Robben Ford Discussion

StratCat · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 7:46 pm Post subject: Zaolla Cables?

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with Zaolla cables. I'm having trouble replacing my Planet Waves stereo cable locally (has been ordered in but there's none in Australia) and have just been offered the equivalent Zaolla cable (10ft TRS stereo) for not much more price-wise. They seem otherwise to be normally VERY expensive.

In the end, obviously the tone is the main thing, so just wondering if anyone has any experience and can give me some feedback on this.

Cool

Chris
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scottl · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 4:41 am Post subject:

I use them. I HATE Planetwaves. My Zaolla is more alive, better bass and treble and a tad more output.
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Daved · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 6:37 am Post subject:

Robben, however, hates Zaolla cables... too harsh & edgy, with a bit of unpleasing high end distortion in HIS applications.... but loves the warmth and range of Planetwaves.

To each his own. "Equivilent" is relative to the individual.

Some folks swear by Monstercables... Robben cringes, like blood will run out of his ears, from note-one!

Best bet... don't rely on someone elses opinion... try them yourself to see if they work for YOU and the sound YOU are trying to achieve.

Robben also likes the Japanese Providence cables. They have a selection of types and styles. All of them have a "good" sound to his ears. Again, you'd need to choose which, and even IF, any of them work for YOU.
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scottl · Posted: Fri Jan 28, 2005 8:45 pm Post subject:

true dat daved!

maybe evidence audio Lyric hg is a good compromise.....

Smile

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StratCat · Posted: Sun Jan 30, 2005 3:07 pm Post subject:

Scott and Daved,

many thanks for your input and advice!

Fortunately, the Zaolla cable is coming to me at a very significant discount, so it's not going to kill my bank balance to try it out and see how it goes. If I were paying full price I wouldn't even consider it, especially since we tend to pay a lot more here (up to double the US prices) for musical products.

As far as Planet Waves go, these are the best stereo cables I have tried so far. Even some other reputable brands that build good quality mono cables tend to build ordinary stereo cables. So we'll see how this one goes and hopefully I won't step on it too many times...

Cool

Chris
_________________
because I rock, and that's important.

StratCat · Posted: Thu Mar 31, 2005 6:28 pm Post subject:

Just wanted to post a follow up on this...

I was a bit worried (even with a good discount!) that I wouldn't be able to tell the difference between the Zaolla and other cables that I have. I know some folks go to a lot of effort to A/B test and select cables which I wasn't able to do as my previous stereo cable was stuffed.

Well, even without an A/B test I could tell a noticeable difference for the magnetic pickups - definately an improvement in the top end which I'm happy with - but I can see how this may not be to everyone's taste (especially as there is a demand for higher capacitance cables from some manufacturers).

The difference for piezo pickups though is absolutely staggering. It's made a huge difference to the sound and a significant improvment in the clarity, so was definately a worthwhile investment for this side of things alone.

I probably won't be replacing any regular mono cables at this stage, but certainly this is the best stereo instrument cable I've used.

Cool

Chris
_________________
because I rock, and that's important.