madbeanpedals::forum

General => Open Discussion => Topic started by: kylemyers33 on January 13, 2013, 08:18:37 PM

Title: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: kylemyers33 on January 13, 2013, 08:18:37 PM
 So I personally go with 22 or 24 awg. What about you guys?
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: pickdropper on January 13, 2013, 08:22:12 PM
I use the 24 awg pre-bond stuff from small bear.  I also like 26 awg ribbon cable from Amphenol. 
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: Haberdasher on January 13, 2013, 08:30:19 PM
I used to buy the 24 a lot but I've gone mostly to 22 now- except my pot wiring which is done with ribbon cable whenever possible.
If I ever start building in 1590a's I may revert back to 24 if I find it easier to cram in there.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: icecycle66 on January 13, 2013, 08:31:24 PM
Whatever it is that radioshack carries for $1.50 a roll.
Title: Re: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jimilee on January 13, 2013, 08:34:28 PM
That brings up a good question, does the gage affect r the sound? I just built a paramix using barrys hookup wire and so far it's very nice
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: hammerheadmusicman on January 13, 2013, 08:38:30 PM
anyone tried the tayda hookup wire? i've about ran out of black, so I ordered a few feet to give it a try..
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: neiloler on January 13, 2013, 08:42:47 PM
I've used SmallBear's wire, nice stuff, but it seems to break if you move it around the point of the solder joint a bit (which isn't really the wire's fault, it's mine, but it's an aspect of that wire I don't like).

I've used the stuff from Mammoth, the pre-cut stuff, and I've used the ribbon cable which is useful for pot wiring, etc.

Honestly, the stuff I like using the best is the solid-core Teflon wiring from Weber. $0.30 a foot, holds its position well, and is pretty good about getting flexed about and not breaking on me.

Wire gauge won't have as much effect on your tone as just about everything else involved in the equation (circuit design, changing speakers/guitar/amp/etc, etc).
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: icecycle66 on January 13, 2013, 08:47:42 PM
I don't imagine the wire gauge matters, within reason, since the circuit traces are micro.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: pickdropper on January 13, 2013, 09:22:45 PM
For pedals (with MAYBE the exception of tubes), you don't need very thick wire.  24-26 awg is more than adequate.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: stecykmi on January 13, 2013, 09:44:48 PM
i once bought a big spool of telephone wire (maybe 400ft or so) for $5 at a salvation army. i rip open the outer rubber sheath and use the individual wires inside. it doesn't take solder as nicely as some wire (i should buy some flux), but a lifetime supply of wire, in a dozen or so colours, and for $5? sounds good to me.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: hammerheadmusicman on January 13, 2013, 09:54:41 PM
Flux will definitley do the job! But be careful, i have some which is conductive! fiddled aroudn trying to get a pedal to work for ages, IPA'd the flux off, bingo!

Lesson Learned!

George
Title: Re: Re: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jimilee on January 13, 2013, 10:25:47 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on January 13, 2013, 09:22:45 PM
For pedals (with MAYBE the exception of tubes), you don't need very thick wire.  24-26 awg is more than adequate.
Right I use 24 but I have lots of 22 for when I work on my guitars. That's why I was curious.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: pickdropper on January 13, 2013, 10:28:53 PM
Quote from: jimilee on January 13, 2013, 10:25:47 PM
Quote from: pickdropper on January 13, 2013, 09:22:45 PM
For pedals (with MAYBE the exception of tubes), you don't need very thick wire.  24-26 awg is more than adequate.
Right I use 24 but I have lots of 22 for when I work on my guitars. That's why I was curious.

That's cool.  We are all a curious lot here.  It's a good trait to have.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: hammerheadmusicman on January 13, 2013, 11:09:10 PM
^As long as your not a cat, it's probably a good thing..
Title: Re: Re: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jimilee on January 13, 2013, 11:16:30 PM
Quote from: hammerheadmusicman on January 13, 2013, 11:09:10 PM
^As long as your not a cat, it's probably a good thing..
Ooohhhhh took a minute, but I got it..... See that's what you call a way homer, cause you don't get it until you're on your way home......
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: hammerheadmusicman on January 13, 2013, 11:20:43 PM
Haha, probably because it was such a bad one ;)
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: gordo on January 13, 2013, 11:44:07 PM
+1 on the Smallbear stuff.  The stuff that Barry sells at GuitarPCB is great too.  The first time you use really nice hookup wire and the stuff strips clean and doesn't melt away from the soldering iron you're hooked.  Makes up for the fancy-schmancy price... :D
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: mjcyates on January 14, 2013, 01:43:33 AM
I have been using the wire from guitarpcb. So far I like it the best.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jeffaroo on January 16, 2013, 04:20:46 AM
silicone, very flexable

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/RC_PRODUCT_SEARCH.asp?strSearch=silicone+wire&x=0&y=0
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: whitebread47 on January 16, 2013, 04:40:18 AM
Quote from: mjcyates on January 14, 2013, 01:43:33 AM
I have been using the wire from guitarpcb. So far I like it the best.

Same here.  I've also gotten along well with the pre-bond 24awg from PPP and surprisingly enjoyed the solid-core stuff from Smallbear (real nice for clean jack and footswitch joints).  The GuitarPCB stuff is my all around favorite though, as it has been the most pliable stuff I've used.
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jeffaroo on January 16, 2013, 04:42:50 AM
i found a place that has shrink tubing in a ton of colors. next build will be done in all black wire with colored wrap on the ends. i think that will look cool
Title: Re: What's your favorite wire to use for pedals?
Post by: jimijam on January 17, 2013, 05:07:28 AM
I get 24awg silver stranded wire teflon insulation. the teflon never melts witch helps when you need to desolder or make changes. I use 22awg solid core for anything I want sharp right angle bends. I use the insulation fro the 22 gauge for insulating led legs or componant leads it fits snug enough and looks neater than shrink wrap in certain situations. I also have some sheilded 22 gauge teflon for inputs and outputs on projects where radio inerference is likley. it works well for pedalboard power cable making. I get it from ebay. always a huge selection of colors available.