Dood Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 (edited) [u][b]Instrument and Speaker cables[/b][/u] [url="http://www.rock-wire.uk.com"]http://www.rock-wire.uk.com[/url] David Polgaze, also known as our very own 'OBBM' really is no stranger to the pages of BassChat. Indeed I first chatted to Dave back in the days of BassWorld V.1 - The days before internet mutiny and this superb community made it's home at BassChat.co.uk. I think Dave was making cables back then too - actually, yes, I bought my first 'proper' heavy weight Speakon cables from Dave and they are still going today! Well, I've got a little review of Dave's latest - and they are as good as ever. First up a 'high flexibility' Instrument cable and then a suitably chunky Speakon to Speakon short cable, just the right length for amp to cabinet hook up. Rock-Wire is hand made, which also means that it can be to your custom specifications too. Using top notch Klotz, Sommer and Vandamme cable, Neutrik Pro, Hicon or Rean connectors. Indeed, I recall a BassChatter requiring a one-off signal / effects / power cable snake back and forth from his effects board and amplifier backline. It was an impressive beast of a cable with several signal paths catered for in one flexible sheath! I suppose to get an idea of what Bassic-Bits are capable of, then a look at the website address above. [u][b]Features[/b][/u][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] (10/10)[/font][/color] High quality connectors and cables: I can't really add more to that. The soldering work on the cables I have here is professional and tidy, exactly as you'd expect. Rock-Wire also manufacture cables with those more unusual connectors for wireless systems, effects patch cables and power supply cables too. [u][b]Sound Quality[/b][/u][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] (10/10)[/font][/color] I have no reason to doubt the sonic integrity of these cables. No noise when you shake the instrument cable under high gain situations and the connectors feel solid attached to my guitars. Looking at the Speaker cable specifically - it's a 4mm2 conductor type. It is a BIG FAT CABLE capable of transferring lots of current with minimal resistance. You can also tie up your ogre-sized drummer with this stuff too if they won't stop practicing between songs [b][u]Value For Money[/u][/b][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] (10/10)[/font][/color] Sure, you can buy really cheap cables off eBay - and you may think they will do, but trust me on this. They will break and always at the wrong time. Cheap connectors appear to be made from cheap tin (ha) and always seem to bend out of shape inside, or the cable conductors strands are weak and will just fray away. The brands mentioned above I believe have a huge reputation for quality. [font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif][color=#282828] Throw in to the mix the completely customisable aspect, local manufacture, support from the technician himself, then it's a no brainer.[/color][/font] [u][b]Customer Support[/b][/u][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] (10/10)[/font][/color] Dave is an active member of BassChat. When I have needed to chat with him, I've always had a fast reply. [b][u]Overall Rating[/u][/b][color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif] (9/10)[/font][/color] In the interests of offering a balanced view of these cables, there's just one thing I can think of that will score these cables down, but it's barely worth the mention as it is obvious. You will need to [i]order[/i] these cables and in the case of something specific you may be subject to a lead time whilst they are made. You could of course pop in to any shop and find high quality 'off the shelf' cables same day, same visit. If you are on tour in Europe then you're unlikely to find a local Rock-Wire distributor for example, but if you are taking a huge touring rig with you then that's a different set of needs anyway. If smaller (high quality) orders, one-offs, unusual requests and 'buying local' is what you are looking for, then I reckon OBBM is your man Edited April 3, 2016 by dood 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 (edited) Great review Dan and I can only second everything you've said. I've been buying my leads and cables from Dave for years - given the quality of materials and components, skill and experience in assembly, superlative value and the kind of customer service others can only aspire to, why would I (or anyone else) do otherwise? I've NEVER had ONE single problem with ANY of Dave's products. It's a ten from me too, no question. Edited April 2, 2016 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary mac Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 I haven't bought a cable from anyone else in a long, long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floFC Posted April 2, 2016 Share Posted April 2, 2016 The link at the top takes me to a different web site (acmebass.com) you may want to check your hyperlink. Thanks for posting this review. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share Posted April 3, 2016 [quote name='floFC' timestamp='1459635216' post='3018327'] The link at the top takes me to a different web site (acmebass.com) you may want to check your hyperlink. Thanks for posting this review. [/quote] Thank you!!! I actually borrowed the titles from another review! I forgot to check the hyperlink! ooops! I have edited and the address works correctly when you click on it now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonestar Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Thanks for the heads up Dood. These look great. Certainly be shooping with Mr OBBM next time I need a lead. Wouldnt bother with Amazon or trawling t'interweb when I can get a lead of this quality for twenty quid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RAY AGAINST THE MACHINE Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 I will bear this in mind , when getting my next cable. Good to see multi talented basschatters , with more than one string to their bow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Si600 Posted April 3, 2016 Share Posted April 3, 2016 Dave put little coloured sleeves on some of my cables when he made them so I could identify them after I bundled them up in a homemade snake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted June 18, 2017 Share Posted June 18, 2017 Best cables I've ever bought, period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bass Culture Posted June 20, 2017 Share Posted June 20, 2017 [quote name='Telebass' timestamp='1497817858' post='3320720'] Best cables I've ever bought, period. [/quote] Agreed. What I also like about Dave's cables is that they buck the modern trend for built-in obsolescence or the intention to be superseded by later, 'better' models, and literally last a lifetime of trouble-free, top class performance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mykesbass Posted June 23, 2017 Share Posted June 23, 2017 Seeing this thread revisited reminded me a needed a new, slightly longer speaker cable. Just ordered and yet again excellent service from Dave. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dood Posted June 23, 2017 Author Share Posted June 23, 2017 I'm going to order one of Dave's awesome IEM cables soon as I like to have my IEMs hardwired but would rather not have more than one cable coming from my instrument. A perfect solution. Oh and I WILL get the pictures above back up again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Telebass Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 [quote name='Bass Culture' timestamp='1497958050' post='3321585'] Agreed. What I also like about Dave's cables is that they buck the modern trend for built-in obsolescence or the intention to be superseded by later, 'better' models, and literally last a lifetime of trouble-free, top class performance. [/quote] Exactly. The sort of kit you'd expect to be labelled 'military grade'. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrDaveTheBass Posted April 26, 2018 Share Posted April 26, 2018 (edited) I bought a 2m Speakon-to-Speakon speaker cable from Rockwire this week and I'm extremely impressed. It feels like you could tie up a battleship with this monster - and it arrived the day after I'd ordered it. http://www.rock-wire.co.uk/ Edited April 26, 2018 by MrDaveTheBass Added web address. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.