Now, I'm thinking I can try this out.

1. Will the new patch cable's sonic properties be appropriate to mix with the Melody or should I stick to one brand only?

2. Sorry if I missed it, will any R/A jacks be included or available and upcharge if any?

3. You selling any power supplies or interested in making one for us cable/power/fx nuts?

Thanks,

Bob E.

[LavaMan]

My turn:

Earlier this year I purchased from you a lot of Evidence Audio Lyric HG for long lengths and E.A. Melody for patch cables. Sadly, I miscalculated my measurements and needed longer patch cables. My fault, so I never bothered to mention it. Now, I'm thinking I can try this out.

1. Will the new patch cable's sonic properties be appropriate to mix with the Melody or should I stick to one brand only?

2. Sorry if I missed it, will any R/A jacks be included or available and upcharge if any?

3. You selling any power supplies or interested in making one for us cable/power/fx nuts?

Thanks,

Bob E.

Bob,

1. Stick to one brand - when possible, the Melody makes great patch cable.

2. R/A Lava Plugs are not availble now and may not be in the future - this plug is so low profile that I do not think they will be needed.

3. I have considered doing a power supply, but if I do it's something that will be done when I retire from the Army in 4 years...

[bobe]

OK, thank you.

I'll just have to measure more carefully for my next order.

Bob E.

[Dickie Fredericks]

Hmmm... I think I need those.

[Fixxxer]

Lava Man,

What quality cable does the kit cable equate to in your current product offering?

[LavaMan]

Lava Man,

What quality cable does the kit cable equate to in your current product offering?

It is the same cable as the Lava ELC - just with smaller outer, and dielectric diameter...same low capaciticance and OFC copper...

[albuht813]

Hey Mark, I want to purchase around 6-7 kits, but I don't want paypal tying up my money with the instant transfer now. Do you think you will have problems keeping these kits in stock when you have them available to ship out around Dec. 15? I want to avoid being on another list. If you are going to run out, I guess I would have to preorder then.
Let me know, Thanks!

[jakeddy]

A very good idea.

[LavaMan]

Hey Mark, I want to purchase around 6-7 kits, but I don't want paypal tying up my money with the instant transfer now. Do you think you will have problems keeping these kits in stock when you have them available to ship out around Dec. 15? I want to avoid being on another list. If you are going to run out, I guess I would have to preorder then.
Let me know, Thanks!

I will have plenty. The other good news is that I may have them in stock as soon as December 1st.

[Galo]

Very cool!!!:dude

[lifeinsong]

Just placed my pre-order for 4 kits and some extra plugs!

[LavaMan]

Just placed my pre-order for 4 kits and some extra plugs!

Got it thanks!

[Glowing Tubes]

I predict a very busy Lava Man in the future....

[albuht813]

I will have plenty. The other good news is that I may have them in stock as soon as December 1st.

Great!!!! I will be ordering them a few days before Dec. 1. Please keep us updated on the release date. I want to get rid of my George L's ASAP!

[LavaMan]

Great!!!! I will be ordering them a few days before Dec. 1. Please keep us updated on the release date. I want to get rid of my George L's ASAP!

I will keep you posted....

[curehardy]

Great!!!! I will be ordering them a few days before Dec. 1. Please keep us updated on the release date. I want to get rid of my George L's ASAP!

+1 :D

[fugot]

I have to add, I wired some pedals with the older (thicker ) cable and then i just wired some more pedals with the thinner cable. The new thinner cable isinfinetly more easier to work with (much more flexible), and they sound same-same (well to my deaf ears). Since I am running the cables through ->under ->and back up through my pedal board, keeping the cable as short as possible is key for me. It is no worries with the thinner cable.
Many thanks mark- I already placed on order-Not the last i am sure.

[Cobra]

Evidence Audio has a new .155 cable now called the Monorail. I wonder if the new Lava plugs will work with the Monorail too, & how the Monorail compares soundwise & durability/flexibilitywise with the mini-ELC?

http://www.evidenceaudio.com/content/monorailfaq.html

[LavaMan]

Evidence Audio has a new .155 cable now called the Monorail. I wonder if the new Lava plugs will work with the Monorail too, & how the Monorail compares soundwise & durability/flexibilitywise with the mini-ELC?

http://www.evidenceaudio.com/content/monorailfaq.html


I will be carrying the Monorail, but it will not work with my plugs - the Lave Mini ELC and Plug were designed as a matched pair...

The Monorail is a solid conductor .155" outer diameter cable - same size as George L's cable the the George L's plugs will work with the Monorail.

The Mini ELC is a 19-strand cable with .195" outer diameter.

[Cobra]

Thanks for the info Lavaman! Much appreciated!

[LavaMan]

Thanks for the info Lavaman! Much appreciated!

No problem....

[Tomo]

Great stuff!!!


Tomo

[LavaMan]

Great stuff!!!


Tomo

Thanks!

[Josh O]

Hey LavaMan,

What is the space envelope difference between this new plug with your new Lava cable coming out of it and the George L right angle connector with either GL cable or Evidence Monorail? Reason I ask is I want to rewire my new Trailer Trash board when it comes and I think I will have some pedals that will be pretty close to each other with offset input/output jacks.

Thanks.

[LavaMan]

Hey LavaMan,

What is the space envelope difference between this new plug with your new Lava cable coming out of it and the George L right angle connector with either GL cable or Evidence Monorail? Reason I ask is I want to rewire my new Trailer Trash board when it comes and I think I will have some pedals that will be pretty close to each other with offset input/output jacks.

Thanks.

If you stagger your pedals as you mention above, you can get your pedals as close as .875" or 7/8" apart with my Lava Plug. Per picture in first post, you can make short direct jumpers that will allow 1 1/8" apart.

The housing of the Lava Plug with beveled edge is very, very small about 13/32" so, if you butt two plugs togther the tolerance is about .810"

[Josh O]

Thanks Mark. When is the projected release of the kits?

[LavaMan]

Thanks Mark. When is the projected release of the kits?

I talked to G&H last week and they said I may have a batch as early as late next week. For sure by Dec 15th.

[Josh O]

cool. One other question, will using the Evidence Monorail with George L right angle connectors still be susceptible to the shorting problems associated with no getting the cable/connector marriage just right?

[LavaMan]

cool. One other question, will using the Evidence Monorail with George L right angle connectors still be susceptible to the shorting problems associated with no getting the cable/connector marriage just right?

I do not think so. Tony at Evidence Audio did some good experimenting and looks like the George L - Monorail combination is a solid one, although Tony recommends soldering the Monorail over using the GL plugs...

[Josh O]

shot ya a PM Mark

[JackButler]

How is this cable compared to the Van Damme? I was just about set to finally order up those too! Too many pedalboard changes.

[LavaMan]

How is this cable compared to the Van Damme? I was just about set to finally order up those too! Too many pedalboard changes.

It has lower capacitance and a higher strand count. It is just as flexible and smaller in outer diameter.

[albuht813]

I talked to G&H last week and they said I may have a batch as early as late next week. For sure by Dec 15th.


Awesome!! Keep us updated.

[JackButler]

It has lower capacitance and a higher strand count. It is just as flexible and smaller in outer diameter.
So, that's a good thing, right?:o

[LavaMan]

So, that's a good thing, right?:o

Yes...

[Guitarzan]

Just saw this. Cool as heck man!! How ya doin? Hope all is well!

[LavaMan]

Just saw this. Cool as heck man!! How ya doin? Hope all is well!

Josh - doing great...be doin' better if I could get you to play with 9's.... he, he...:JAM

[LavaMan]

First batch of plugs should arrive this week!

[Josh O]

shot ya an email Mark

[Tomo]

Thanks!

I use your switching cable. It's great ... I switch several guitars when I teach too...

Thank you so much for keeping my fresh tone!


Tomo

[gag halfrunt]

Lavaman,

Is your first order already spoken for? If so, when will your next shipment arrive? Thanks.

[LavaMan]

Lavaman,

Is your first order already spoken for? If so, when will your next shipment arrive? Thanks.

No - I ordered plenty and have only pre-sold about 25%....

[LavaMan]

Update: First batch of plugs are shipping today and should arrive Monday.

[albuht813]

Nice@!! thanks for the updates!!

[LavaMan]

Nice@!! thanks for the updates!!

No problem. Hopefully I will have all orders in the mail by December 15th. G&H will send second shipment Tuesday hopefully.

[curehardy]

i'm going back to california for month starting the 20th ... so if there's gonna be any conflict with that ... please let me know! i'd love to get them before i leave, because i'm taking my board home with me.

Jon

[LavaMan]

i'm going back to california for month starting the 20th ... so if there's gonna be any conflict with that ... please let me know! i'd love to get them before i leave, because i'm taking my board home with me.

Jon

You should have them before that...

[curehardy]

You should have them before that...

turns out i'm flying home really early tuesday the 17th.

let me know if you need my other address.

[LavaMan]

turns out i'm flying home really early tuesday the 17th.

let me know if you need my other address.

I will ship yours tomorrow...

[curehardy]

I will ship yours tomorrow...

:AOK

[GAT]

Mark, you were sure right about the VoVox cables you made me, and the silent plug is a godsend on stage! I'll have to get some of these plugs!

[albuht813]

Lavaman...can I get an update on my order? I'm just way too excited about these cables.

[LavaMan]

Lavaman...can I get an update on my order? I'm just way too excited about these cables.

First plugs are arriving today and kits will start shipping today. Should have a larger plug order arrive by Thursday-Friday. All outstanding orders will be shipped by Saturday.

[curehardy]

First board wired with lava cable solderless cables?

Took me about 20-30 minutes to make the 6 cables needed for my board. They sound great. They feel solid. Nice! Only time will tell I guess?

I've never been so happy with my pedalboard ... I think I did it right this time ... It's totally solid in all ways.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/comeontakeadare/IMG_4049.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a25/comeontakeadare/IMG_4054.jpg

[LavaMan]

Looks great! Pics going on my website if that;s OK with you!

[curehardy]

No problem! I figured it would be helpful. Let me know if you want more.

Thanks for the cables!

[LavaMan]

No problem! I figured it would be helpful. Let me know if you want more.

Thanks for the cables!

Were the instuctions on the back of the J-Card adequate?

[curehardy]

i found that the best way to do it was to actually strip a little more than 7/16" ... push the grounding sleeve as far down as possible ... the cut the excess cable that was sticking out down to 1/16".

if i didn't push down the grounding sleeve enough over the cable, when i would use it on my board and bend it at a right angle, the shield would show ... and that bugged me.

the instructions were pretty nice ... i would recommend putting up a video on youtube of you assembling one.

i can do that if you'd like.

[LavaMan]

i found that the best way to do it was to actually strip a little more than 7/16" ... push the grounding sleeve as far down as possible ... the cut the excess cable that was sticking out down to 1/16".

if i didn't push down the grounding sleeve enough over the cable, when i would use it on my board and bend it at a right angle, the shield would show ... and that bugged me.

the instructions were pretty nice ... i would recommend putting up a video on youtube of you assembling one.

i can do that if you'd like.

Thanks - that would be awesome for you to do that video - please do!

[Cobra]

Hey Lavaman,
Is the mini ELC directional? If so, is there a way to determine which is the amp end, & which is the guitar end?
Thanks much!

[LavaMan]

Hey Lavaman,
Is the mini ELC directional? If so, is there a way to determine which is the amp end, & which is the guitar end?
Thanks much!

The Mini ELC is NOT directional...

[curehardy]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HNF-syF2ao

enjoy.

[LavaMan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HNF-syF2ao

enjoy.

That is so awesome! Thanks!

[football]

Great and informative video for these. I wonder why do these videos always seem to look like a 70's porno though? The most 70's porn like would have to be the guy who does the "Box Of Rock" pedal videos.

Is it just me or does anyone else notice this in lot's of instructional videos (probably just me)?

What does this point have to do with these new amazing products that I am very likely to order? Nothing really :horse

[garyrogue]

Thanks posting pictures. I see you can really bend an angle on these to get effects close. I have a set of his standard Rt. angles and will get set of these in the future.

[Tomo]

I got my Lava plugs & cable set... So easy to make my own ...

Thank you so much for wonderful product! I love it.


Tomo

[fast ricky love]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HNF-syF2ao

enjoy.

I love that Ryan Adams song! Our band plays it... :dude