The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

ledzepp29

New member
Hey I was wondering if anyone knew what was so special about these. I read an article posted on here where SRV specifically says that the only cables he uses are the coil cables from radio shack, I've also heard that hendrix used them as well as other guys stating that they were the best? I heard 59paul say he only uses coil cables too, well guys, whats the secret to them? I was about to get some today but I didn't have enough money with me after I bought all new soldering equipment.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

They're really long and sproingy. They probably knock off a bunch of high-end.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

yeah they do look kinda cool. but i have nevver tryed one.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Tom M said:
They're really long and sproingy. They probably knock off a bunch of high-end.

bingo.

I've never actually tried them, but thats what SRV has said. He likes the sound beter than other cables because they knowck off som high end.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Very high tolerance cables ... in other words, cheaply made using cheap materials. I'd rather use the "Hi" Control on my head ...
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

carlos santana used to use one as well......same with all the old blues guys (clapton, beck, etc)
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

i use them, i dont know whats special though i havnt used any other kind. i only buy them because radio shack is like 500ft from my house.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

I use 'em too. I use so much stuff from radioshack it's crazy. switches, pots, caps, resistors, cables, cable tips. and it's all cheap too.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

I have nothing to add that hasn't already been said.

They're just another form of EQing. Either you like the way they deaden your sound, or you don't, but for what they cost you're not going to bankrupt yourself testing them out.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Lots of resistance, knocks back some high end and I would think adds a bit of compression to the sound.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Wattage said:
Lots of resistance, knocks back some high end and I would think adds a bit of compression to the sound.
YUP ! I think you hit it on the head Watts. I have a few of the grey curly
cords. My take on it is that they are LO-FI and have more inductance
then a Quailty cord. There fore lending itself to vintage tone Just like
a old dryed out piece of wood or a well worn tube amp.
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

ledzepp29 said:
Hey I was wondering if anyone knew what was so special about these. I read an article posted on here where SRV specifically says that the only cables he uses are the coil cables from radio shack, I've also heard that hendrix used them as well as other guys stating that they were the best? I heard 59paul say he only uses coil cables too, well guys, whats the secret to them? I was about to get some today but I didn't have enough money with me after I bought all new soldering equipment.

Yep.

I've used them for years and years.

I started using them because they don't get tangled up onstage.

<<< See Avatar pic. Notice no chord looped through belt loop or strap???


I don't get mine from Radio Shack.
 
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Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

59paul said:
I don't get mine from Radio Shack.

Where do you get them? I just bought a couple coiled cables from Radio Shack and I absolutely LOVE what they do to my tone!
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Wattage said:
Lots of resistance, knocks back some high end and I would think adds a bit of compression to the sound.

kmcguitars said:
YUP ! I think you hit it on the head Watts. I have a few of the grey curly
cords. My take on it is that they are LO-FI and have more inductance
then a Quailty cord. There fore lending itself to vintage tone Just like
a old dryed out piece of wood or a well worn tube amp.

Just for the record, they have lots of capacitance. ;)

Capacitance is what will attenuate hi frequencies. Resistance will attenuate overall signal level, but is low enough even in a cheap cable to not be significant. Same for inductance. The coils aren't wound tight enough to be a factor. FYI. ;)
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

ledzepp29 said:
I read an article posted on here where SRV specifically says that the only cables he uses are the coil cables from radio shack
If you played a Strat through a Fender Twin, you'd want something in your signal chain to tame the high end, too. :D
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

TwilightOdyssey said:
And don't forget: DANNY PARTRIDGE used one, too!! :D :D

It wasn't Danny Partridge, it was Keith Partridge, and he used it to tame the high end on this:

Signature Strat
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Crap! I've been doing it all wrong!

Maybe I should've bought some cheapy radio shack cables instead of spending all that cash on Monster cables! Damn!
 
Re: The secret behind the radio shack coil cables?

Huh . . . I don't recall Keith ever playing a guitar. I either missed those episodes,
or was too busy watching Laurie. :rolleyes:
 
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