Audio Systems: ipod shufflle g4 headphone modifiction, magnifying light, color string

Question
Mr. Cleggsan I want to shorten the wire on the headphones that connect to my shuffle. I tried on two old sets with the results - no sound. I checked each headphone to make sure it was working before cutting. Each wire was coded with color string, so they were rewired correctly. In both cases I could get no sound. Any thoughts on what's going on?    thanks

Answer
Why do you wish to shorten?  It will effect the performance, usually.

However, the deterioration of performance should be minor.

The wires used in the headphone connector or made special in order to withstand wear and tear.  They are very difficult to splice back to gether; even experienced technicians find it difficult if not impossible to strip the leads, solder them and get them back together without an open or short circuit occurring.  I do not recommend it unless you have the tools, experience and steady hands under a magnifying light to get it right.  

Better if you just tie a loop in the cord to shorten it.

OK?