Amp Cable?

[just strum]

I read somewhere today about using shielded versus non-shielded for amp cable. I actually stumbled on it while reading something else, but now I don't recall where I read the comment.

What is the rule regarding amp cable or is there a rule? I am referring to the cable that runs from the amp to the cab.

 

[markb]

Don't use shielded cable for speaker connections. You really don't want to stick a capacitor across your output transformer. I used to make up PA speaker cables from 5 amp mains cable. Cheap and available everywhere.

 

[tunghaichuan]

+1 on what markb said.

In the States, I believe mains cable is referred to as lamp cord. Seriously, save some cash by going to Home Depot or Lowes and buy some inexpensive lamp cord. Solder on some 1/4" plugs and you're done.

tung

 

[just strum]

I did a search on Sweetwater for speaker cable and one of them is this

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SKJ603/#anchor

However, reading through several, I don't see where it is noted shield not shielded.

Since it is referred to as speaker cable, should I assume it's unshielded.?

 

[tunghaichuan]

Usually guitar cables are listed as instrument cables. So I would assume that it is an actual speaker cable since it is listed as such. However, I would email or call Sweetwater just to make sure.

tung

I did a search on Sweetwater for speaker cable and one of them is this

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SKJ603/#anchor

However, reading through several, I don't see where it is noted shield not shielded.

Since it is referred to as speaker cable, should I assume it's unshielded.?

 

[markb]

Speaker cable won't be shielded, just side by side conductors. Like the figure 8 speaker wire you use for your hi-fi but with an outer sheath. Short speaker cables are usually cheap at your local music shop. The one you linked to is just fine for the task.
By all means pay big bucks for a Monster Cable super whizz-o OFC, rare earth, etc, etc speaker cable if you wish. You can then spend the rest of its life telling people how much of a difference it makes on internet discussions .

 

[just strum]

+1 on what markb said.

In the States, I believe mains cable is referred to as lamp cord. Seriously, save some cash by going to Home Depot or Lowes and buy some inexpensive lamp cord. Solder on some 1/4" plugs and you're done.

tung

Are you guys seriious? You mean I can just take an extension cord, cut it, solder on 1/4" connectors and that's it?

 

[ted s]

yup

 

[bigoldron]

Mark, here's a good article on the differences between guitar/instrument cable and speaker cables:

http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/cords/index.php

So, yep, good old zip cord will do for speakers! :AOK:

 

[markb]

Yep. When I did this, 10m speaker cables from our local PA specialists cost about £25. 2 conductor, 5 amp mains cable off the reel at the DIY superstore was about £0.30 per metre. Add plugs at about £0.75 a go (less for 10+) from the local electronics shop. A lot of "hi-fi" speaker wire on cheaper stuff is just the cable you'd use to wire up your doorbell. For PA use it saves a fortune and you can make up different lengths as needed.

 

[tunghaichuan]

Are you guys seriious? You mean I can just take an extension cord, cut it, solder on 1/4" connectors and that's it?

Yes, totally serious. Even better if you use an extension cord. Then the cable is free. :AOK:

tung

 

[just strum]

What the hell are the little connectors called that connect to the tabs on a speaker? I'm ordering 1/4 plugs and a few other things, but I can't get anything to come up by entering a list of things I call them

 

[Rocket]

Blade (or spade) connectors (male & female):

 

[just strum]

Blade (or spade) connectors (male & female):

Bingo - thanks.

 

[just strum]

Blade (or spade) connectors (male & female):

AKA:

* 1/4" Female Disconnect

* Female Quick Slide Connectors

 

[ZMAN]

When I bought my first cab recently (Avatar) I was under the impressions that all I needed was a guitar cable. Wrong. I read that same article Bigoldron mentioned and a couple of others and I was surprised as hell, after all the hype about guitar cables that you it would be very acceptable to use a lamp cord and two 1/4 plugs.

 

[street music]

Strum you can buy those connectors at any radio shack or auto store ADVANCED AUTO PARTS has a kit with a bunch of them in it or just go to NORTHERN TOOLS.com

 

[tunghaichuan]

AKA:

* 1/4" Female Disconnect

* Female Quick Slide Connectors

The ones I have come in gauged sizes. Make sure you get the correct size for the gauge of wire you have.

tung

 

[just strum]

The ones I have come in gauged sizes. Make sure you get the correct size for the gauge of wire you have.

tung

Yep, I saw that, I'm buying a mix of sizes just in case I am someday known as the Cable Meister.

 

[just strum]

I purchased everything from Parts Express last night. I hate paying shipping on purchases like this and since they are in Ohio, I have to pay tax too. The good thing is, everything arrives next day.

I was going to use an extension cord, but it was cheaper to purchase the wire and I figured best to load up the order if I had to pay shipping.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Good info guys, thanks! That will save me some dough sometime I am sure.

 

[just strum]

The amph and all the mod parts for the Vox arrived today. I have to cut a 3" dia hole on the side of the AD30VT for the jack plate, so I am going to check at work tomorrow to see if we have a 3" hole cutter.

 

[ted s]

The Strum Wall of Sound !

 

[just strum]

The Strum Wall of Sound !

Don't know about a wall, maybe a corner.

 

[Rocket]

I have to cut a 3" dia hole on the side of the AD30VT for the jack plate, so I am going to check at work tomorrow to see if we have a 3" hole cutter.

You'd probably get better results with an adjustable circle cutter... that large of a hole saw leaves quite a mess. $13... nice thing to have in the toolbox:

 

[ted s]

Excellent point Rocket.

 

[just strum]

You'd probably get better results with an adustable circle cutter... that large of a hole saw leaves quite a mess. $13... nice thing to have in the toolbox:

Hey, great tip (no pun intended). I have to go to Home Depot to return some things later this week and will pick one up.

 

[tunghaichuan]

Hey, great tip (no pun intended). I have to go to Home Depot to return some things later this week and will pick one up.

If you get one of those, I believe you have to use it in a drill press. It is too dangerous to use it with a hand drill. Maybe Shiner can comment further, he's a real woodworker, I'm just a hack.

tung

 

[just strum]

If you get one of those, I believe you have to use it in a drill press. It is too dangerous to use it with a hand drill. Maybe Shiner can comment further, he's a real woodworker, I'm just a hack.

tung

It's ordered and can't be canceled. If you are correct, I will have to find someone with a drill press.

 

[markb]

I think Tung's right. The torque on that cutter would just rip the drill out of your hands. The joy of a jack plate is that your rough edges get hidden behind the flange, a bit like the way those drill 'n' chisel humbucker "routs" get hidden under the pickguard.