Microphone Choices:

Spaghetti Mysteries Unraveled and Your Questions Answered!

In the rarified realm of the TIN SANDWICH'S domain, “SPAGHETTI” could refer to any electro-connective tissue utilized to span the distance between performance components: AC outlet to junction box; Extension power cord to amplification or effects units: Amplifier to speakers; Audio-generating input devices to amplification gear. They are the CABLES, CORDS, and WIRES that are the sinews within the machine of musical performance.

As we've seen in recent editions of THE MIC BENCH, some wire applications require very specific definitions to be adhered to—such as shielding on cable used for carrying input signals. For other uses the lines can blur—as with the ability to utilize light duty A.C. “zip cord” or “lamp cord” for use as speaker cables. “SPAGHETTI.” No calories, high fiber, and part of the well-balanced diet in just about every musician's set-up. “The show must go on” but not without “SPAGHETTI.”

A thumbnail summary of useful info and answers to your recent wire-related questions:

“HEY FRITZ! I've got a roll of coax cable left over from a TV install. Could this be used for harpmic cables?” Signed Video Vern

Dear Video Vern: I tend to look at objectives and their solutions in terms of degrees of effectiveness and success. So, the short answer is YES, you could utilize coaxial cable to carry the signal from a HI-Z mic as it is conductive and does have a single center conductor (hence the name “coaxial”) surrounded by an insulator and a thorough ground shield. Thus, it would carry the signal and reject RF interference—but because of its material composition would be too inflexible for practical use and re use with LORD MICROPHONE. Remember, it was designed for installations or fixed use. Thick rigid center insulator, tough weatherproof outer jacket—and in fact, as most “coax” has a solid center conductor, repeated bending would cause its inevitable premature failure. Better to opt for a quality grade of audio cable from the get-go as it's a certainty you'd need to replace the coax in the near-future.

“HEY FRITZ! What about using ROMEX for speaker wire? Signed Handi-Jack.

Dear Handi-Jack: SEE THE ABOVE RESPONSE. Same scenario: Right material, wrong application. ROMEX is a trade name that applies to plastic-jacketed wire in various gauges and configurations intended for use as a conductor for AC wiring in various construction applications. YES, it will conduct the signal—but as it's SOLID AND NOT STRANDED wire it won't be easy to manage—and will be prone to fatigue and failure. Better to obtain cables built for the task or find appropriate lengths of heavy “zip cord” and construct your own.

“HEY FRITZ! I stored a bunch of cables (mic and speaker) tied-up with strips of duct tape. It's like the tape decomposed ‘cause now there's this sticky goo all over them and it gets on my hands and it won't wash off.” Signed Sticky Harp.

Dear Sticky Harp: Years ago I was attending a vintage guitar show in Dallas, Texas. While speaking with one of the dealers about this same problem I was directed toward a product called “GOO GONE” by Magic American Products (no kidding!). He told me he'd used it to remove stickers and tape from trade-in guitars and their cases. I've been using it ever since for any number of purposes—including the removal of adhesive residues from cables, cases, even LORD MICROPHONE! For jobs that don't require a petroleum distillate there are solvents that incorporate citrus oils. I use “CITRASOLV.” Amazing stuff. For extreme deposits, you might try “OOPS!” or “GOOF-OFF”—but BEWARE! This grade of cleaner contains Xylene, Naptha, and/or Toluene. Very toxic stuff! Nasty fumes! Above all, DON'T USE ANY OF THESE ON YOUR HARPS!

AT THE HARP-END OF THE WIRE! QUESTIONS & ANSWERS!
NEXT TIME WE VISIT… THE MIC BENCH!

For pictures and descriptions of most of the microphones listed visit: http://www.harmonicamasterclass.com/vintage_collection.htm