How to tell instrument from speaker cable when unmarked and sealed

[Guitar Goober]

Hey guys,

This has probably been asked before - I have searched but couldn't find an answer.

Recently acquired a new head and cab. Both were new but had been opened and tested.

One cable came with the head, and one with the cab. Both were unmarked. I assume that they are both speaker cables, but as they say "to assume makes an ass out of u and me".

I understand you can tell the difference if you remove the case and see if there is shielding or not, however these are both plastic molded and sealed. Is there any way I can tell what they are?

I'm considering binning them both and just ordering a new one to be safe.

[gtrnstuff]

Use it as an instrument cable first. If it hums way more than it should, probably an unshielded speaker cable.

[Guitar Goober]

I thought this might work, but wasn't sure. So if there is a lot of noise, it's most likely a speaker cable?

[gtrnstuff]

Can't guarantee 100%, but most likely. Compare noise level with a cable known to be a shielded instrument cable. If it's quiet enough to use as an instrument cable, you've got a spare. If it hums a lot, either a speaker cable or a defective instrument cable :-)

You could just clip one end, inspect, solder on a new plug.

Get a spare speaker cable, too. can't hurt.

[Guitar Goober]

All good advice, I shall go and inspect. Thanks!