How to test your guitar cables.

fenderphil

From time to time, we have problems with failing leads...Here is a simple test to identify the problem.

Get a meter (Borrow one from a friend if you don't have one) set it to a continuity test.. Put one probe on the shield (Earth) part of the jack plug and the other probe on the other end shield...If you have continuity alls well then do the same with the tip again if you have continuity all well Next place one probe on the shield part of the jack one end and the other on the tip...If you get a reading the live on that end is leaking to earth...a live strand perhaps touching earth reverse the procedure for the other end. This test will also show if you have a weak conection if you dont get full continuity

Fenderphil

gtaus

Yep, it's the basics that can shut you down on stage. FWIW, I recommend having spare cables at every show. If you have a problem and need to swap out cords, you're set. Then check the cables back at home for any shorts after the show.

shredd

\gtaus\ wrote:

I recommend having spare cables at every show. If you have a problem and need to swap out cords, you're set

+1

fenderphil

The bottom line is, always ,never allow cables to fail due to lack of care etc
I always had many spare cable when playing pro..It would be very unprofessional to start repairing cables during a gig..I dont know if these next things are available everywhere but I found empty \"Pringles\" crisp tubes ideal for keeping extra leads tidy, smaller patch leads you can use the inner carboard part of bog rolls or kitchen rolls..
Label each one clearly Test these back up leads regularly

fenderphil

gtaus

\fenderphil\ wrote:

The bottom line is, always ,never allow cables to fail due to lack of care etc...

What do you mean here? I wrap my cables up and put them in a cable bag, but I don't have much of a care plan other than to swap them out with my spare cables if my main cable(s) fail. Can you explain what you mean when you say \"lack of care\"?

fenderphil

I mean make sure they are clean and that you have continuity. I used to occasionally remove the jack cover and visually check solder joints etc. on both gig leads and spares.

Even just chucking them in a gig bag can damaged a lead if its weak.

The tube I mentioned is about 10\" X21/2 dia..so I go back and forth with the lead and then push it into the tube keeping it neat and tidy...

fenderphil

gtaus

\fenderphil\ wrote:

I mean make sure they are clean and that you have continuity. I used to occasionally remove the jack cover and visually check solder joints etc. on both gig leads and spares....

That's a good plan given time to do all that. My plan, is to have spare cables in case I have problems at a gig. Then I put the problem cable aside and check it out at home later. My cables stay in my cable bag in the van with all my other gig equipment. As a weekend warrior with a day job during the week, I don't pack/unpack the van more than I have to, which means my van stays loaded from one weekend gig to the next. So my backup plan on having spare cables just makes more sense to me. Also, I do have a cable tester in my gig bag so I can quickly check for continuity at a gig if I do have a problem.

fenderphil

Of course there are no hard and fast rules , you do what \"YOU\" like that's the point....However,Imagine how embarressing it would be if during the middle of a blistering solo (Don't know what you play) everything goes dead and you have to use a spare which is what I said I always had with me. To make matters worse when you get around to repairing the duff lead you find that a pre gig check could have prevented it....it literally takes seconds.

Nevertheless as already mentioned what ever you do is up to you if your happy with your system there is nothing more to say...

fenderphil

Just look at me you can see how bright I am....(Just joking its not me)

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gtaus

We do sound checks before each gig and leave enough time to swap out any cables. Most of our problems in the past have come from drunks stepping on or falling over our equipment. But I understand your point.