Elixir passes the test and adds patch cords to its cable line
(Dave Molter | Posted 2010-06-23)
One of the more eye-opening moments I had while attending Summer NAMM In Nashville in June 2010 was actually being able to hear the difference between Elixir® Cables when tested side-by-side against Monster Cables.
The setup used a standard Elixir guitar cable and shorter patch cords (which had just been introduced) to route signal through several effects into a headphone setup. With well over 20 feet of cable involved, there was plenty of opportunity for signal loss. It took only a few notes to discover that the signal through the Elixir cables was substanially more clear than that through the Monster cables.
Elixir claims that other cables boost mids and cut highs, drastically affecting the signal of any instrument. Why spend $4,000 for a guitar with killer tone, only to have that tone destroyed by your cabling?
Elixir patch cables feature dual-shield construction to protect against both EMI and handling noise and use an abrasion-resistant jacket for maximum flexibility while still providing superior cut resistance. The cables are also crush resistant and use a heavy duty center conductor to improve flex life and overall reliability. Patch cables are available in 6-inch and 12-inch lengths with a right-angle-to-right-angle plug configuration. The standard 15-foot guitar cable has street price of around $50 USD, which compares favorably with other high-end cable brands.
Elixir also has revamped its packaging to help to avoid the "memory" kinks that develop in the cable after it has hung, coiled up, at retailers for several weeks. Elixir promises that its new line of cables will be less prone to kinking after being unpackaged. The new packaging is also easier to open, allowing players to inspect the cable more easily at retailers. Based on what I saw at NAMM, all this is true.
For more information on Elixir Cables and Elixir Cables dealers,visit www.elixirstrings.com.
Dave Molter (“Laklander”) is MusicGearReview's Bass Guitars Editor, moderator of the MGR Bass Forums and a freelance writer and musician who has played bass professionally for 45 years. Dave’s bass influences include Paul McCartney, James Jamerson, Chris Squire and Tony Levin. His primary bass is a Lakland 55-94 five-string. Dave uses Genz-Benz amplifiers and Thomastik-Infeld Jazz Flats or Lakland Nickel Rounds strings. Feel free to send questions and comments to Dave at dave@musicgearreview.com.
