About Instrument Cable (Shield)

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About Instrument Cable (Shield)

Plug shapes

There are the common straight types (S-shaped) and L-shaped at right angles. In terms of musical instruments, the jacks for shields are used on the front or on the side. Also, depending on the shape of the amplifier and effector side, some plugs are easier to use. The straight type has a shape that is easy to remove.

Straight type (S-shaped)

L-shaped

Durability

Cables (shield) are consumables. There are various lengths available, such as 1 meter, 3 meters and 5 meters in length. Thicker and shorter are generally durable and last longer. The longer the cable, the easier it is for the sound to deteriorate, but with cable usually sold on the market, you do not have to worry about this.

Treatment

After use, let's wrap it up and store it. Storing cables twisted may cause shorts. If wound ina figure of 8 shape, there will be fewer twists and the cable will last longer. Cables (shields) are consumables, but it is said that they can be used for several years if handled carefully.

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About solderless cable

Normally, when connecting a connector to a cable, we use solder. In contrast, solderless cables do not require solder when making connections, and in most cases they are screwed together. The core wire touches the needle inside the connector, and the fixing screw penetrates the coating and touches the shield wire to create a hot wire and a cold wire.

There are a lot of compact connectors and relatively thin cables because there is no space for soldering. In addition, the cable length can be adjusted freely, so wiring between equipment can be done in the shortest distance.

Therefore, solderless cables play an active part when constructing an effector board where space is important. Although they are relatively strong, the pulling force tends weaken solderless cables more so than soldered cables. Solderless cables are best for connecting products fixed in place, such as those in effector boards, instead of for cables connecting the guitar to the amplifier and the effector.

In the unlikely event of a problem such as a short, the merit of being able to easily make corrections is also a popular reason musicians choose them. Some cables do not require a screwdriver or tools when making the cables. It is a convenient item that helps to reduce sound quality loss due to the soldering.