Instrument Cables

IWillFlyOneDay · #1 06-24-2011, 09:49 AM

I'm looking to get 1 or 2 new 30-foot cables. Is it worth it to spend $60 on the Monster cables, or can someone recommend a cheaper cable that will sound great and be pretty reliable?

Jayhawk · #2 06-24-2011, 10:10 AM

No, it's not worth $60 to buy Monster cables ... at least that's my opinion. I personally use the Live Wire Advantage Series cables from GC because (1)they're relatively inexpensive (2) they have a lifetime replacement guarantee and (3) they serve their purpose in a live situation.

If you are looking to spend the money, there are some companies (Bayou Audio Cables) that I've heard actually have a product worth the price ... but Monster is not one of them.

IWillFlyOneDay · #3 06-24-2011, 10:15 AM

That's actually great to hear. I was looking at the Livewire at GC stuff and made the mistake of reading the reviews which are split between "this is the best cable for the price ever" or "it will short out after two practices, don't buy" so I really didn't know about ordering them.

fokof · #4 06-24-2011, 10:22 AM

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/search...archid=7813455

Joe Louvar · #5 06-24-2011, 10:27 AM

I use Monster bass cables.

anonymous02282011 · #6 06-24-2011, 10:31 AM

Planet Waves.

Not too expensive. Nice quality moulded ends.

If one breaks you can simply exchange it for another one at any store that carries them anywhere in the world, which is nice for those European tours.

rockstarbassist · #7 06-24-2011, 11:01 AM

Bayou Cables, Pro Cables N Sound, support the lil dudes w/ the superior products. :thu:

tekdiver500ft · #8 06-24-2011, 11:42 AM

I like the Monster Bass cables. Whether they sound better than others, I don't know, but I really like the unconditional guarantee. According to my local retailer (Elderly Instruments), Monster will replace any of their Pro cables that breaks, regardless of cause! As hard as I am on equipment, this is great peace of mind.

fokof · #9 06-24-2011, 11:56 AM

Hosa also offers unconditional lifetime warranty for lot less.

(original owner and as long as you keep the bill )

Jayhawk · #10 06-24-2011, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tekdiver500ft

I like the Monster Bass cables. Whether they sound better than others, I don't know, but I really like the unconditional guarantee. According to my local retailer (Elderly Instruments), Monster will replace any of their Pro cables that breaks, regardless of cause! As hard as I am on equipment, this is great peace of mind.

Other have similar guarantees - including Livewire. After three years of constant use I had a cable go out on me last fall. Walked into GC with it, told them it was bad and they handed me a brand new one - no questions asked.

fishtx · #11 06-24-2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhawk

No, it's not worth $60 to buy Monster cables ... at least that's my opinion. I personally use the Live Wire Advantage Series cables from GC because (1)they're relatively inexpensive (2) they have a lifetime replacement guarantee and (3) they serve their purpose in a live situation.

If you are looking to spend the money, there are some companies (Bayou Audio Cables) that I've heard actually have a product worth the price ... but Monster is not one of them.

My experience with Livewire cables is they are noisy...I know there has been thread after thread here about cable quality and the differences (or no differences) in cables...but I hear it with some...I'm using Elixir cables Right now. They are expensive...but "to me" sound really clean and transparent.

**Mulebagger** · #12 06-24-2011, 01:00 PM

I use mostly Mogami Cables, but I have a few Monster bass cables that I've had for years with no issue. I believe the Monster cables also have a lifetime replacement.

The Livewire cables I've had were all noisy and changed my sound. I wouldn't buy more of them.

turbo chicken · #13 06-24-2011, 01:08 PM

Buy what you want... there are cheaper that are of same or sometimes arguably better quality.

personally ... i just get the best i can afford... which isn't monster

domdec314 · #14 06-24-2011, 01:41 PM

A few of you have mentioned Bayou Cables. He hasn't taken new orders for a fairly long time. I personally use Monster Cables, which I've no trouble with. I would say anything with a lifetime warranty would be a good bet. It's been about 5 years and my cable still works perfectly. If, however, it were to break, all I have to do is bring it back to the store and get a new one.

Jayhawk · #15 06-24-2011, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishtx

My experience with Livewire cables is they are noisy...I know there has been thread after thread here about cable quality and the differences (or no differences) in cables...but I hear it with some...I'm using Elixir cables Right now. They are expensive...but "to me" sound really clean and transparent.

I haven't noticed excess noise, but I've only used them in a live situation. Also, you may have much better ears than I do.

Quote:

Originally Posted by domdec314

A few of you have mentioned Bayou Cables. He hasn't taken new orders for a fairly long time.

I was not aware of that. I've never tried to purchase them, just seen them referenced on TB. Thanks for the update

jjk2007 · #16 06-24-2011, 04:36 PM

I'm going tomorrow to get my 3rd Monster Bass cable in about a 5-6 year timespan. The only good thing with them is the lifetime warranty. My first cable snapped one of the 1/4" tips and this last one has become so used, the tips are getting worn and are having trouble making contact inside the amp input jack. Don't know if they're worth the price, but at least I can trade them in for a new one when they break.

Turock · #17 06-24-2011, 04:44 PM

Good thing Monster has that lifetime guarantee, you'll probably need it. I have two monster cables; both crapped out on me shortly after I got them. I don't plan on replacing; I'm done with them. I need something reliable. Never had a problem with my Bayou cables.

Ricnroll · #18 06-24-2011, 06:02 PM

The cheapest, best cable you'll get is one you put together yourself:

Really easy to solder & great strain relief
Neutrik - Audio - 1/4" Prof. Phone Plugs, C-Series - NP2C/B

with Canare GS-6 cable
Canare Corp.: Guitar Cable: Guitar / Keyboard / instrument Cable(GS-6) comes in black, orange, yellow, blue, red

get them from Redco
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NP2C-B $2.99 ea
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Canare GS-6 Instrument Cable $.80/ft

For less than $20 you get an awesome 10’ cable. If anything ever goes wrong with it you just fix it.

pbass62 · #19 06-24-2011, 06:58 PM

The cheapest, best cable you'll get is one you put together yourself:

Really easy to solder & great strain relief
Neutrik - Audio - 1/4" Prof. Phone Plugs, C-Series - NP2C/B

with Canare GS-6 cable
Canare Corp.: Guitar Cable: Guitar / Keyboard / instrument Cable(GS-6) comes in black, orange, yellow, blue, red

get them from Redco
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Neutrik NP2C-B $2.99 ea
Redco Audio - Custom Audio Cables - Recording Studio Supplies - Custom A/V Panels - Canare GS-6 Instrument Cable $.80/ft

For less than $20 you get an awesome 10’ cable. If anything ever goes wrong with it you just fix it.

I agree on the self made cable, that is the same recipe I do but not everyone is handy with a soldering iron.

Crane · #20 06-24-2011, 07:14 PM

I've always used Horizon cables,
i'm sure there are thicker gauge cables out there if thats what you're looking for, but i have a 20' with neutrik connectors that i got for $15, great quality. I have another one that i dropped when it was in a bass, the bass landed right on the jack and partially severed the cord. I got a new switchcraft jack, cut of the damaged part, soldered the new jack on, and its worked great ever since