robobass

Hello,
I'm a small manufacturer of tools and accessories for violinmakers and specifically repairers of upright basses. I'm working on a clamp design utilizing shifter cable. The first prototype is mostly a success, but it would be a lot better if I could find more flexible cable housing. The local bike shops say nah, housing is housing. I know that flexibility isn't a big issue on bikes, but I'm hoping that some builders are picky enough that they would want something more flexible, and that someone would be making it.
Thanks,
Rob
bass capos . com

bertinjim 

robobase-

Modern shift housing for indexed shifting systems is less flexible than they older style wound/spiral housing. Check which type is in use or switch to brake lever housing.

https://velo-orange.com/collections/cables-housing

easyupbug 

I would give https://www.motionpro.com/c/cables? a call, if they can't help they should know others in the cable industry who might be helpful.

_ForceD_

Check out the Jagwire Alligator links cable housing. I like Jagwire products. Available at numerous places but here’s one ... https://www.ebay.com/i/162856147772?chn=ps&var=461893487317&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=461893487317_162856147772&targetid=475515019381&device=m&mktype=pla&googleloc=90591 99&campaignid=6469750537&mkgroupid=77932568779&rlsatarget=aud-622027676548la-475515019381&abcId=1141186&merchantid=114613723&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxJDG_dDz5AIVg56fCh0qRg46EAQYASABEg JFufD_BwE

Dan

Racing Dan

Not sure what you are using it for, but -brake- cables are coil/spiral wound and usually more flexible than gear cable. Shimano has special gear cable for final gear loop in theír r7000 and r8000 series that is also more flexible than ordinary gear cable, but its expansive.

robobass

I checked out those bone links. Looks freakin' cool, but way too expensive! I'm selling to upright bass repairers. They will pay for a good tool, but this would be too much to ask.

robobass

I didn't realize that. Thanks. I'll check it out. "Expensive" is relative. I only need about 18" per unit, but the Jagwire Road Elite is out of the question.

robobass

Thanks you guys so much for providing helpful tips. So many of these kinds of forum queries lead to just a lot of stupidity.

dsbrantjr

Not sure of your design (I suspect your cable runs the height of the bass) but you might only need a short length of the flexible segmented cable at the end(s) for your use.

Andrew R Stewart 

One more use of bike parts for non bike stuff. It's always interesting how the LBS is the hardware store for many.

Agree with looking into brake casing. The reasons for the shift casing being so stiff might not apply to this tool. If the amount of cable travel/pull is critical (like it is for indexed shifting consistency) then a more compressible casing might be a problem. But if not brake casing is cheap and can be sourced by the foot, outside of a complete cable set. Andy

AnkleWork

Search for industrial suppliers of "Bowden" cable housing -- more types to choose from and probably much cheaper than bike cable housing.

robobass

Thanks, I was looking at shifter housing over brake housing because of weight and thickness concerns, but in the end flexibility is most important. Compression of the housing is a low priority, actually.

Still, I have a bunch of bikes in the garage. I haven't gone and tested all of them, but my impression is that none of the brake housings on them are significantly less stiff then the "Promax" shifter housing I bought for this project. I have seen something I would describe as closed springs on some dérailleurs. Extremely flexible, but not very long. Anyway, this is research. I don't need to solve this problem this week. Please everyone, shoot me an idea if one comes to mind. And again, I totally appreciate that no one has posted some nonsense reply to my query. I am in fact amazed.
Thanks!
Rob

Davet

You might contact Velo Orange https://velo-orange.com as they sell the old-fashioned, very flexible cable housing. On their site it’s only offered in lengths suitable for use on a bicycle but they may be able to help you get/find what you’re looking for.

_ForceD_

Rob -- I'm intrigued by your tool-making for theses purposes. Unless you fear your design/idea being stolen...I wonder if you could post a picture(s) of how this clamp would be utilized on the upright bass. I'm trying to visualize it. In addition to satisfying my curiosity, it might elicit some responses with ideas that could be helpful to you.

Dan

robobass

I actually have now found something used for animatronics which seems more suitable.

Force D
Sorry, I'm not allowed to post a photo.
It's just two concentric tubes which expand apart as you pull on the cable. Used when gluing patches to the inside of an upright bass. To do this you have to either remove the top ($$$) or work through the F-holes. Some repairers use magnets to get pressure on the "cleat" and some wedge in a dowel cut to length. If the patch is in the inside of the top fr example, then you wedge in the dowel between the top (over the patch) and back. Both methods have drawbacks. My device would work like dowel but be easier to get into place and the clamping pressure more controllable. We use hot hide glue in string instrument repair. It gels very quickly, so anything that speeds up the process is welcome in the luthiery world!