PDA

View Full Version : Looking for instrument cable recommendations



glauber
Mar-04-2005, 12:02pm
What kind of instrument cable do you use? I've been thinking of getting a couple of Monster cables; are they worth the cost? Is there maybe another brand that offers comparable quality for better price?

thanks,

g

Moose
Mar-04-2005, 12:43pm
I have read some "negative" posts on several other websites - one being Steel Guitar Forum ; those folks can really get into critiques.., reviews.., equipment.., etc.!! - the opinion of many is "Monster" is WAY over-hyped (i.e. overpriced, don't last, easily broken/cracked..) - I know this does't answer your inquiry, but it might help in your decision(s) - It has been my experience from 30+ years of electric/acoustic pickin'(BG, CW, Pop..) that it's kinda' a "luck" thing. I have bought VERY expensive "cables" that broke/"shorted-out".., etc. AND many cheap/on-the-spot purchases$$. I can honestly/experience tell you that many times it's the luck-of-the-draw with these "cords". Sorry to ramble, but in this scenerio, most-expensive is NOT always the longest lasting/best-buy. Good luck & good pickin'. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

glauber
Mar-04-2005, 12:48pm
Yes, Moose, this is more or less my experience too. I thought going higher quality would be nice. If you believe Monter's Web site, they have some kind of electric mojo inside their connectors that make the sound come out better. For example,

Dual multi-gauge Time Correct® wire networks improve clarity and presence across the entire dynamic range.
Who can resist this kind of language? http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif

mandroid
Mar-04-2005, 12:52pm
Spectraflex seem quite good, braided sheath bonded to the outside ['fatsoflex',adds a second braid sheath layer],and the maker adds a flexible strain relief moulded over the ends, G&H makes the metal ends.
lifetime warrentee
mine is with one right angle end.
www.spectraflex.com # ...... # #hecho in florida http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/coffee.gif http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

glauber
Mar-04-2005, 1:15pm
ˇAy Ay Ay, me gusta!

http://img121.exs.cx/img121/2187/beeman0ir.gif

Dennis Schubert
Mar-04-2005, 1:34pm
Guitar Player Magazine did a big cord testing "shootout" that included dropping a cymbal on the cord guillitine style, as well as other more mundane tests. If I remember right, they concluded that George L cables -- the kind you cut to length yourself -- with screw-on terminals were the best sounding & most durable.

Pete Martin
Mar-04-2005, 3:09pm
Mogami.

glauber
Mar-04-2005, 3:14pm
Mogami.
Great prices on those in the Evil Empire (Musiciansfriend) right now. They don't seem to have angle connectors, though.

Edit: Here's a link... (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/339028/) they do have Mogami cables with 90 degree connectors, but those don't have the discounted price.

Lee
Mar-04-2005, 4:59pm
I heard Bill Lawrence (of pick-up fame) sells a cable making kit. You've got to do your own soldering. He suggests no longer than ten feet which makes me favor head/cabinet amps rather than combos.

glauber
Mar-04-2005, 5:08pm
I guess with an unbalanced cable you want to be as short as possible to minimize signal loss. If you need to go a longer distance, go to a direct box and balanced cable.

bjc
Mar-04-2005, 7:01pm
for what it's worth I have used Monster cables for a few years and I enjoy them...only had one short out and that was replaced free at Guitar Center...but I'm not sure I hear $50 worth of cable...I bought them and enjoy the sound, but if I were doing it right now (under HEAVY financial limitations) I'd look for something else...but if you've got bucks to spare...

mandroid
Mar-04-2005, 7:33pm
I recall a cable built within a flexible bit of steel conduit . probably survive a piano drop test, maybe not the runaway steam-engine out the back of grand central station, though.

Juice6120
Mar-05-2005, 2:33pm
I make and wind electric guitar pickups fralin pickups. We use and test alot of electrics and the best we use are the Lava cables http://www.lavacable.com/ they have lifetime guarantee. Before we started using lava we used george L cables. About half the monster cables we got didnt last too well had to resolder etc. But the Lava have Lifetime warranty and are very good in my opinion. Also you cant beat the price Very affordable.

Mike