Rack is finished, now to clean it up!

[nevusofota]

I made the decision to go back to a small rack set-up recently to get rid of the large pedal board and to stop the tap dancing. I spent the weekend setting it up and programming. The Liquid-foot pro midi foot controller is an awesome piece of equipment. Tons of features, easy to program and works like a charm. I haven't attached the pedals to the rack tray yet and just used random length Lava ELC (not mini) patch cables that came from my pedal board to get the rack started. I was wondering what some of you are using as patch cables in your rack. Since I have pedals on a sliding tray I would think I need flexible and long cables. I was thinking about using a pedalboard kit such as the mini ELC or George L's. I am a big fan of Lava cable so will probably go with the ELC solderless. I didn't like the idea of solderless for pedalboards due to durability but for a rack I don't see any reason not to (besides the movement of the tray). Any ideas about rack patch cables, cleaning up the back, as well as pics of the back of racks would be appreciated. Here are a few pics of the set-up so far.

 

[James M]

Looks really nice! Great job!

 

[zachman]

http://i235.photobucket.com/albums/ee118/zachman_photos/My Guitar gear/caerecommended.jpg

 

[jnepo1]

If you wouldn't consider solderless cables for a pedalboard, why would you consider if for your rack? You're going to need more cable to connect your effects on a rack as opposed to your board. Go to Redco.com and buy bulk Mogami cables and Switchcraft or Nuetrik plugs and go to town soldering custom length cables for a neat professional look. After all is said and done, you probably spent less money than you would buying 1 or two kits of solderless cables and plugs.

 

[nevusofota]

James M: Thanks. I was dreading the programming but it was a breeze. The back is not looking so hot and organized though.

zachman: This will help, thanks for your advise once again.

 

[never-enough]

Nice.
I am reworking my rack right now as well.... I missed the quick and easy set up/tear down, great sounds, flexibilty, and massive control.

I am keeping my pedalboard rig though.
It sounds killer to, just a different type of thing.

 

[zachman]

If you wouldn't consider solderless cables for a pedalboard, why would you consider if for your rack? You're going to need more cable to connect your effects on a rack as opposed to your board. Go to Redco.com and buy bulk Mogami cables and Switchcraft or Nuetrik plugs and go to town soldering custom length cables for a neat professional look. After all is said and done, you probably spent less money than you would buying 1 or two kits of solderless cables and plugs.

 

[zachman]

James M: Thanks. I was dreading the programming but it was a breeze. The back is not looking so hot and organized though.

zachman: This will help, thanks for your advise once again.

Right on...

When you get it all done up--- life will be VERY cool.

 

[guitarpkr67]

If you wouldn't consider solderless cables for a pedalboard, why would you consider if for your rack?

Because you don't step on your rack. They won't see as much abuse.

 

[nevusofota]

Because you don't step on your rack. They won't see as much abuse.

you got it

 

[jnepo1]

Because you don't step on your rack. They won't see as much abuse.

If that is your train of thought, you need to consider the additional length for the wiring of the pedals on the drawer as you will be moving the draw in and out. The last thing you need is for the solderless cables loosening at the plug while you move the effects drawer in and out. Again, considering the length you will need, the price for most solderless cable per foot is in the $1.50/ft price range. Depending on the type of Mogami cable you select, the 2319 sells for 36 cents per foot and the other Mogamis are @ 75-1.00/ft. Do the math.

 

[jnepo1]

I haven't seen many rack set-ups w/ solderless cable set-ups? Does anybody have a picture of this?

 

[never-enough]

I have always used mogami 2524.
At one point early on I had some George Ls in there and they kept going bad on me. It was a real pita troubleshooting bad cables in the rack. They all got replaced by the mogami one day...

I use lava solderless cables on my pedalboard and haven't had any go bad there.

 

[zachman]

I haven't seen many rack set-ups w/ solderless cable set-ups? Does anybody have a picture of this?

I am unaware of anyone who provides custom rack building services, who prefer to use solder-less connections on the cables used for wiring up a rig.

Bob Bradshaw's wiring surely does NOT use solder-less cable connections.

I strongly suggest reconsidering using solder-less ends for anyone building a serious rack rig, where reliability is ESSENTIAL. Cables do get jostled during transport.

 

[jnepo1]

I am unaware of anyone who provides custom rack building services, who prefer to use solder-less connections on the cables used for wiring up a rig.

Bob Bradshaw's wiring surely does NOT use solder-less cable connections.

I strongly suggest reconsidering using solder-less ends for anyone building a serious rack rig, where reliability is ESSENTIAL. Cables do get jostled during transport.



well put Zachman, a guy w/ a nice rack!?!

 

[vibratoking]

I have a rack that has similar architecture. I'ver been using it for 3 years or more. I am using lot's of pedals, RG16, and Voodoo Labs Ground Control pro. I have the pedals mounted on drawer slides. I am using George L's solderless. Never had a failure. The nice thing is that the solderless cable can be repaired on the spot without a soldering iron. You can argue that soldered or solderless are more robust. In my experience, there is no difference.

 

[guitarpkr67]

If that is your train of thought, you need to consider the additional length for the wiring of the pedals on the drawer as you will be moving the draw in and out. The last thing you need is for the solderless cables loosening at the plug while you move the effects drawer in and out. Again, considering the length you will need, the price for most solderless cable per foot is in the $1.50/ft price range. Depending on the type of Mogami cable you select, the 2319 sells for 36 cents per foot and the other Mogamis are @ 75-1.00/ft. Do the math.

Listen, I could care less. I was just assuming that was his reasoning. And it looks like I was right. Solder ends are definitely more reliable. I use a combination of solderless and soldered cables on my pedalboard and have never had a problem with either.

 

[monk]

I´ve been using solderless cables in my rack for 3 years without any problem.
Next time I´m rebuilding the rack I´ll get a shockmount rack case and solder cables though. I just happend to have a lot of GL´s from my pedalboard days.

 

[nevusofota]

Thanks for the pics!

I have decided to go with Mogami 2319 cable. I like how zachman's rack has the cables from the pedals tied together to the side of the rack w/ slack on the bundle to give the shelf room to open. Very tidy and clean.

Does anyone have any experience w/ the Mogami 2528 cable. Seems to be a smaller diameter but I can't find anyplace that sells it. It's not even on the Mogami website.

 

[jnepo1]

2319 cable is the smallest diameter cable Mogami has. The diameter is comp. to GL's larger diameter cable.