Man did I get a wake up call today - Instrument Cables!

[King Crimson]

So I’ve been totally and forever devoted to my Diezel Herbert. It’s the best amp (for me being a metal head) I have every played/owned for more than 6+ years now. So naturally when I bought Herbert from Tone Merchants back in the day (the Ed Yoon era) I was convinced by Ed that I should seriously consider upgrading my instrument cable(s) to “Evidence Audio”. In particular, “The Lyric HG” instrument cable.

So I convinced myself, what the heck, I just spent 4K+ on a new Diezel Herbert I’ll go with Ed’s recommendation.

So before the Lyric HG I was using (what I considered good clear fair representation of my tone) an 18’ Planet Waves cable – cost about $40. So Ed brings in this Lyric HG cable that looks like something out of a bad B movie from the 50s. Very stiff, plaid pattern covering, and reminded me of the ties you get in the produce section of the super market to tie up plastic bags. To boot the f’n thing was nearly $120+ for a 15 footer. Tried it, liked it, bought it, been using it ever since.

So I break out my Planet Waves cable (same one from 6+ years ago) and did a long overdue A/B between the two cables. F’k me, the damn Planet Waves cable sounded clearer, it even seemed to elevate the volume ever-so-slightly and get this – the F’N Planet Waves cable was quieter than the Lyric HG. I have 3 Lyric HG cables and tried all 3 of them with the same outcome.

So I call up a guitar bud of mine to come over and tell me I am hearing things, or whatever. He came to the same conclusion. We did a A/B where I would be blind folded and couldn’t tell which cable he plugged in – I kept without a doubt choosing the $40 Planet Waves 18’ cable.

Then he suggested to me that I should look at trying out the MOGAMI instrument cable, preferably the Platinum or the Gold. I have honestly never tried MOGAMI instrument cables before. Apparently GC sells 15-20 footers for under $60 in both Platinum and Gold tip.

Looks like I should do just that try them out. I’m really perplexed though as to why I am hearing so much more clarity from a $40 Planet Waves cable in comparison to the Evidence Audio Lyric HG.

Any further thoughts or recommendations from you fellow Rig Talkers would be greatly appreciated.

 

[thunda]

snake oil!

 

[some dude]

Could be that the Planet Waves favours the same frequencies as the Herbert and that the Lyric HG would sound better into some other amp.

 

[glassjaw7]

I have a couple Planet Waves cables along with a bunch of Monster and Spectraflex. (Also have some that I made with Belden cable and Switchcraft ends which I use for my fx loop runs, and have used Elixer on occasion).

I agree that the Planet Waves seem to sound very clear and somewhat balanced, but to my ears, they seem a little less full than the Monster Rock cables. The Monsters sound thick, like they have beefed up low frequencies, but the high end sounds a tad rolled off compared to some others like Elixer for example.

The Spectraflex (standard, not the Fatso-flex) has a spongier feel and is midrange focused. Feels very easy to play on but dynamics and clarity aren't as good as the others I've used. When I first started using P.W. and Monster, I didn't like the fuller frequency response because I was used to those Spectraflex cables and their narrower tone.

Of course, all these tonal differences are just what I hear/feel when I play, but cables do make a big difference, not just snake oil. (check out some HD comparison clips to hear for yourself, Thunda) While there are tonal advantages to some cables, I'd spend $ on speakers or something with a more dramatic tonal improvement than super pricey cables. I buy $40-50 cables and that works for me. Many pros swear by Planet Waves-keep using them if you like the tone

 

[Marshall Law]

you had the cables plugged in backwards, turn them around, that will fix,

 

[mrkmas]

I always really liked Planet Wave cables. Used them for years with great results, however I must admit I have never bought a pair of Mogami or monster cable instrument cable or anything else like that in my life. Planet Waves came out with a new line maybe 6 months ago called American Stage that are supposed to be great also.

 

[King Crimson]

snake oil!

Which one - The MOGAMI, EA Lyric HG, or The Planet Waves?

Could be that the Planet Waves favours the same frequencies as the Herbert and that the Lyric HG would sound better into some other amp.

Good point. I've been going back and forth with both now, and I'm beginning to think that the Lyric HG may be more transparent and the PW is coloring the tone a bit (which may or may not be good) and not quite as neutral between the guitar and amp. I play straight in (guitar -> amp) with now pedals.

I agree that the Planet Waves seem to sound very clear and somewhat balanced, but to my ears, they seem a little less full than the Monster Rock cables. The Monsters sound thick, like they have beefed up low frequencies, but the high end sounds a tad rolled off compared to some others like Elixer for example.

Yes, you hit it. That's exactly what I am hearing. The PW seems to be a little brighter but not as much bottom end and smooth mids as the Lyric HG.

you had the cables plugged in backwards, turn them around, that will fix,

Very funny Mr. ML!

On the Lyric HG I think I know to use the end with the red boot on the plug to connect to the amp, or destination end of things...

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I think I'm going to stick with the Lyric HG and purchase a MOGAMI tomorrow and A/B/C the three of them.

Thanks guys, you've all been very helpful...

 

[Rash]

My favourite is the Mogami Platinum cable, especially for bass recording through A Adesigns Reddi, the most solid punch (i.e.solid bass and midrange) I experienced. Even better than VoVox.
I have a 10 year old Monster Bass cable half the length, which carves out mids, do not like it.

But you have to use passive pus to notice a difference.

Kai

 

[The Hoff]

They are better to a point in my opinion. It is snake oil once it gets pass that point. A quality cable is a quality cable, true however that they may offer a unique quality of some sort-just depends on what you are looking for.

 

[King Crimson]

My favourite is the Mogami Platinum cable,...Kai

That’s what I am going to try first but for electric guitar. I do not care for active pups, ala EMG. All my electric guitars are fitted with SD passive.

They are better to a point in my opinion. It is snake oil once it gets pass that point. A quality cable is a quality cable, true however that they may offer a unique quality of some sort-just depends on what you are looking for.

I here you David. I have been going back and forth for 2 days now and I am beginning to realize that in my case the EA HG seem to be more "true" from a signal perspective in a sense staying away from any altering of the original low impendence signal from the guitar.

From the reviews of EA David Gilmour uses nothing but EA HG cables. Attached is a photo I found of David's cabling. I'll tell you, that is a lot of $$$ there in David's cabling system.

Here's a nice review with the maker and designer of EA cables.

Here's a demo of Eric Johnson who also exclusively uses EA HG cables now even though it's not in this video. It appears that he is using George L's for patching - just thought I'd share (frickin' insane beautiful reverb

 

[Mauler]

I did a review of 3 different cables in a thread I posted ages ago (Bullet Cable sparkplug/Dimarzio with the nylon and a George L) and I found that they all sounded different and that my preference was the Bullet Cable for sure.

I will definitely get a Mogami in future, but right now, I am content with what I have. Please let us all know what you think once you try though, will be interested to hear.

 

[university81]

there's a shop locally that has a killer selection of hi end cables (spectraflex, monster cable, evidence ..) all pricy and certainly with their merits, depending on the style of music

a quality cable will make a difference, for me anything above the really cheap cables that come free with certain guitars will just be down to personal preference, stuff sounds different, for some better for others worse depending on what they're looking for

i really like the planet waves classic line, the american stage line looks interesting as well, i changed out all my patch cables with george Ls, the tone was a bit clearer/brighter which i had to EQ differently afterward, the main advantages for me is that it made a cleaner pedalboard while also making tonal changes

always trust your ears and not the price tag =) experimentation is always good

 

[tweed]

You should get the mogami in bulk from redco.com and build your own. You could make quite a few cables for 60 bucks.

 

[Marshall Law]

you had the cables plugged in backwards, turn them around, that will fix,

Very funny Mr. ML!

 

[Spaceboy]

I use Mogami for most things, but wouldn't bother going anymore "high end" than that". I have some Planet Waves and DiMarzio cables around too. I have a Seismic Audio snake for microphones and have A/B it with mogami cables without hearing the difference, although a Mogami snake costs three times as much! Then again, I've A/B'd Mogami against the random no-cables I have laying around, and could different hear a difference, especially when used from the guitar to the amplifier.

Of all things to improve in a guitar rig, the cables and picks seem like a ridiculous thing to spend much time concentrating on, yet occasionally you see people getting those $20 ea Red Bears, Lava Cables, etc. Heck, a new set of $6-10 string are going to be much more of a tonal improvement than a $20 pick or $100 cable.

 

[tweed]

Of all things to improve in a guitar rig, the cables and picks seem like a ridiculous thing to spend much time concentrating on, yet occasionally you see people getting those $20 ea Red Bears, Lava Cables, etc. Heck, a new set of $6-10 string are going to be much more of a tonal improvement than a $20 pick or $100 cable.

Agreed. And that's why I say get your stuff from Redco and build your own. For 90 bucks I got enough cable to build my entire pedal board, 2x25footers(for my loop), all necessary ends,and have copious amounts of leftover. I have never really done a comparison between cables to see what tonal differences there are, I just wanted reliable cables that could take a beating show after show.

I love the mogami because it doesn't bind up when you roll it up. Same with the Voodoo Amps guitar cable I got years ago. I think Trace uses Belden cable to make them but don't quote me on that as I'm not 100% positive. I have to say that Voodoo Amps guitar cable has held up the best out of everything I have and never once given me any ounce of trouble like other pre-built cables seem to.

 

[boost]

I've got a 15 ft Planet Waves American Stage cable and did tests against these:

25 year old Spetraflex (18 ft)

Conquest Sound (10 ft)

Monster Cable Studio pro (12 ft $125 cable)

GC no-name brand tweed 18 footer

The Planet Waves just had a little more volume it seemed and had more detail than the other. Very noticable when you rolled off the volume on the guitar. Didn't have a Mogami to test but would like to eventually. I'm sticking with the Planet Waves for now. Looks well built, not ridiculously priced, and sounds good. Works for me.

 

[thegame]

So I’ve been totally and forever devoted to my Diezel Herbert. It’s the best amp (for me being a metal head) I have every played/owned for more than 6+ years now. So naturally when I bought Herbert from Tone Merchants back in the day (the Ed Yoon era) I was convinced by Ed that I should seriously consider upgrading my instrument cable(s) to “Evidence Audio”. In particular, “The Lyric HG” instrument cable.

So I convinced myself, what the heck, I just spent 4K+ on a new Diezel Herbert I’ll go with Ed’s recommendation.

So before the Lyric HG I was using (what I considered good clear fair representation of my tone) an 18’ Planet Waves cable – cost about $40. So Ed brings in this Lyric HG cable that looks like something out of a bad B movie from the 50s. Very stiff, plaid pattern covering, and reminded me of the ties you get in the produce section of the super market to tie up plastic bags. To boot the f’n thing was nearly $120+ for a 15 footer. Tried it, liked it, bought it, been using it ever since.

So I break out my Planet Waves cable (same one from 6+ years ago) and did a long overdue A/B between the two cables. F’k me, the damn Planet Waves cable sounded clearer, it even seemed to elevate the volume ever-so-slightly and get this – the F’N Planet Waves cable was quieter than the Lyric HG. I have 3 Lyric HG cables and tried all 3 of them with the same outcome.

So I call up a guitar bud of mine to come over and tell me I am hearing things, or whatever. He came to the same conclusion. We did a A/B where I would be blind folded and couldn’t tell which cable he plugged in – I kept without a doubt choosing the $40 Planet Waves 18’ cable.

Then he suggested to me that I should look at trying out the MOGAMI instrument cable, preferably the Platinum or the Gold. I have honestly never tried MOGAMI instrument cables before. Apparently GC sells 15-20 footers for under $60 in both Platinum and Gold tip.

Looks like I should do just that try them out. I’m really perplexed though as to why I am hearing so much more clarity from a $40 Planet Waves cable in comparison to the Evidence Audio Lyric HG.

Any further thoughts or recommendations from you fellow Rig Talkers would be greatly appreciated.

Incredible story here. Wow, can't believe what I'm reading. Mind blowing. Thank you for sharing.

Of course, I'm referring to the part where you said you had friends. If you talk down to people in the real world as you do on this forum, then I feel sorry for that 'friend'.

 

[dfrattaroli]

you had the cables plugged in backwards, turn them around, that will fix,

That's crazy-talk. He was probably plugging them in with his left-hand. Everyone knows not to do that.

I would suggest getting a decent soldering iron and place an order with redco.com or someone to get a few feet of Mogami and some Neutrik ends. Make your own.

 

[skoora]

Incredible story here. Wow, can't believe what I'm reading. Mind blowing. Thank you for sharing.

Of course, I'm referring to the part where you said you had friends. If you talk down to people in the real world as you do on this forum, then I feel sorry for that 'friend'.

I don't have feelings one way or the other about this but damn that was funny. Well played sir

FWIW I like George L but would use anything that works. Luckily my amp has something called an EQ.