George L cable detangle ideas?

[Keith Bolog]

I cannot get the reel memory out of my assembled George L cables, They want to curl up the way they arrived on the spool and its always a tangled mess.

I havent tried any physical de bending for fear of disturbing something, probably wont hurt, but first reaching out to see if anyone else has experimented. My real old George L cables are supple and they behave.

Thanks

[George Kimery]

I coil mine in a 4" circle, but I alternate the winds from side to side. One turn clockwise "behind" then the next turn in "front" counter clicksise. Keep going front to back and alternating clockwise/counterwise. This goes a !omg says in making them un-coil straight.

[Lee Baucum]

Click Here

[George Redmon]

The video link below is the way i was taught to roll up a cable. There are other ways that work. But this just comes second nature to me now. Hope it helps your situation.

https://youtu.be/wXU0yA3GedY

[Tommy Mc]

It seems to me that there are two considerations when coiling a George L cable. The first is to prevent internal twisting, and the other is to minimize the coil memory. The over-under method of coiling works well for long lengths of cable, but in my opinion is overkill for the short (10-15 ft) lengths we typically use on stage. For normal short cables, I just give a half twist with my thumb while coiling it up. It achieves the same objective of removing the twists. I've started treating my George L cables a little differently to avoid coil memory.

I carry my pedal rack and legs in a separate long gig bag to minimize weight and store the cable with them. My longest George L cable is 15 ft. I grab it approximately in the middle and line up the two ends, loosely bending it in half. Then in half again and again if necessary, not forcing the bends. At this point, I could use a cable tie in the middle, (making a big bow-tie) but don't bother. I just put it in the bag with the legs and let it take it's own shape. The shorter cables only get one loose fold. This method eliminates the internal twisting, and with the exception of a few bends, most of the cable is stored flat. Am I putting undue stress on the bend points? Time will tell. Meanwhile, they lay flatter on stage than if I coil them.

[George Redmon]

George L's are not my cable of choice. I've owned them and wasn't as impressed as some seem to be. Also the price per performance ratio to me makes them pricey putting it nicely. I prefer to build my own. Regardless, i don't like "twisting" any cable. A 10 to 15 foot cable is not a short cable. 15' is the longest cable i would even think of using. 1 foot is a short cable.

I roll all my cables with the method described in the video, which is the same method used in the communication field, and this same method of rolling is done by the fire department with their smaller fire hoses, generator cables, power cables and so on. I was taught cable and test lead rolling by the telephone company while i was employed there. I couldn't use a cable with a recoil "memory".

[Godfrey Arthur]

If all else fails try hanging them from one end so that they hang down in a straight line for a spell.

Hopefully you have a high enough place to hang your cables should they be long like 10 foot or longer.

[Tommy Mc]

A 10 to 15 foot cable is not a short cable. 15' is the longest cable i would even think of using. 1 foot is a short cable.

I only refer to 10 to 15 ft cable as "short" compared to some of the speaker and mic cables we coil at gigs. Those "longer" lengths do require the correct over-under method to avoid twisting.

[Jack Stoner]

I've used George L's cables since they came out in the 80's. Great cable and I've never given the "curling" or whatever a thought. I wind them up (round) at the end of a gig and put them in my steel seat.

Lots of other things to be concerned with than guitar cords.

[Rick Barnhart]

Audiophiles may balk at the suggestion of Fender custom shop cables, but they aren’t prone to curl memory. They’re also available in popular lengths suitable for steel.

[Jerry Overstreet]

I've used George L's cables for years...the small ones .155?...Yes, they are prone to tangle. I think it's because being small, the lack of weight causes their memory loss. If you notice, most other cables are larger are heavier.

Still, they're my favorite and I put several of them in my seat or bag and nearly always have to untangle them when I take them out.

If I use the velcro ties/wraps like I should, it probably wouldn't be a problem....it's just that I'm too lazy or pressed for time loading in and out.

[Jim Pitman]

I don't seem to have much coil memory once laid out. I'm more concerned about integrity and life of the cable so I coil them up the way they prefer. I periodically hit them with armorall. I do use the velcro cable wraps which is about the only effective use of velcro I've ever experienced.
Hi Neighbor Tom.

[Keith Bolog]

I stopped using that standard method of loop/twist/loop/twist and a half hour later you are coiled up. Ugh. Surprisingly Ive had musicians appalled at this - twist coil is sacred to them Not trying to start an argument here.

This is a rappeling/rock climbing rope trick I prefer for speed. especially tangle-free INTSANT uncoiling. With rope thrown over a cliff that you cant see, this is a reliable way to rappel down without encountering a tangle or knot.

1) With two ends in one had, pull the cable through the other fist until you find the middle - leave 6-10" loop hanging out, the rest on the floor.
2) open the fist and make a similar loop other side of palm.
3) Continue side to side until the end, you will have have 'butterfly wings' I guess you could call them
4) Tidy the loops and tie a GENTLE keeper knot toward one side.
5) To use, Untie the knot, see that your prep was clean and tidy. grab one or both plugs and throw the cable away from you. If done right you have a completely unrolled cable instantly.

Done correctly there is no stress put on the cable, bigger loops and looser knots can be used if you are in fear. This doesnt work so well with my cable of choice, George L, because of the reel memory. Still trying to find a method to make them more supple. If you are running sound with very long cables, do a web search for rock climber videos of the over the neck method.

Heres a picture of a hastily prepared one.

IMG_3180.JPG

[Richard Sinkler]

I have grown to HATE George L cables for that reason. The only one's I use are on my pedalboard, and a short maybe 2 foot cable from my guitar to my pedal board (mounted to a stand to my right). And that cord is funky too and will be replaced shortly. When I talk to other players who ask about GL cords, I discourage them from doing so. Add to that, the number of straight plugs that the pin for the center wire breaks off, and I will never buy them again.