Best Cables with the Axe-FX

[Firstpenguin]

So I know with traditional tube setups the kind of cable can influence tone. So i was wondering if anyone who has experience with higher end cables could share there philosophy when it comes to tonal influence of cables with the axe fx. Warm? Dark? Transparent? I'm realizing that the guitar center open box bin cables are the weakest link to my setup now that I have such pro gear. Thanks for reading.

 

[Jay Mitchell]

So i was wondering if anyone who has experience with higher end cables could share there philosophy when it comes to tonal influence of cables with the axe fx. Warm? Dark? Transparent?

For the guitar-to-Axe-Fx cable, it will depend on the pickups and the sound you want. The lower the shunt capacitance (the only cable parameter that matters), the more accurately the signal from the guitar will be transmitted to the Axe-Fx. I tend to prefer that accuracy, but my preference is not universal. The most expensive cable doesn't always have the lowest capacitance per foot, either. In fact, that parameter is often not even disclosed by the manufacturer. Some folks actually like the dulling effect of high-capacitance cable, and the boutique manufacturers exploit that preference with grossly overpriced cables that actually perform less well than some more reasonably-priced ones. The easiest way to bring cable capacitance to a minimum is to use the shortest possible cable from your guitar to the Axe-Fx.

For the cable from Axe-Fx to amplifier/console/etc., cable capacitance doesn't matter within reason. You should use shielded twisted pair with a braided shield - not a foil shield and a drain wire - and quality connectors, e.g., Neutrik, Switchcraft, or ITT Cannon. Beyond that, there really is no difference.

 

[Firstpenguin]

Thanks for your input. I think I'll go with the more transparent cables I can always create an EQ to simulate the "vintage cable" sound and put it at the head of the chain. I've got an ultra so it can handle an extra eq. That might be a good wishlist item; vintage cable simulator. So what reasonably priced brands do people prefer for Guitar to AXE. I'd like to get 10-20 ft betweent 25-75 dollars depending on length and quality. Thanks.

 

[xrist04]

Guitar Player magazine reviewed forty-nine different guitar cables in its April 2008 edition. They divided this huge field into four price ranges, and picked winners in each price range.

The surprise? The winner from the lowest price range was equivalent in measured quality to the winner from the highest price range.

In case you missed it, a link to the on-line version of the article is here.

 

[Friedlieb]

The lower the shunt capacitance (the only cable parameter that matters), the more accurately the signal from the guitar will be transmitted to the Axe-Fx.

I would like to add another parameter which is important to me: long time durability. You can have two new cables with the same shunt capacitance, and both are prefect and sounding the same. Then, after two years of gigs and plugging and wrapping and other "treatment", one of the cables may be broken or - even worse - unreliable, while the other is still in perfect condition. In this case, I would prefer the reliable one.
So, for instance, I ended up using Neutrik plugs with all of my cables.

Best regards
Friedlieb

 

[Matman]

I'll add another parameter to the discussion: convenience. With George L's cables, you can make your own to any length and change or redesign as needed. They are also very low capacitance.

-m@