Can I buy cable parts online?

[ratherdashing]

I'd like to start making my own cables. I'm tired of store-bought cables that either fall apart or are a completely impractical length. I'm pretty good with a soldering iron, and I've repaired cables many times.

Do any of you do this? Are there websites that sell spools of cable and ends? Are there particular brands I should look for/avoid?

Thanks!

 

[greendy123]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

Actually Mark at lavacable is here on the forum. He makes some really high quality cables for cheap too. He might be able to hook you up with cables and the ends, but I don't know if he would do that.

 

[kmcguitars]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

George L's can be bought in bulk. I'm sure if you Google Coaxial cable you will find a good vendor,Then I think smallbear might sell swicthcraft in bulk?

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

Actually Mark at lavacable is here on the forum. He makes some really high quality cables for cheap too. He might be able to hook you up with cables and the ends, but I don't know if he would do that.

If not, he could probably point you to a few dealers.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

George L's...they are mostly sold in bulk "parts"...you buy it in a number of feet and as many ends as you want. There are several online dealers.

 

[lpmarshall]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

George L's...they are mostly sold in bulk "parts"...you buy it in a number of feet and as many ends as you want. There are several online dealers.

Stompin Ground sells them here

I bought my Wizard Wah through them, and they were easy to deal with.

 

[Virtual Kevorkian]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

Forget George L's...


http://www.redco.com/

Grab some Mogami instrument cable and Neutrik plugs. Best cable money can buy, AFAIC

 

[XSSIVE]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

i've gone through loads of cables from high $ to cheap stuff....and this is what i use now and am very happy with it...

good old pro-co cable in custom lengths with G&H ends...

cable...
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&PartNumber=100-295&DID=7

right angle end...
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=092-204

straight end...
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=092-200


-Mike

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

That Parts Express cable looks OK, but I'd like better than 90% shield coverage (100% is good).

Here's a spec sheet for some Belden cable from Mouser that I used to make some great cables with Neutriks plugs: http://bwccat.belden.com/ecat/pdf/9778.pdf Unfortunately, it used to be available in 100' but now only 1,000' from Mouser. Maybe the specs will help you find the right thing though...

HTH

Chip

 

[greco]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

I have made cables with Neutriks straight and 90 degree angled plugs...very well made plugs !! A friend who makes his living as a guitarist suggested them. Not exactlly inexpensive, but built like tanks.

I bought the cable from the local store that supplies sound/lighting/DJ equipment. Nothing special and probably not the best.

Dave

 

[kobus]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

A professional electronics store in your area is where you get the switchcraft plugs and jacks for audio in oneseez,twoseezs or bulk. Make sure the insulator on the plug is not black plastic or any kind of plastic. The plastic changes shape with heat and opens/shorts evolve. The switch craft have a white isulator of compressed fiber. Doesn't loosen up for years. As was mentioned above, BELDON.com gets you to catalog for part numbers,types of shielding.flexibility,solid conductor,strand conductor,standing wave properties,ohms,impedance pf x 100ft., jacket. I build my cables of various types (ohms matched through the system/low swr)for best propagation factors within 100 feet of total coax accumulated length factoring losses in db( ) for each connector and frequency reflection(SWR). Before I get to the screw with the signal section of my rig I like to come to the in door with fidelity fo my pickups. Yeah! lot of junk on the street claiming top hat.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Can I buy cable parts online?

Mouser.com is great cost-wise for either Switchcraft or Neutriks plugs and jacks. Neutriks are harder to solder but they are built like tanks and have built-in strain relief.

Bottom line, you can build yourself better quality cables for less money than the big name brands charge.

FWIW George L's are great for pedal boards, etc. but I'm not crazy about them for the guitar cable itself. Solder seems "right" for connecting a cable that's going to be moving around, pulled & tripped on. Just my humble opinion, YMMV, etc.

Chip