Cheaper alternatives to Monster instrument cables?

Turnarond · #1 01-01-2007, 09:49 PM

Years ago, I used to get radio interference through my instrument cables. You could hear local stations through the amp! I wound up buying the expensive Monster cables, which had shielding and stuff and fixed the problem.

I don't think it was Monster brand mojo -- I just needed a cable that had a little shielding thrown in. If anyone can suggest a cheaper shielded quality cable that would be as good, I'm all ears. Thanks!

1kinal · #2 01-01-2007, 09:54 PM

I do have some Monster that I got for free but those are the cables I use on gigs and recordings:

http://www.bayoucables.com/

Simply the best. Quality cables, good prices and great service.

cybersnyder · #3 01-01-2007, 09:55 PM

Not sure if they're shielded or not, but I've heard good things about bayoucables.com.

Eric Moesle · #4 01-01-2007, 10:02 PM

All instrument cables, even the cheapies, have "shielding thrown in". Usually what you get with quality cables is a cable that will last longer before failing, NOT better RF interference.

RF interference is more likely a result of the power wiring to the amp and NOT the instrument cable.

The BurgerMeister · #5 01-01-2007, 10:06 PM

planet waves and mogami are two good ones. but mogami can be just as expensive as monster, come to think of it.

tplyons · #6 01-01-2007, 10:09 PM

I'll take a handmade cable by my good buddy Butch Ammons (bayoucables.com) or Pete Brunelli (or make my own if I have the materials at the time) any day over a store bought, over-hyped cable.

theleveebreaks · #7 01-01-2007, 10:10 PM

I've actually heard a lot of good things about making your own cables. Get Neutrik cable ends, and then get bulk cable (I'm sure someone at a music store could tell you where to find it).

Solder away and viola, any cable length you need, for a bit less than you'd pay I believe.

Dave · #8 01-01-2007, 10:19 PM

Butch makes some awesome cables at great prices. Look him up.

fdeck · #9 01-01-2007, 10:20 PM

Connectors and bulk cable at www.partsexpress.com

I expect the parts for building a good cable to come in under $10.

RF interference is often indicative of a dodgy ground connection at the input jack of the amp. Ironically, changing cables could have made that problem go away, especially if the lore is true that Monster plugs are slightly oversize.

Rick Brienzo · #10 01-01-2007, 10:41 PM

I have been using Rapco Hog series instrument cables for quite awhile now. They sound good and seem to last forever.

BassGod · #11 01-01-2007, 11:15 PM

Yorkville Pro Studio cables never fail me.

Graeme

BartmanPDX · #12 01-01-2007, 11:17 PM

Bayoucables.com is tough to beat.

nad · #13 01-01-2007, 11:24 PM

Once I bought my first cables from http://www.bayoucables.com/ I don't see the point of using anything else.

Well, except the of package of Hosa pedal jumpers he sells.

thejohnkim · #14 01-02-2007, 12:35 AM

another vote for bayou cables.

Nighttrain1127 · #15 01-02-2007, 02:00 AM

Bayou cables are the only ones you need at a much lower price than monster and with a much better sound.

62bass · #16 01-02-2007, 04:11 AM

As Eric noted, all instrument cables are shielded. Most decent cables are good and most are cheaper than Monster Cable. I have a couple of Planet Waves which have lasted for years and a few of the Yorkville brand, also very good. Peavey makes some good ones too.

I used to make my own all the time back when my eyes were a lot better and I had more patience. You need to be able to solder but it's not tough to learn. Bill Lawrence also sells cable and special connectors that don't require soldering. A lot of guys love them. They're very quick to put together and can be repaired easily if you ever need to.

Warr Tapper · #17 01-02-2007, 06:29 AM

Go with Bayou cables. Monster cables are a scam!!!!!!!!

KJung · #18 01-02-2007, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warr Tapper

Go with Bayou cables. Monster cables are a scam!!!!!!!!

I've been using the same Monster cable for many, many, many years. No problems, very well made, doesn't tangle up, and the 'standard' models are not particularly expensive. Can't quite figure out why they are a 'scam'.... yes, they don't sound any better than the cheapos, but neither does a $300 Tara Lab cable!

savit260 · #19 01-02-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Warr Tapper

Go with Bayou cables. Monster cables are a scam!!!!!!!!

I'm sure that the Bayou calbes are great. I've heard many decent reviews of them, but I'll stick with Monsters. This is for purely practical reasons. Lifetime guarantee. Are they the best sounding cables I've ever used. No, they aren't, but they still sound pretty darned good.

I happen to live in an area where I'm surrounded by 3 stores within a short drive that carry them. All cords will wear out eventually. I've had more than a few failures in my day, and when you factor that into the initial price of the cord, they become very cost effective. I'm on my third or Monster that originaly cost about $30. They wear out, I go to the store, and leave with a brand new one. Simple as that. No fuss.

As great as some other brands may be, if I loose a cord at 5:00 P.M. the night of a show, there's no way on Earth Bayou is going to be able to have a replacement in my hands by showtime. This is where the price of the Monsters pay off. Walk in the stor wtih the broken one, and I'm out the door in 5 minutes with a brand new cord, and readly to play the show. And Yes, I've had that happen.

62bass · #20 01-02-2007, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

I've been using the same Monster cable for many, many, many years. No problems, very well made, doesn't tangle up, and the 'standard' models are not particularly expensive. Can't quite figure out why they are a 'scam'.... yes, they don't sound any better than the cheapos, but neither does a $300 Tara Lab cable!

Oh oh! Now you've done it. Expect a long debate about the pros and cons of epensive, high end cables.