1/4 plugs. A few questions.

test dude · #1 10-12-2010, 03:23 PM

not sure if this is the right place to post about cables but I recently joined a band. Its going to be my first time gigging at larger venues/bars. Now when i use to go to the store I would buy my 1/4 inch cables based on size, color(ohh that looks nice) and price. Simple things like that. But now im in the market for some newer cables and want to know if there are brands to look for and ones to stay away from, and anything I should know about buying cables. or are cables basically the same. thanks

walker rosewood · #2 10-12-2010, 07:03 PM

short answer: spend the cash and get Monster cables. Whether you think they sound better or not, the lifetime no questions replacement warranty is worth it.

shorter answer: use the search function. Lots of threads about cables around here.

BurningSkies · #3 10-12-2010, 08:21 PM

Skip the monsters. They're no better than any other quality build, and their end pieces can ruin your input/output jacks.

No matter what you buy, take good care of it and treat it well and it will treat you well too.

MooneyDriver · #4 10-12-2010, 08:24 PM

I'm loving the Neutrik silent plugs. I just make my own cables with them...

rockstarbassist · #5 10-13-2010, 08:19 AM

I liked the old Monsters w/ their flexible material.
I do not like the uber-hard plasticy new Monsters.

If you're worried about lifetime warranty, go with Planet Waves instead as they do the same.

Me, I have all mine custom made @ www.procablesnsound.com. Todd is beyond FTW.

Jimbob Jones · #6 10-13-2010, 03:09 PM

If you know how to use a soldering iron, I would always, always say make your own cables; it's cheaper and you know exaclty how good the quality is!

walker rosewood · #7 10-13-2010, 07:32 PM

Making your own cables is nice and fun, but I don't think it's that much cheaper. At least not if you're talking high end like George L, Lava, Canare, Mogami, etc

Gizmot · #8 10-13-2010, 07:47 PM

There are a number of good quality cables available including Pro Co as well as some of the others mentioned already. I think the upper end Monster cables are good and I own some of their best mic cables. I'm not convinced they are the best. but they're okay.
You can save a few bucks by making your own, but it may not be worth the hassle.

walterw · #9 10-13-2010, 08:26 PM

avoid the rip-off of monster.

spectraflex are good-sounding and reliable.

regular ol' whirlwind, proco, rapco, or horizon are just fine, as long as they have "real" ends from switchcraft, neutrik, or G&H.

you definitely want a right-angle jack to go in your instrument, that way you can loop it through your strap for a secure, low-profile setup.

**Staccato** · #10 10-13-2010, 08:31 PM

Planet Waves, or Mogami - both good products. Angled is good!

**Lazarus.Bird** · #11 10-13-2010, 08:39 PM

Monster isn't really a rip off if you're buying their basic cables. They're not that much more expensive than the cheap cables and you're getting a life time warranty.

And if it hadn't already occurred to him to make the cables himself, he probably does not have the proper tools and materials to do so. After buying a soldering gun, cable, connectors, etc, it is NOT cheaper. It's only cheaper if you already own these things. I don't know why people even suggest making your own cables when people ask these questions. If he owned a soldering gun he probably already knows how to solder a 1/4" jack and wouldn't have came here asking for cable advice.

GregShadoan · #12 10-13-2010, 08:41 PM

Some DI's (cough-countryman-cough) wont accept an 90 degree angled connector. Just sayin.

BillJarrett · #13 10-13-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregShadoan

Some DI's (cough-countryman-cough) wont accept an 90 degree angled connector. Just sayin.

I think they meant the 90 side to placed on the bass output jack rather than the amp/DI input

BryanM · #14 10-13-2010, 08:46 PM

A lot of people swear by Monster Cables because of the whole lifetime warranty but not many know that for about half the price, most Rapco cables carry a limited lifetime warranty. Even though they require you to ship the cables back, I know my local music shop will exchange them up front and ship them back next time they sent a package to Rapco. I know this isn't as convenient as being able to run in any music store and replace a cable, but it's a lot more convenient than having to disassemble your instrument every three months to readjust the jack that the oversized Monster Cable plug forced out of shape.

James Judson · #15 10-13-2010, 09:03 PM

Make your own is good advise but first you need to buy a quality cable and take it apart and see what it is made of. Check out the components (cable, male jack etc.), soldier joints and strain relief. You better go back and buy a cheap cable and do the same thing to reference to the good one. Now go buy a soldier iron, iron stand, soldier, soldier sucker, work table and a good light. Build yourself a dozen or two cables to get some experience. Now your ready to build yourself a cable. Or?????

Just walk into any music store and ask for a quality cable. I prefer Monster Cables. Not because of the warranty. Because you never have to use the warranty.

basswizard123 · #16 10-13-2010, 09:13 PM

Check out Mogami platinum cables. They are on the expensive side but the tone is remarkable. You will definitely hear the difference coming out of your instrument. Also they are lifetime warranty.

JimmyM · #17 10-13-2010, 10:37 PM

i buy whatever's on sale. last time it was two samson 20 ft cables for $25. they work fine. and my effects cables are those colored molded cables you get on ebay for $10 for a dozen. they work fine, too.

monster is such an ugly, litigious company (and their cables are overpriced and not that great, quite honestly) that i refuse to ever spend another cent with them. they act like they invented the word "monster."

there is a lot of voodoo involved with cable manufacturers. that's why i go with companies that make decent and cheap cables that hold up to roadwork. no bs, no unprovable voodoo marketing, just a basic workingman's cable.

Eric Moesle · #18 10-13-2010, 10:40 PM

Bought Monster Cable 12 years ago, won't have to buy another cable in my lifetime. They've replaced it, no receipt, no mailing, INSTANTLY upon just walking into a Guitar Center store with it. No questions asked. I'll never have to buy another cable in my lifetime. Nice.

Never had any jacks damaged from using it in 12 years. I think its all urban legend.

Is Monster the best cable? No, I'm sure not. Its pretty good, and like I said, saves lots of coin over my lifetime.

JimmyM · #19 10-13-2010, 10:43 PM

i'll lose my cables long before they break

test dude · #20 10-15-2010, 11:56 AM

Thanks for the answers guys, probly end up ordering some tonight. One more question. I want to order some Speakon cables for my head to cab. I read something about plugging the right ends into the head and cab, something like +1 -1 blah blah. Idk. If I can find a short enough Speakon cable could I just plug it straight in?