Cable, what one of the best techs of the nation told me

I think it's a load of crap but this is gonna be a good thread!

 

:AOK This thread RULZ

 

You'd think the "best tech in the nation" would know a little bit more about the principles of proper cabling.

 

If you want your cable to act as a filter ... ok.

In most cases I would rather have the highs go through and turn down the
treble at the amp or guitar, I t is easier to have it and cut it than not have it and try to boost it back up

 

I want specifics!

 

If you want to look like Jimi with your telephone cable jack, then it's ok...otherwise

 

I'm sure there's some truth to it if you're looking for a particular type of tone repsonse... but remember ALL the variables - from string type to speakers.
There's no doubt a cable can be too bright, but there's the other extreme as well.

I've been amazed at how much difference cable type can make.
The bottom line is to trust your ears.

 

Well, think about it for a second - Jimi was using a non-true bypass wah and curly cords. Both things are known for rolling off treble and reducing output. It wasn't a pure, high fidelity sound, but it was a good one. Why not use that stuff as filters and EQ if that's the sound you're after?

 

I must agree Macmax, that I draw the line at "directional cable" and "cable break-in".

 

Well if you want a dull rounded sound, make sure that you don't just buy a cheap cable, make sure it is at least 50' long. Then if you want you can also coil it up around the handle on your amp and it will double as a radio antenna.

I'm sure their are tons of people out there who are with you, that like their tone a little less bright than what their cable gives them, but if you look at your guitar there are tone knobs to turn down. Good luck with loss of dynamics and tone.

 

Tell you what friend. I'd rather you keep your equipment, but get some Lava cables or even some Live Wires and put them up against your skinny $2 cables and we'll see who wins.

 

winner

 

Jimi and Stevie were both extremely particular about their gear and tone. They just used different stuff than you would expect sometimes. BTW, a cable cannot really make something harsh, but it can make it brighter. Now, a cheap cable can limit your highs and make it sound like it is less harsh, (and better) but bright does not = harsh.

There is no voodoo involved in the physics of a cable from a passive/high impedance guitar (strats LP's teles etc) to an amp or pedal; it's a filter. They sound different because they filter more, less, or differently. It's an extremely primitive circuit that sounds so good we still use it, but the construction and materials in the cable make a real difference because of our pickups' impedance.

If the cheap cable works for you, then celebrate and go back to playing.

For me, I could not care less what Jimi or Stevie played, and NO it is not good enough for me because it was good enough for them. I hear my own sounds, and write my own songs. Hell, BB uses a solid state amp. Tone is where you find it.

What was the high end cable you did not like?

DC

 

Something funny is going on in his gear and the dull cable is covering it up?

just a thought.

He could also simply like that tone better. Nothing wrong with that.

DC

 

What criteria will you use to determine the "winner"?

Consider the possibility that a high-capacitance cable might sound better (to some listeners) in some applications.

 

Listen to Zappa and "Shut Up And Play Yer Guitar" :RoCkIn

 

Wanna sell me that terrible cable? PM me if you're looking to sell.