Lava cable ELC pedal board kit (Lavacable, DIY, review)

[albuht813]

Updates: Pictures added on page 2 which show size differences between GLs and ELC.
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I've had the kit about 2 weeks ago by now and have since completely converted to the ELC from George L's (GL). I've gigged with them about 4 times and now I think it's about time I wrote a review on these cables.

Review:
Let me start off saying that these cables are an improvement over the George L's in design and sound. I've used the regular ELC instrument cables before these kits arrived and I've noticed a difference in that alone. So, my expectations were already pretty high for these pedal cables.

Assembling these cables does take time to get used to just like any other kit. The assembly is completely different from the GL. In fact, since I was so used to making GLs, it took me about an hour to figure these things out with some more trial and error along the way. I guess I'm just dumb, but that was my experience. I've actually put up a DIY on youtube. I hope it helps people out there. It's a quirky vid, haha.

Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2v-kfN0uiY
(My brother edited the vid and filmed it for me. THanks Jim!)

Once I got the cables assembled, the cables just did not slip out of the plugs! I was also putting some major stress on the plugs with 90 degree angles and the signal just kept pushin. I was always afraid that we would need some right angle plugs designed, but from the way the cables handle the bends, there's just no need for it. Plus, it would just take up more space seeing as how the plug is designed. The one thing I love about the design is that there isn't any guessing about the grounding sheath!!! The plug sleeve makes infinite contact with the grounding sheath in the cable.

The sound. If I could describe it in a few words...balanced and musical. I've got my high end, I've got my low end. I've even got more volume compared to using the GLs. I think my pedalboard would be a perfect example of the potential for this cable since I run about 45 ft. of this stuff. I run a boost in my chain, but even when the pedal is off, the tone is drastically improved. It's great because now that I have some low end back, I can dial out bass and mids in my EQ. I don't have to compensate for the high end heavy GLs.

Let me tell you again because I can't stress this enough...this stuff doesn't have the tinny sound of the GLs. The sound is almost identical to the regular ELC instrument cable. I was very impressed because the diameter difference between the two is remarkably drastic. An absolutely great cable with great tone that is affordable. Great work Mark! What an improvement!!!

Here's some pics of the cables in action!


Check out the tight spaces!



Some mad cable runs!