solid core wire vs. stranded

[dragonbat13]

I was always under the impression that stranded wire is better than solid core. However I also know that solid core can provide a cleaner build. Does it really matter in the case of a 5e3 clone? I would rather use the solid core if it will not affect the tone of the amp. Thanks.

[Noel Grassy]

Howdy dragonbat 13, If you observe current carrying dimensions for the respective wires you'll be hard pressed to find anyone [even the golden ears of hi-fi myth!] that can detect the wire construction. Lead dress has much more of an audible effect than solid vs stranded. But along the same lines, try to obtain the PTFE [Teflon] insulated wire. You'll never use anything less if you build a lot of projects. Just my two scents[PU!]

[ApexJr.]

dragonbat13...

I'm selling both types of PTFE/Teflon wire stranded and solid
with good results using both types.

I suspect it really doesn't make to much of a difference
except if you don't use the right gauges...

Use at least 20/18 Awg for the heater wire...

Steve @ Apex Jr.
www.apexjr.com

[Allynmey]

I use only Teflon solid wire on all my builds. it strips easily and stays where you put it. It also saves a lot of time in tinning the ends of stranded wire.

Steve at Apex Jr. sells good stuff!

[David Root]

I've never used anything but teflon insulated, silver plated stranded surplus milspec hookup wire. The thinner insulation (150, 300V) is not easy to strip with standard strippers, which must be designed for thicker PVC, but it is as Allyn says, superior, and if you buy from reasonably priced sources like Apex Jr., which I also do, you won't end up paying
60 + cents a foot at Mouser!.

I think Ken Fischer believed in solid wire, but I know some boutique builders won't use it because they think it's not roadworthy, (Allyn, your opinion?) and I seriously doubt anyone could tell the difference tonally too. (Other than maybe Eric Johnson!)

One caveat with Teflon wire, it comes in several different insulation thicknesses corresponding to e.g. 150V, 300V, 600V, 1,000V. For hi-VDC like B+ connections you want 600V rated, or so I've been told. I think the ratings are for AC though? Any thoughts on that?

[ApexJr.]

David...
Good points, also there is solid, 7 strands and 19 strands
in those same voltages..

I try and stock Mil M16878/4 600V and Mil M22759/11 also
600V but do have some of the other stuff too....

If your interested I've posted here the difference in Mil
numbers and the thickness of the cable on this forum

Steve @ Apex Jr.

[Allynmey]

The solid core is plenty roadworthy! The trick is when stripping don't crimp the wire. Use the proper hole opening in the stripper (I can't believe I just said that!) . I always use one size bigger than the copper. Careful bends too! I personally will use nothing but solid if possible. Heaters are a breeze with solid also!

[sportster4eva]

+1 on that.
The biggest cause of solid wire failing is when you nick the conductor as your stripping it. If I nick one and there's not enough slack to try again, out it comes. I wish I had the dough to get one of those "hot tweezers" that the cable and harness people at work use. You just grab the wire where you want to strip it and pull. zip! off comes the insulation..

[drz400]

I was always under the impression that stranded wire is better than solid core. However I also know that solid core can provide a cleaner build. Does it really matter in the case of a 5e3 clone? I would rather use the solid core if it will not affect the tone of the amp. Thanks.

It is better for alternating current for the reason that solid wire over .02" will have a skin effect ...The tendency for an alternating current to concentrate near the outer part or “skin” of a conductor. Skin effect is the depth below the conductor surface at which the current density has decreased to 1/e (approximately 37%) of its value at the surface.

Use 20 gauge stranded teflon wire and 18 on the heaters.

I think Stranded is more durable since it has flex and is not as microphonic. Fender stopped using solid for durabilty reasons

[ampdan]

I always use solid, and it's plenty roadworthy.

[mlp-mx6]

Fender stopped using solid for durability reasons

I'm not saying you're incorrect, but there seem to be a lot of 30- and 40-year-old Fender amps still working just fine with solid wire. (Not to mention that the more recent ones seem to have more frequent issues...)

I will say that this idea is a tough sell with me.

[mlp-mx6]

Fender stopped using solid for durabilty reasons

Are you sure about that? Empirical evidence would seem to dispute this claim.

[Rattlecat]

I was under the impression that stranded wire is now used for UL certification or ISO900x compliance. I don't really have anything to prove that though lol. That could be the new mojo upcharge...

VINTAGE... NON UL COMPLIANT!!!!!

[Zippy]

I think Stranded is more durable since it has flex and is not as microphonic. Fender stopped using solid for durabilty reasons

More likely for manufacturability reasons rather than durability. As cited here, if nicked during stripping, it is more likely to fail. Using stranded wire on the manufacturing floor decreases the likelihood of rework to fix amps that fail due to worker error.

[Allynmey]

Solid core has also become more expensive. Probably due to the fact stranded is used more and solid is now special order by the manufacturers