Elixir Cables
It seems like the folks at Elixir Strings have really got our backs. Of course, the company has made a name among bassists with its coated strings, popular for their long life and bright disposition. But Elixir Strings’ parent company, W.L. Gore & Associates also happens to have invented the waterproof Gore-Tex fabric (which has kept this working stiff dry on many a rainy-day load-in). Now Elixir Strings has uncorked its latest product intended to ease our tone woes: the Elixir Cable. It comes in four lengths (10', 15', 20', and 30') with three plug configurations: straight–straight, straight–angled, and angled–angled. A 10-foot cable costs $50, while a 30-foot cable costs $100. All cables have a lifetime limited warranty.
Pumping a bass’s signal through yards of cable can diminish high end due to the influence of cable capacitance (see sidebar), which increases with length. Elixir’s solution to such tone-suck is to lower the capacitance of its cable Whereas most instrument cables have a capacitance rating of 30–70pF/f (that’s picofarads per foot), the Elixir measures a measly 10.
Swapping my go-to coiled cable for the Elixir Cable on a gig with a P-Bass, I couldn’t hear any real difference in my high end; the 20-foot cable preserved my bass’s punch, and it didn’t crackle or otherwise falter. On the surface, the grey rubber sheath feels rugged and looks classy. If you’re one who likes to re-solder your cables, note that the Elixir’s sealed plugs are designed for durability rather than accessibility.
To measure the cable in a more controlled environment, I grabbed a passive Fender Jazz and plugged directly into a Zoom H2 recorder using three cables: the Elixir, a cable touted for its warmth-imparting high capacitance, and a 30-foot coiled cable favored by some for its diminished high end. Though each seasoned my tone a little differently, the differences were subtle. However, the coiled cable seemed to sound tinny compared to the Elixir, which imparted a mellower, more refined character.
A cable’s influence on tone is often overlooked by players more focused on their basses and amps. Fair enough—the differences between cables can be subtle. While I didn’t experience a major sonic difference owing to the Elixir’s low capacitance, I was perfectly happy with the cable’s performance both live and with headphones, and I was impressed with its rugged build and classy vibe. If you’re seeking a high-fidelity cable at a reasonable price, the Elixir Cable is a good choice.
Street $70 (20')
Pros High fidelity; rugged build
Cons None
Bottom line Whether or not the Elixir’s low capacitance impacts your tone, it’s a well-built cable that sounds balanced.
CONTACT
www.elixirstrings.com 800-367-5533
