music shop phasing out monster cables

Hutzbordello · #1 07-12-2011, 07:25 PM

the whole reason for buying these cheap cables was for the return policy/exchange. apparently they are phasing out monster cables at the local shop. o well, it was a good investment while it lasted.

mmbongo · #2 07-12-2011, 07:49 PM

Planet Waves. Better cable, better warranty, costs less.

C.Linton · #3 07-12-2011, 08:59 PM

+1.
Monster cables and the lifetime warranty are overrrated. And since when are they considered "Cheap"? They'e some of the most expensive cables out there.

CamMcIntyre · #4 07-12-2011, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hutzbordello

the whole reason for buying these cheap cables was for the return policy/exchange. apparently they are phasing out monster cables at the local shop. o well, it was a good investment while it lasted.

Is there another local place that carries them? I've been using Monster Cables since about 2000. For Chicago, I just take them to Guitar Center for a quick & easy exchange.

jefkritz · #5 07-12-2011, 09:08 PM

last monster cable i had, when it broke, i got my free replacement at guitar center. but i got a different cable instead (also with lifetime guarantee - GC didn't seem to care about the brand)

Depth_Charge · #6 07-12-2011, 09:16 PM

I've never used Monster cables. I continue to use and abuse the cheap ones (I pay like $20 for 30foot). I can't recall the brand. Some are over 5 years old, some are probably over ten. They've gigged a few times a week, been stepped on, folded, trapped in car doors, bent, have had my kids play "bendy" with them, replaced connectors, and they still work.

I'm cynical of a brand whose claim to fame was how excellent their return policy was. I want an excellent product over an excellent resolution process for gear that consistently fails.

I also heard Monster cable connectors are slightly larger for better contact in the jack. Which makes it harder to go back to smaller ones. I'm not sure if that is true, but its another factor feeding my cynicism.

Rodger Bryan · #7 07-12-2011, 09:34 PM

I've heard many people explain that their Monster cable purchases were driven in part by the company's excellent warranty. While I can understand that point of view based on $, my experience with MC led me to seek out a more reliable product at a better price.

Back in the 1990's, I went through two Monster Cables before I gave them up- they both went intermittent within 6 months. Nice warranty, but I don't want to have to deal with it- especially on a gig.

I now assemble my own for around $15 for a 14ft. cable, and have never had one fail since 1995. If I were to buy one, it would definitely be the Planet Waves- it's only $4 more than what I spend (no assembly) and it has a decent warranty as well.

Joe Nerve · #8 07-12-2011, 09:41 PM

I used to go through a cable every couple of months (the $20 ones), for years and years. Someone gave me a monster cable. I'd have never have bought one. I've been using it for about 4 years with no problems. I believe it's saved me hundres of dollars.

Eric Moesle · #9 07-12-2011, 11:57 PM

I had a monster cable get sliced in two by a falling cymbal. Took it to a local guitar center, no receipt, cable was 5+ years old, and they handed me a brand new one, no questions asked.

So, I would say there's something beneficial to that lifetime warranty. I'll never have to pay a dime for a cable EVER again.

Venom of God · #10 07-13-2011, 12:00 AM

I use Dimarzio cables, they're expensive but I've never had one crap out on me!

XtheDeadPawn · #11 07-13-2011, 02:17 AM

This is such a n00b question but, how do you know if a cable craps out?

My Monster S100 12 ft cable was purchased with my 1st bass over 5 years ago.
It's alittle hum-my is that normal?
It's only noticable if I stop playing i.e. both hands aren't moving to make a sound. (If I sound n00b already might as well go all the way right?)

Depth_Charge · #12 07-13-2011, 02:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I had a monster cable get sliced in two by a falling cymbal. Took it to a local guitar center, no receipt, cable was 5+ years old, and they handed me a brand new one, no questions asked.

So, I would say there's something beneficial to that lifetime warranty. I'll never have to pay a dime for a cable EVER again.

That's great they did that for you!

I'd still rather a working product I didn't have to return to the store every few months. I drive a V8 and in today's economy kilometres are starting to equal serious dollars.

Depth_Charge · #13 07-13-2011, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XtheDeadPawn

This is such a n00b question but, how do you know if a cable craps out?

My Monster S100 12 ft cable was purchased with my 1st bass over 5 years ago.
It's alittle hum-my is that normal?
It's only noticable if I stop playing i.e. both hands aren't moving to make a sound. (If I sound n00b already might as well go all the way right?)

Swap it with another cable. Same problem? Try a different brand of cable. Still same problem? Probably not the cable at fault. Turn up the volume

XtheDeadPawn · #14 07-13-2011, 02:50 AM

Thanks. I'll try it.

CamMcIntyre · #15 07-13-2011, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Depth_Charge

That's great they did that for you!

I'd still rather a working product I didn't have to return to the store every few months. I drive a V8 and in today's economy kilometres are starting to equal serious dollars.

I disagree about the every few months bit. In ten years, I have needed to use the warranty twice (I own 4-5 diff. Monster cables)., and both times the cables were over 6 years old.

bassbully · #16 07-13-2011, 11:25 AM

No issues if they break take it back.. "Hey like Craftsman"

El Beardo · #17 07-13-2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmbongo

Planet Waves. Better cable, better warranty, costs less.

I like planet wave cables too, and they are definitely cheaper. But better warranty? You can take your broken monster cable to a dealer and swap it for a new one no matter how old it is and no receipt and/or packaging is needed. Planet waves doesn't do that as far as I know.

I should also mention that, in my personal experience, my planet waves cables have lasted much longer than my monster cables ever have.

WyrmDL · #18 07-13-2011, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Moesle

I had a monster cable get sliced in two by a falling cymbal. Took it to a local guitar center, no receipt, cable was 5+ years old, and they handed me a brand new one, no questions asked.

So, I would say there's something beneficial to that lifetime warranty. I'll never have to pay a dime for a cable EVER again.

Do you still have the sliced cable? Maybe you could go to guitar center again and try to get another one...

Hutzbordello · #19 07-13-2011, 01:51 PM

as far as the planet waves cables go, i read you need the receipt and to contact the company about them.

has anyone used the george l return policy?

**jmattbassplaya** · #20 07-13-2011, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Beardo

I like planet wave cables too, and they are definitely cheaper. But better warranty? You can take your broken monster cable to a dealer and swap it for a new one no matter how old it is and no receipt and/or packaging is needed. Planet waves doesn't do that as far as I know.

I should also mention that, in my personal experience, my planet waves cables have lasted much longer than my monster cables ever have.

I've done it with a Planet Waves before with no issues.