Allies Vemuram Allies Custom Cables and Plugs [BPB-VM-LST/LST-10f]

As the shielding method for Allies cables, we have adopted a double spiral horizontally wound shield from among the many shielding methods available.

Over the course of approximately three years, we repeatedly tested various combinations of shield winding density and strength, along with the simultaneously developed Allies plug, thoroughly exploring the balance between the sound's sweet spot and the cable's flexibility and noise interference. Rather than simply aiming for a lower capacitance, we focused on actually listening to the differences in the cable's capacitance. As a result, we found that cables with extremely low capacitance values are not necessarily better for guitar sound, and that there is an audible sweet spot within a certain range of values. Through these repeated tests and tuning, the sound we aimed for in the cable was a natural, straightforward sound without any quirks. However, while this is easy to say, what defines a natural or straightforward sound varies from person to person, so we were faced with the question of what criteria to use when starting development. The engineers developing the cables are not top professional guitarists. They are not bluesmen who perform over 100 shows a year, nor are they rock guitarists who tour arenas every year.

So we brought a large number of samples to our close friends, top guitarists and engineers, and had them test each cable in their own setups, comparing them. We asked them how they felt about the sample cables with their different characteristics, what they wanted from future shielded cables, and what problems they saw with current cables, not just in terms of sound quality but also usability. We began development based on their opinions and advice, and we would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to them.

We then selected a few cables as candidates and, from the samples that many of them found to be good, we were able to naturally identify the direction for development. Furthermore, shields are used in conjunction with plugs on both ends. The sound changes significantly depending on the plugs used. At the same time, we decided to completely rethink the plug structure to address their dissatisfaction with the plugs on current guitar cables. We then produced a huge number of sample plugs, and after repeated testing and tuning of the cables in combination with several representative plugs from other manufacturers, we finally arrived at the Allies cable and plug.

The Allies Original Custom Plug is the top-of-the-line plug in the Allies plug line. This original plug, constructed from three machined pieces*, was developed from scratch to incorporate a variety of cutting-edge ideas (patent pending) and address many of the issues inherent in previous plugs. The plug is made of brass, a material commonly used by many manufacturers, and phosphor bronze, a new material we have newly adopted. This combination allows for tuning to a variety of sound characteristics. During development, we repeatedly tested not only phosphor bronze but also beryllium copper and other alloys. Phosphor bronze, in particular, is well-suited for plug construction due to its rigidity, and offers a sonic character distinct from brass, with a clearer sound and slightly stronger low and high frequencies. We have developed this product in three combinations that offer the most significant differences in character. While this is our subjective opinion, the all-brass (BBB model) offers a generally balanced character, centered on the midrange, that is closer to the classic tone of legendary guitar players of the past. The Mix (BPB model) has a good balance across all frequency bands, with no extreme highs or lows, no peculiar mids, and a relatively flat, wide-range character that is slightly subdued compared to the all-brass model. The all-phosphor bronze (PPP model) has an unprecedented wide range and a character that brings all frequency bands clearly forward. The sound quality varies depending on which material (brass or phosphor bronze) is used for which part of the three pieces of the plug.

The cable has a straight sound character with as few quirks as possible, and by combining various materials for the plug (3 pieces), it is possible to fine-tune the sound character to your liking.

*3 pieces refers to the three parts that make up the plug: Tip, Body, and Cap.