In the world of instrument cables, one of the more striking differences is that between solid core and stranded core cables. For reasons of flexibility and cost, stranded core cables represent the vast majority of product out there. But solid core truly offers increased clarity that is easily apparent. They are cleaner, louder, with more piano-like lows and an absence of "fizz" or distortion at the upper end. At first you might think the solid cable is lacking high end, but really it's the absence of high frequency distortion. This is especially noticeable when using a distortion pedal. The solid core cable sounds cleaner than stranded core and the distortion is warmer, smoother, and with less fizz. Technically, this has to do with the "skin effect" of stranded wire but all that matters is that it sounds better.
The downside of a solid core cable is that they are a little less flexible than stranded core cables. Personal experience has shown however that these cables want to stay relatively straight and not wind themselves up like most stranded cables. I find them perfectly suitable for live gigs and failure at the connector is no better or worse than stranded.
Try the solid core test: Try a LAVA Soar against your current stranded cable straight into your amp, and then with your favorite stomp box. The LAVA Soar will sound cleaner, louder, with better clarity and note definition. If not, we'll take it back.
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