is this normal guitar electronics cable?

Discussion in 'Luthier's Guitar & Bass Technical Discussion' started by spaceboy, Jan 28, 2005.

  1. Jan 28, 2005 #1
    spaceboy

    spaceboy Member

    Messages:
    256
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Location:
    Dundee, Scotland
    http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=46&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=2&doy=28m1

    is that stuff the same as this stuff? http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Electronics,_pickups/Supplies/Non-shielded_Guitar_Circuit_Wires.html

    cos the maplin stuff is a fair bit cheaper, for more, and it's in the uk so it'l be cheaper on postage... but it's so hard to tell if it's actually what i need. If the maplin stuff is right (why does it say "twin cable"?), would this stuff http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=47&TabID=1&source=15&WorldID=2&doy=28m1 be any better or worse for guitar circuits? (ie. normal or miniature?)

    so confusing... :¬(

    cheers!
     
    spaceboy, Jan 28, 2005
    spaceboy, Jan 28, 2005
    #1
  2. Jan 28, 2005 #2
    Clorenzo

    Clorenzo Member

    Messages:
    1,933
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Location:
    Munich / Madrid
    It's not exactly the same but it's perfectly ok for electric guitar wiring where you don't need a shielded cable. The "miniature" one is thinner than both the "normal" one or the one from Stewmac, but given the currents flowing in an electric guitar circuit, it's more than adequate. "Twin" means that it's two parallel wires together, like a regular two-core mains or loudspeaker cable, for example, but thinner. You just split it and use each half as single wire.

    It's always worth checking the prices of things like wire, toggle switches and jack connectors in places like Maplin, Farnell or RS, they're generally much cheaper than in specialist guitar suppliers, there's usually a bigger choice and what they have is not only perfectly adequate for guitar use, but also, very often, exactly the same stuff.
     
    Clorenzo, Jan 28, 2005
    Clorenzo, Jan 28, 2005
    #2
  3. Jan 28, 2005 #3
    Clorenzo

    Clorenzo Member

    Messages:
    1,933
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Location:
    Munich / Madrid
    For example, a DPDT on-on mini-toggle switch:

    WD Music Products: £6.20 (http://wdmusicproducts.co.uk/Mercha...e=wduk&Product_Code=WDE9&Category_Code=SWTCHS)
    Farnell Components: £2.59 (http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/endecaSearch/partDetail.jsp?SKU=151168&N=401)
     
    Clorenzo, Jan 28, 2005
    Clorenzo, Jan 28, 2005
    #3
  4. Jan 28, 2005 #4
    spaceboy

    spaceboy Member

    Messages:
    256
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Location:
    Dundee, Scotland
    brilliant, cheers! yeh, good old Maplin/farnell etc.

    but when it's twin wire, is it like you often get where it's kinda two seperate, individually insulated cables, sort of melted together in the middle, so i can just cut between them and get double the wire? or is it two cores inside on insulation?

    thanks
     
    spaceboy, Jan 28, 2005
    spaceboy, Jan 28, 2005
    #4
  5. Jan 30, 2005 #5
    Clorenzo

    Clorenzo Member

    Messages:
    1,933
    Joined:
    Jun 16, 2004
    Location:
    Munich / Madrid
    "Figure 8" means it's of the first type you mention. A small cut between the two wires at one end and you can easily separate it by hand.
     
    Clorenzo, Jan 30, 2005
    Clorenzo, Jan 30, 2005
    #5
  6. Jan 31, 2005 #6
    spaceboy

    spaceboy Member

    Messages:
    256
    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2004
    Location:
    Dundee, Scotland
    awesome, cheers!
     
    spaceboy, Jan 31, 2005
    spaceboy, Jan 31, 2005
    #6

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Accept Learn More...
    Dismiss Notice