Two-Rock Crystal Clear
K & M Analog Designs—Two-Rock amplifiers—are known throughout the world as one of the elite manufacturers of tube amplifiers. Their exquisite creations are synonymous with the finest blackface tones and infamous Dumble overdrive complexity. Their new Crystal Clear instrument cable is built in this tradition of uncompromising quality, clarity, visionary design, and incredible sonic characteristics.
The Two-Rock cable derives its sound first from superior components: the finest Neutrik connectors [which are very sturdy, look great, and sound slightly better than the switchcraft equivalent], 2 conductors of specially treated 18ga oxygen-free solid-core copper, and a Teflon jacket. This is combined in a design that utilizes a floating shield, which aids in passing the signal quietly, with the most volume and accuracy ever offered. Even solid silver cables, over the wide spectrum of players’ needs, have some shortcomings, in comparison. The Two-Rock is notably stiffer than typical cables but still pliable and easy to work with; while it’s purely a function of its design and materials, it does minimize tangles nicely.
Instead of specific frequency spikes, this cable produces a natural and mild curve over the guitar’s range, like the voice, and is devoid of the typical midrange holes that render other cables lifeless. It’s unbelievably warm, musical and transparent, without harsh presence or errant amplitudes that serve to skew perceived response. Pitch definition is phenomenal—you may find yourself fine-tuning your intonation, there’s a terrific volume increase, and transients are exactly as they occur at the fingers. Besides these attributes, notes exist in their own space, with an airy quality normally reserved for high-end audio; this allows the player to hear and feel dramatic variations in pitch and dynamics that previously never reached the amp—this is the definition of an open sound.
Because of its natural midrange, it’s perfect for every style of guitar and performs equally well with chord or lead styles. With a Strat/Tele and my ’67 Deluxe, every little nuance that I’d been trying to squeeze out of the amp finally came to life. And, the pickups that I previously thought had dead areas and not enough punch, sprang forward. Mahogany bodied guitars are a real treat too; their dark tones are not made brighter, but clearer and more distinct.
What this cable won’t do is cater to anyone that needs focus, at the expense of signal delivery—compression. High-gain players may still prefer a cable that is less open and revealing—this is not the best way to reproduce Metallica’s sound. However, if you want more clarity from chords and individual notes, with a highly saturated amp—Bogner, Soldano, ENGL, etc, this cable is probably a quick fix. It’s superior sound is similar, in this case, to the results of scalloping a fingerboard; Vai, Malmsteen, and others have done this to increase clarity and volume in high gain/speed situations.
This cable is sure to appeal to vintage enthusiasts and fans of the finest tones in blues, rock, jazz, and country. I’ve played nearly every lead, from the common to the exotic, and the Two-Rock Crystal Clear instrument cable absolutely has no equal. This acoustically honest cable reveals the guitar’s wood and electronics for the first time, with a level of clarity that represents a huge leap forward in guitar tone…this changes everything. At $149 for 10’ it’s not cheap, but at this level of quality, I’d call it a bargain.
Several cable lengths and configurations are available with appropriate pricing. And, Two-Rock will shortly be introducing their speaker cable with similar performance goals.
Posted a review from one of the publications. Not sure which one.
