Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

So I am looking to find some quality guitar cables at a decent price and came across these folks:

http://www.deathvalleycablecompany.com/index.htm

Anybody here know about them or tried them? I read over the website and I am really thinking of giving them a shot as I have just about had it with Monster.

LEL

Low End Lover wrote:So I am looking to find some quality guitar cables at a decent price and came across these folks:

http://www.deathvalleycablecompany.com/index.htm

Anybody here know about them or tried them? I read over the website and I am really thinking of giving them a shot as I have just about had it with Monster.

LEL

I haven't tried Death Valley, but, if you're tired of Monster, I would HIGHLY recommend DiMarzio. They're made in the U.S. with Switchcraft connectors which, to me, provide a more secure fit. Plus, RIC uses genuine Switchcraft jacks. So, if this is for your RIC guitar, you can't go wrong. I actually just purchased two DiMarzio 18 ft. vintage tweed overbraid cables and a 6 in. patch cable. Yes, they were expensive, but the quality is unsurpassed.

Haven't tried Death Valley either, but I highly recommend Bayou Audio Cables. http://bayoucables.com/

blueflamerick wrote:Haven't tried Death Valley either, but I highly recommend Bayou Audio Cables. http://bayoucables.com/

The quality of the parts DVCC uses do not look all that sturdy and good. I would look at Bayou or Procables N Sound (I've bought very successfully from them).

Thanks for the input. Should I really go for a cable that uses Switchcraft connectors as Ric jacks are Switchcfrat? Never really considered that something to think about when buying cables. Any thoughts on this?

LEL

Switchcraft makes quality stuff. There are a lot of other manufacturers that do too, Neutrik is another. The specifications for 1/4 jacks and plugs is pretty standard and just about any quality plug will work just fine.

The big problem comes with the cheap stuff, especially the really cheap Asian versions. A lot of these have poor tolerances and some are said to have tip shapes that don't move smoothly over the contacts and tend to bend them...

Mr. Hall, in one of the threads on the RIC Corporate forum, mentioned this:

"The important thing is that the connector either be Switchcraft brand or exactly the same shape, as the genuine Switchcraft jacks we use exclusively are expecting that shape in order to work properly."

I'd say Switchcraft is the way to go. If you're not down with DiMarzio, I'm sure there are other manufacturers who use Switchcraft connectors, but you'd have to do a little research.

And that shape is the standard I was referring to. The shape is defined by the specification MIL-J-641E, pg. 11:

http://www.dscc.dla.mil/Downloads/MilSp ... mil641.pdf

Most high quality plug/jack manufacturers conform to that standard and they'll work fine. Switchcraft is great, I use a lot of their stuff. I'm just saying that you don't have to limit yourself to Switchcraft brand in order to get cables that will work and not damage your jacks...

What about angled vs. straight. I know you are supposed to go straight for the amp, but are angled connecters the best for Rics or does it even matter?

LEL

The shape of the "handle" is mostly a matter of convenience. There shouldn't be a problem using an angled plug on an amp other than it's usually harder to plug/unplug. Similarly, for the instrument, it shouldn't matter and ends up being a matter of personal preference.

I like an angled plug for the instrument since straight plugs leave things "hanging out in the breeze" where they can catch on things, etc. In fact, I generally run the cord up and through/around the strap/button just to make it more secure. It's a real pain when, in the middle of a gig, you move and pull on the cable and it unplugs. So, having a right angle plug lets the cable run closer to the body and up through the strap easier...

cjj wrote: It's a real pain when, in the middle of a gig, you move and pull on the cable and it unplugs.

Tell me about it. I played in a band about 3 yrs ago and, during a performance, our guitarist (who was drunk) stepped on and pulled out his cable at the beginning of a song that had a guitar intro!

You know, I did a little research and I am reallt thinking I am going to learn to make my own cables. That way, I can have whatever size I want and pick the components out myself. Anyone else go this route?

LEL

Yup! That's why I use a lot of Switchcraft stuff, Neutrik too.

Making your own cables may not be cheaper than mass produced, but you can always get exactly what you want...

I just purchased Elixir cables - a bit expensive, but really good; I don't think I'll be replacing them anytime soon.

Low End Lover wrote:You know, I did a little research and I am really thinking I am going to learn to make my own cables. That way, I can have whatever size I want and pick the components out myself. Anyone else go this route?

LEL

I did. Canare GS-6 and Neutrik.