Cable - need a new one

NoFrets4Me · #1 10-12-2009, 07:12 PM

First, yes, I did do a search and I read through a bunch of 'em. Obviously there are some differences of opinion.

I've been using what I think of as a decent-quality cable. It's a 18.5' ProCo and I've probably had it 15+ years. I have another fair-quality generic cable that I started using in addition when I added a multi-effects pedal last year. Now my good cable is starting to act flaky and it's time to get at least one (if not 2) new cable(s).

I checked the soldered connections on the plugs and they look good. When I put a multimeter on the leads, I got about 6 ohms. (Across the cheep but functional cable, I got about 0.8 ohms.)

I walked into a Guitar Center today and walked out even more confused then when I went in. They were trying to sell me a $55 cable (Mogami?) or if I wanted to save a little money, here's the $45 cable (Live Wire?).

I'd like decent quality, but I am a casual player and just jam with friends a couple times a month. This just seems unnecessarily expensive to me. Or am I just being cheap?

Any recommendations for a decent cable that won't set me back 50 bucks? (I've obviously seen much cheaper cables for sale, but where is the price-point for reasonable quality and value?)

Thanks for your wisdom.

rhapbus · #2 10-12-2009, 07:14 PM

The guitar center website has cables cheap, check there if you want to buy online.

groov'ster · #3 10-12-2009, 07:21 PM

Get with Butch at Bayou Cables....Great guy and awesome cables at really good prices. I am using one his cables still after 5 years and I only paid about 30bucks.

http://bayoucables.com/

Craig_S · #4 10-12-2009, 07:44 PM

Tell them you want one of these: http://www.guitarcenter.com/Live-Wir...63-i1128386.gc They are good cables.

MNAirHead · #5 10-12-2009, 07:58 PM

I'd vote get some neutric 90s and make one... the qualtiy will be much better than most we can find off the shelff (for the buck)

Tim

Craig_S · #6 10-12-2009, 08:00 PM

FYI: The Live Wires use Neutrik ends.

**jmattbassplaya** · #7 10-12-2009, 10:13 PM

Planet Waves with the kill switches. I have never had a cable that I`ve liked more than these.

darkstorm · #8 10-13-2009, 03:05 AM

I'm a big fan of the Livewire Elite and alternately Mogami. Cause to my ears and those Ive loaned one of my Livewire elites to, they do give fuller, richer more detailed sound transfer. However you can get excellent results with standard guitar cables. To me the greater expense is worth it, remember you can expect to be able to use the cable for many years or even decades. So the cost in the long run is marginal.

For budget cables I like musiciansfriend house brand. Their heavier gauge then many at lower cost, and are available in many diff colors. Std livewire and planet waves are also good choice imo.

bareass · #9 10-13-2009, 06:17 AM

just get any planet wave cable. i have one for each case and one with my head. they are great, and if it ever goes bad, bring to you nearest dealer and grab a new one.
life time warranty is the way to go, but make sure its not send in!

Phalex · #10 10-13-2009, 06:47 AM

GHS 20' cable for $18.00. Best cable I've found even for twice the money.

http://jacksmusicstore.com/catalog/c...l-ins-i~GC20BK

PJSShearer · #11 10-13-2009, 06:50 AM

Try this first:

Take your current cables,
Un-solder the plugs
Cut 2-3" off each end
Solder the plugs back on again.

See you in another 15 years :-).

NoFrets4Me · #12 10-13-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks for all of the suggestions and ideas.