josie Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 Question from a relative newbie: how important is it to use a specifically bass cable with an electric bass? I understand why it's important to have a bass amp, and stuff about the properties of low-frequency sound waves, but the cable? I'm asking because I need another cable, and "bass" as opposed to "guitar or bass" cables seem to be hard to find, and expensive when you can find them. Given that I'm playing through a Marshall 15 watt bass amp at home, and through whatever general-purpose rig is available when I'm out, is it worth holding out for a bass cable, or will a decent quality general-purpose one be good enough? Any advice welcome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_c2 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 There is unlikely to be any difference in tone, to make it worth seeking a "bass" cable. Its true that cables, the length of cables, and whether they're curly or not, does affect tone, but its easy to re-adjust if the cable makes the tone too dull or bright using the tone controls on the amp. So don't worry about it (especially with a 15W Marshall amp) and choose cables according to length, L- or straight connections and durability. Also you can get ones which tend not to kink up, which is handy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josie Posted November 27, 2016 Author Share Posted November 27, 2016 That's what I was hoping - and very helpful, thank you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LayDownThaFunk Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 OBBM Bassic Bits cable. Job done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rmorris Posted November 27, 2016 Share Posted November 27, 2016 [quote name='josie' timestamp='1480195265' post='3182490'] Question from a relative newbie: how important is it to use a specifically bass cable with an electric bass? I understand why it's important to have a bass amp, and stuff about the properties of low-frequency sound waves, but the cable? I'm asking because I need another cable, and "bass" as opposed to "guitar or bass" cables seem to be hard to find, and expensive when you can find them. Given that I'm playing through a Marshall 15 watt bass amp at home, and through whatever general-purpose rig is available when I'm out, is it worth holding out for a bass cable, or will a decent quality general-purpose one be good enough? Any advice welcome! [/quote] Don't stress about it. There is NO DIFFERENCE (yes I know I'm 'shouting' :-) between the criteria for a bass vs guitar cable. Assuming you have a passive output (no battery powered preamp) then the important thing is that you have a 'low noise' cable cable. This means that it has a semiconducting layer between the inner conductor and the shield. (This reduces noise caused by movement of the cable). Proper 'Guitar' Cables have this. This is related to the impedance of the pickup rather than the guitar / bass frequencies - they are only an octave (x2) apart which is nothing in electronic terms. The other issue is Cable capacitance which will affect frequency response- not so much a bass issue but I'd suggest Klotz or Van Damme 'instrument cable' - as much for the mechanical properties as the electrical noise issue. Suggest see Studiospares offerings or OBBM on this site (no personal experience but plenty of seemingly good people seem to rate highly). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lee650 Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 Over the years ive used most brands of cable including very expensive ones by Monster/Evidence Audio/Zaolla. All my cables are now made by OBBM! Very happy 😆 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musashimonkey Posted December 2, 2016 Share Posted December 2, 2016 [quote name='lee650' timestamp='1480714652' post='3186744'] Over the years ive used most brands of cable including very expensive ones by Monster/Evidence Audio/Zaolla. All my cables are now made by OBBM! Very happy 😆 [/quote] Same here. OBBM all the way now. 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
josie Posted December 9, 2016 Author Share Posted December 9, 2016 Thanks all. I popped into Johnny Roadhouse Manchester this morning (dangerously close to my work) and picked up the best they had, a D'Addario "instrument cable". I haven't had a chance to plug it in yet, but given the limitations of my amp I'm sure it will be fine. Love the advice and support here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drake Posted December 15, 2016 Share Posted December 15, 2016 Make my own - Canare GS6, Switchcraft jacks. Good cable and never any interference on big busy stages Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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