When a press release starts with the phrase "no snake oil here," it's hard not to go on the defensive. Luckily, the release for StringDog.net Armor Gold Cable goes on to say "just time-proven components and solid design." It also goes on the mention that the Armor Gold Cables recently won GuitarPlayer magazine's most recent guitar cable shootout, and I was induced to read further.

Armor Gold Cables prove that, while gold makes for terrible armor, it makes for excellent guitar cables. Aslo, no actual gold is used ion these cables. Still, the design and components are top-dog. The interior protection is thick PVC, and the exterior "gold" mesh is industrial strength, for flexibility and durability.

The wire is medium-capacitance (33 pf) for a "vintage-with-clarity" tone that won't make your guitar sound harsh, and the connectors are G&H "Show Savers," called such because, should your band start to get booed, special sensors in the cable signal for Rip Taylor to sky0dive onto the stage and joyfully shower the audience with confetti. Oh, Rip!

Complete cable features, list style:

• G&H Show Saver Plugs - Heavy duty, USA made plugs featuring a copper core for better conductivity and durability. Specifically designed to withstand stage use.
• Double Layer Heat Shrink Strain Relief - TWO layers cover the plug and extend over the cable. This extra strain relief prevents breakage due to repeated bending. The heat shrink also prevents the plug from coming unscrewed, and the extra layer gives the plug a softer grip.
• Industrial Mesh Outer Layer - Extra layer of protective mesh prevents damage from stretching, pinching, bending, slicing, kinking and other common hazards of continuous stage use. This is NOT a cloth braid, it is a high tech polymer mesh commonly used in industrial applications.
• Resin Injected Connections - After soldering, resin is injected between the hot and ground connections preventing them from contacting each other and shorting out.
• PVC Outer Jacket - Thick but flexible jacket provides protection and excellent handling characteristics.
• 95% Spiral Wound Copper Shield - Provides protection against outside interference, but maintains flexibility.
• Conductive PVC Layer - Reduces handling noise and provides extra protection against outside interference. Polyethylene Wire Insulation - Extremely durable and reduces capacitance.
• 20 Gauge, 41 Strand Oxygen Free Copper Conductor - 20 gauge thickness achieves the perfect blend of flexibility, strength and medium-low capacitance. High strand count increases flexibility, preventing breakage due to repeated bending. Oxygen free copper delivers a purer signal.
• Lifetime Warranty - All Armor Gold cables are warrantied for life against defective materials and/or workmanship.

If you're still dubious as to whether a "premium" cable will actually make a difference in your sound, StringDog.net offers a free 60-day trial of the Armor Gold Cables.