cable question

marshman · May 14th, 2008, 04:54 PM

So, we're gearing up for our first gig (in a while, new band formed up blahblahblah) and I'm packing up the gear. I find a cable I don't recognize, and don't know what it's for. It's a 6 footer, says "C.B.I. Custom 20AWG made in USA". Is there a way to determine wether it's speaker cable or guitar cord? Without tearing it apart, I mean? it's nicely shrink-wrapped at both ends, so I can't really see the second solder joint.

Any tips?

hockey_head · May 14th, 2008, 05:45 PM

normally, speaker cables, even short ones should be at least 16 gage.
maybe google the wire name just in case

marshman · May 14th, 2008, 05:52 PM

I tried to look up C.B.I cables and Yahoo found it, but gave a warning about 'unsolicited emails' or some such.

I'm guessing that 20 gauge is probably instrument cable, then. Thanks.

emu! · May 14th, 2008, 07:23 PM

I would suggest, try your amp/guitar setup with a 6 foot known guitar cable, then switch with the unknown cable. If you notice more hum and less output, the cable is probably NOT a guitar cable.

Michaell · May 14th, 2008, 09:18 PM

just an idea

I have all my cables marked with a blue tape.......it's blue dcut tape or blue masking tape.....guitars....speaker.....power cords......

woodman · May 14th, 2008, 10:57 PM

if you plug your guitar into your amp with it (for a microsecond) and if it buzzes like a banshee, it's a speaker cable. if there's any access into the plug, check and see if it's shielded (speaker cables aren't).

marshman · May 14th, 2008, 11:03 PM

Well, the 'squeal/hum' techniques were what I needed. I could remove the jack 'sleeves', but the heatshrink obscured the presence/absence of shielding.

Most of my cords/cables have the length and a letter sharpie'd on the ends--the length makes set-up easier, the letter so we know which mic/speaker is connected to what.

All of my guitar cords are known to me. Must be something someone left here after a jam of some sort. Thanks for the tips.

May 14th, 2008, 04:54 PM	#1 (permalink)
marshman Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE PA Posts: 717	cable question So, we're gearing up for our first gig (in a while, new band formed up blahblahblah) and I'm packing up the gear. I find a cable I don't recognize, and don't know what it's for. It's a 6 footer, says "C.B.I. Custom 20AWG made in USA". Is there a way to determine wether it's speaker cable or guitar cord? Without tearing it apart, I mean? it's nicely shrink-wrapped at both ends, so I can't really see the second solder joint. Any tips? __________________ 42

May 14th, 2008, 05:52 PM	#3 (permalink)
marshman Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE PA Posts: 717	I tried to look up C.B.I cables and Yahoo found it, but gave a warning about 'unsolicited emails' or some such. I'm guessing that 20 gauge is probably instrument cable, then. Thanks. __________________ 42

May 14th, 2008, 09:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Michaell Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: on the bus Posts: 599	blue tape just an idea I have all my cables marked with a blue tape.......it's blue dcut tape or blue masking tape.....guitars....speaker.....power cords...... __________________ x

May 14th, 2008, 10:57 PM	#6 (permalink)
woodman Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mint Hill, NC Age: 62 Posts: 5,802	if you plug your guitar into your amp with it (for a microsecond) and if it buzzes like a banshee, it's a speaker cable. if there's any access into the plug, check and see if it's shielded (speaker cables aren't). __________________ Truth is stranger than fact ... www.myspace.com/woodymitchellmusic BAND PAGES: www.myspace.com/stragglerswing (Stragglers - Western Swing) www.myspace.com/loafersgloryband (Loafers Glory - '70s country-rock)

May 14th, 2008, 11:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
marshman Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: SE PA Posts: 717	Well, the 'squeal/hum' techniques were what I needed. I could remove the jack 'sleeves', but the heatshrink obscured the presence/absence of shielding. Most of my cords/cables have the length and a letter sharpie'd on the ends--the length makes set-up easier, the letter so we know which mic/speaker is connected to what. All of my guitar cords are known to me. Must be something someone left here after a jam of some sort. Thanks for the tips. __________________ 42

May 14th, 2008, 05:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
hockey_head Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: shortsville, ny Age: 51 Posts: 354	normally, speaker cables, even short ones should be at least 16 gage. maybe google the wire name just in case

May 14th, 2008, 07:23 PM	#4 (permalink)
emu! Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Location Location Posts: 1,048	I would suggest, try your amp/guitar setup with a 6 foot known guitar cable, then switch with the unknown cable. If you notice more hum and less output, the cable is probably NOT a guitar cable.