Type of cable

[Desmund Nichols]

Will types of cable have an effect on the sound?

[Bob Faulkner]

negligible unless you're talking about using a speaker cable as an instrument cable or something. speaker cables are more susceptible to noise since they're not shielded. other than that, i've never noticed any tonal difference in any cable plugged into any bass.

[Tim Bishop]

negligible unless you're talking about using a speaker cable as an instrument cable or something. speaker cables are more susceptible to noise since they're not shielded. other than that, i've never noticed any tonal difference in any cable plugged into any bass.


Yes, a good cable is a must. You get what you pay for.

Thank of it this way. You are driving down the highway, you can go left or right. If you go left, you will end up in a "parking lot" as traffic has bottle-necked due to a merge from 4 to 1 lane. If you go right, traffic is wide open and clear the rest of the way to your destination.

A cheap cable is like taking that "left": The current/signal has one destination that leads to that bottle-neck.

A great cable is like taking that "right": The current/signal has a clear wide open path to ultimate clarity.

Once your ear begins to appreciating top-notch gear (i.e. in this case, the right bass and amplification), you will be able to appreciate the better quality cable in a heart beat! For the money, I would recommend Monster Bass (Prolink Cable). ;)

[Albert Smith]

Yes, a good cable is a must. You get what you pay for.

Thank of it this way. You are driving down the highway, you can go left or right. If you go left, you will end up in a "parking lot" as traffic has bottle-necked due to a merge from 4 to 1 lane. If you go right, traffic is wide open and clear the rest of the way to your destination.

A cheap cable is like taking that "left": The current/signal has one destination that leads to that bottle-neck.

A great cable is like taking that "right": The current/signal has a clear wide open path to ultimate clarity.

Once your ear begins to appreciating top-notch gear (i.e. in this case, the right bass and amplification), you will be able to appreciate the better quality cable in a heart beat! For the money, I would recommend Monster Bass (Prolink Cable). ;)

Tim, I currently use Monster cable for my bass and I utilize a speakon cable for my cabs, what brand do you recommend or actually use:confused:

[Tim Bishop]

Tim, I currently use Monster cable for my bass and I utilize a speakon cable for my cabs, what brand do you recommend or actually use:confused:



Albert, I use the Monster Bass (Prolink Cables). Hard to beat for the money. ;)

[Ken Smith]

Albert, I use the Monster Bass (Prolink Cables). Hard to beat for the money. ;)

Be careful with those expensive cables like Monster. Most of them kill the side mounted jacks we use.

We use only the George Ls cables now.

[Tim Bishop]

Be careful with those expensive cables like Monster. Most of them kill the side mounted jacks we use.

We use only the George Ls cables now.


Ken, I have never had this problem with Monster Cables. What is it about the Monster Cables that would "kill" the side mounted jack? How are George Ls different?

[Albert Smith]

Be careful with those expensive cables like Monster. Most of them kill the side mounted jacks we use.

We use only the George Ls cables now.

I must admit I had to replace the stereo jack in my WBT5 Elite because after a period of time the cable plug would just slide out of the jack.
When you initially plug in your cable you get that secure snap and the cable is locked in, after about one year I noticed the plug was getting weaker and weaker.:mad:

[Ken Smith]

Ken, I have never had this problem with Monster Cables. What is it about the Monster Cables that would "kill" the side mounted jack? How are George Ls different?

Monster told us they use a 'type 2' tip which is slightly different in shape and had killed 100s of Jacks. We know this because when ever we get a bad jack problem and ask the customer, it has been the Monster Cable that is the culprit. The George Ls is a simple but high grade regular sized tip and we like it here.

[Albert Smith]

Monster told us they use a 'type 2' tip which is slightly different in shape and had killed 100s of Jacks. We know this because when ever we get a bad jack problem and ask the customer, it has been the Monster Cable that is the culprit. The George Ls is a simple but high grade regular sized tip and we like it here.

Question is the cable shielded? and exactly where can I pick one up?

[Bob Faulkner]

Ken Smith Premium Instrument Cables?

Anyone?

[Tim Bishop]

Question is the cable shielded? and exactly where can I pick one up?



Albert, yes they are shielded and are good quality cables. You can find them on eBay (know who you are dealing with though) or Google them and you'll find dealers. ;)

[Albert Smith]

Albert, yes they are shielded and are good quality cables. You can find them on eBay (know who you are dealing with though) or Google them and you'll find dealers. ;)

Thanks Tim, I'll google them I'm not a big fan of ebay these days.
Bob, I like that concept, what's the chance you can convince Ken to go down that road.;)

[Tim Bishop]

Thanks Tim, I'll google them I'm not a big fan of ebay these days.
Bob, I like that concept, what's the chance you can convince Ken to go down that road.;)

George L's are a solderless cable and the cable is a bit thinner than we bass players are probably use to. I've not used them myself, however, I have heard good things about them.

[Albert Smith]

George L's are a solderless cable and the cable is a bit thinner than we bass players are probably use to. I've not used them myself, however, I have heard good things about them.

Question remains would you utilize one personally? or would you pass?:confused:

[Tim Bishop]

Question remains would you utilize one personally? or would you pass?:confused:

Well, I would certainly give them a shot if presented with the opportunity to do so, however, don't think I would go out of my way just yet. I just haven't needed to go down that road at this time.

[Albert Smith]

Well, I would certainly give them a shot if presented with the opportunity to do so, however, don't think I would go out of my way just yet. I just haven't needed to go down that road at this time.

Have you ever noticed any looseness in your jack? currently my Tiger Maple 4 string has a loose stereo jack.

[Tim Bishop]

Have you ever noticed any looseness in your jack? currently my Tiger Maple 4 string has a loose stereo jack.


No. The only problem I ever had with a barrel jack was on my new KSA6 (20th. Ann. 6). About a year after delivery, I had problems with the connection (i.e. cutting in and out). I called Ken, he sent me a new jack, I replaced it and haven't had a problem since.

[IanMcElroy]

Hi Everyone. First post, long time reader.

Just thought I'd jump in here and talk about some cables. I've been reading up on these things and it seems to make slight differences to your tone. If you really can hear it good on you but it seems to be really about build quality. The better the cable the longer it will last better not meaning cost but the actual cable. The ends and solder that are used are important as well. Again if it's not soldered right it will fall apart and if your end is junk it might not fit into the end and bore out the jack, or fall out all the time. You can end up spending some serious money on these things and I've seen some audio cable now that sells for about $100.00 a foot. I don't think that its worth it. I've been using the George L's for about a year now and I've been trying to break them. I can't. The only thing I don't like about them is that they tend to tangle pretty easy and trip me up when I'm on stage. I made the move over to Radial Mogami instrument cables and they have all the hype of Neutrik ends and all that but they didn't sound all that different. I've used Monster and I had a bit of a tiff with one of their users. I say this about the "bass" cable that they make and mean no harm no foul to anyone or company. I didn't like them. I thought they sucked the mids out of my tone and from that made "false clarity" on the high end. What I mean by that is if you take away a certain frequencies others sound better. Less mid makes more room for high end and makes the highs sound better. There are companies out there like Tara Labs, Van Den Hul, Sommer, and Gepco that all have started making "high end" cable for the modern musician. These are also the same guys that found out you could really make a buck or two selling really expensive cable, to really rich people, with really expensive taste. All and all I think it's just a case of The Emperor's New Clothes and if you can find a good cable that you like you should get it and not care about what everyone else is saying.

But for us, oh oh me me!!!, who like to gawk at really expensive stuff here are some links.

http://www.taralabs.com/home.asp
http://www.sommercable.com/2__default/index.html
http://www.radialeng.com/
http://www.gepco.com/
http://www.vandenhul.com/

and if you really want to read some craziness
http://www.zaolla.com/ SILVER CABLES!!!! WTF Mate?

and if you want to buy this kinda stuff and see what a company who sells these kinds of things say.
http://www.lavacable.com/

[Tim Bishop]

Hi Everyone. First post, long time reader.

Just thought I'd jump in here and talk about some cables. I've been reading up on these things and it seems to make slight differences to your tone. If you really can hear it good on you but it seems to be really about build quality. The better the cable the longer it will last better not meaning cost but the actual cable. The ends and solder that are used are important as well. Again if it's not soldered right it will fall apart and if your end is junk it might not fit into the end and bore out the jack, or fall out all the time. You can end up spending some serious money on these things and I've seen some audio cable now that sells for about $100.00 a foot. I don't think that its worth it. I've been using the George L's for about a year now and I've been trying to break them. I can't. The only thing I don't like about them is that they tend to tangle pretty easy and trip me up when I'm on stage. I made the move over to Radial Mogami instrument cables and they have all the hype of Neutrik ends and all that but they didn't sound all that different. I've used Monster and I had a bit of a tiff with one of their users. I say this about the "bass" cable that they make and mean no harm no foul to anyone or company. I didn't like them. I thought they sucked the mids out of my tone and from that made "false clarity" on the high end. What I mean by that is if you take away a certain frequencies others sound better. Less mid makes more room for high end and makes the highs sound better. There are companies out there like Tara Labs, Van Den Hul, Sommer, and Gepco that all have started making "high end" cable for the modern musician. These are also the same guys that found out you could really make a buck or two selling really expensive cable, to really rich people, with really expensive taste. All and all I think it's just a case of The Emperor's New Clothes and if you can find a good cable that you like you should get it and not care about what everyone else is saying.

But for us, oh oh me me!!!, who like to gawk at really expensive stuff here are some links.

http://www.taralabs.com/home.asp
http://www.sommercable.com/2__default/index.html
http://www.radialeng.com/
http://www.gepco.com/
http://www.vandenhul.com/

and if you really want to read some craziness
http://www.zaolla.com/ SILVER CABLES!!!! WTF Mate?

and if you want to buy this kinda stuff and see what a company who sells these kinds of things say.
http://www.lavacable.com/





I've talked to Tara Labs. The prices for these cables are off the chart. There are certainly many choices and markets out there and one can certainly choose to throw their money away. So, ask questions, research and choose wisely! ;)

[Albert Smith]

I've talked to Tara Labs. The prices for these cables are off the chart. There are certainly many choices and markets out there and one can certainly choose to throw their money away. So, ask questions, research and choose wisely! ;)

Tim, that's quite a bit to research there sir, I like the link to the direct boxes I've been thinking about purchasing one, you've really fed the fire, but I'll wait until I get the bill from Ken for the repairs on the neck of my 6 string.

[Tim Bishop]

Tim, that's quite a bit to research there sir, I like the link to the direct boxes I've been thinking about purchasing one, you've really fed the fire, but I'll wait until I get the bill from Ken for the repairs on the neck of my 6 string.


When are you getting your bass back?

[Albert Smith]

When are you getting your bass back?

Waiting to hear from Ken, But I suspect sometime this week or next if all goes well.

[Ken Smith]

Waiting to hear from Ken, But I suspect sometime this week or next if all goes well.

HELLOOOO..... Answer the phone!.. We have a question for you before we finish it up and.... I saved you a bundle besides..:D

[Albert Smith]

HELLOOOO..... Answer the phone!.. We have a question for you before we finish it up and.... I saved you a bundle besides..:D

Calling you right now, John:D

[Tim Bishop]

Calling you right now, John:D



Well, what is the verdict???

[Albert Smith]

Well, what is the verdict???

She's being shipped out today I'll have her at home tomorrow :D :D :D :D
I'd like to say thank you to Ken, John and the whole "Smith crew who resurrected my eBay baby. You guys are the best. Ken saved me mucho $$$$$$$$ by utilizing his neck bending technique.

[Tim Bishop]

She's being shipped out today I'll have her at home tomorrow :D :D :D :D
I'd like to say thank you to Ken, John and the whole "Smith crew who resurrected my eBay baby. You guys are the best. Ken saved me mucho $$$$$$$$ by utilizing his neck bending technique.


Great! We will expect a full report! :cool:

[SongJinYoung]

Be careful with those expensive cables like Monster. Most of them kill the side mounted jacks we use.

We use only the George Ls cables now.
I buy 2 George Ls cables, Vintage Red 255
I can compare with Providence and George Ls
Ken,
Thanks for the information

[Martin Duarte]

Hi,

I prefer to make my own. I buy THE BEST cable available in my local area and buy NEUTRIK jacks and get someone to make the cables for me. It's the best option. You can get the length you want, the type of jack you want (straight or L, or both) with the best cable you can get. They last a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time (can't say forever cause there is no such thing with cables, jejeje).

Take care,

Martin

[Tim Bishop]

Hi,




I prefer to make my own. I buy THE BEST cable available in my local area and buy NEUTRIK jacks and get someone to make the cables for me. It's the best option. You can get the length you want, the type of jack you want (straight or L, or both) with the best cable you can get. They last a loooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong time (can't say forever cause there is no such thing with cables, jejeje).

Take care,

Martin



This is a good option Martin, provided you know the quality of what you have. ;)

[SongJinYoung]

Hi Tim!!

First, sorry for my poor english
I'm not native speaker!!

I have made my own cable to use my KS
The cables are Audio cable, and They have many diffirent model numbers
I try some of them known to be good for bass

1. Belden 8412 + Switchcraft
2. Belden 9778 + Switchcraft
3. Belden 9395 + Switchcraft
4. Mogami 2524 + Switchcraft

I know that you are loved with Monster Cable!
I have used some cables, Monster bass, Providence B202(Bottem Preq'er), etc

So I compare that audio cables with Monster bass cable

1. Belden 8412
My first made audio cable.
First time was very good feelings
But I had never used another cables then.
I had played bass just 2 years!! then.
Later I know that 8412 is the cable low impidence like mic!!
It's better sound than another low price cables
But Monster bass win in all case

2. Belden 9778 + Switchcraft
3. Belden 9395 + Switchcraft

It's very similar cable, and better than 8412
9778 has mordern and clear sound
9395 has mordern , clear and punch sound
It's like 9778 with EBS multy comp
More tight low than 9778

I have used 9778 for patch cable to connect outboard

It's same grade with Monster bass cable(not Monster Studio model)

4. Mogami 2524 + Switchcraft
I feel that this cable is not good for me
So, I don't use this
But another people talks It's so cool!!
Marcus Miller use this!! for the patch cable to connect rack type outboard
I read that "Stuff of MM" written by Brain Brown(A.K.A MM's bass technician)

[Dennis Michaels]

I have always used GeorgeL's for theater touring because of the low profile .225 cable are 1/4 of the weight of the same length Monsters. My cables all have right angle plugs on them so my output jack doesn't take a hit... they also sound great. I did also change the plug to a right angle on th cable that came with my fretless.The lower the profile of the cable coming from the bass th3e less chance of damaging the jack.

[Dennis Michaels]

also they can be fixxed with a pair of cutters... I have only had 1 failure of a GeorgeL cable in 6 years on the road. Now they are all I use gigging locally.

[Paul Phillips]

I have been playing Smith basses for some time now, I alway`s used Monster cables until ken brought it to my attention after a few jack replacements that it was the cables I was useing.Since useing George l cables I have had no problems at all, I ordered right from George l, well worth the price you pay!! I use 225 vintage cable, ordered right angle and i am very pleased....... paul

[Zdenek Tichota]

I use KLOTZ GY107 LaGrande with new Neutricks...I never was cabel freak, but guitar player I play with opened my eyes. My bass pot on EQ was on 14h now is on 12h!...more dynamic, more bass, better highs, fater tone...somebody say Klotz is better than monster cables. One more thing can also changed sound, cable has to be 5-6m long, not shorter, maybe gold neutriks also helps...I'm happy with my 3m cable too, but longer cable has fater sound...interesting isn't it? W.

[Nick Foster]

I use Solid Cables and currently waiting for my ****ysis Plus Bass Oval to arrive. Can't wait.

[James Due]

Monster told us they use a 'type 2' tip which is slightly different in shape and had killed 100s of Jacks. We know this because when ever we get a bad jack problem and ask the customer, it has been the Monster Cable that is the culprit. The George Ls is a simple but high grade regular sized tip and we like it here.

Thanks Ken for the information on the George L cable, I purchased one and I'm very pleased with it the cable brings out the true sound of your intstrument.

[Jim White]

I've been using the Planet Waves cables because I like the little on/off switch in the jack. They don't appear to me to color the sound at all either, so it's all good :)

[Scott Pope]

I have also had the best luck over the years with the simplest solution: Belden cable and straight Switchcraft plugs. I have cables that I still use that are, well, let's just say old.

I usually keep my cables no more than 10 feet long to minimize capacitance.

One thing that Mr. John Hall of RIC emphasizes, if you go with the traditional 1/4" plug and jack, is to make sure you use good plugs that have the proper tip geometry so the jack makes secure contact so both are therefore less prone to wear and damage. For this reason I use Switchcraft, although Neutrik is also good in this regard.

Edit: I forgot to mention: there is one other important reason for a live gigging musican to keep it simple: cords do get snagged, stepped on, and caught up in just about everything imaginable. The simple cords are the least expensive consistant with good performance for value, and unlike locking cables or jacks, they simply slip right out of the jack with no harm done to the performer, instrument, rarely the cable, or the event, item or person resulting in the pulled out cord.