zzyzx snap jack - New magnetic cable tecnology

::::BASSIST:::: · #1 02-16-2009, 11:49 PM

Anyone have experience with these zzyzx snap jack cables?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvBJm...eature=related

Any negatives?

katri · #2 02-17-2009, 04:52 AM

I think its been around for about a year or so now, never tried it but it looks interesting, the headphones look stupid IMO, the vid was silly surely the engineer would have just taken his phones off rather than disconnecting them.

Ripper · #3 02-17-2009, 06:55 AM

cool idea... but how much does innovation cost and how good are the cables acutally?

WalterBush · #4 02-17-2009, 07:01 AM

I own two. Well, sort of.

Pros: One of the best quality cables I've ever owned, Monster and Planet Waves included. Built like a tank, good solder work, etc. Doesn't affect tone negatively at all. The whole magnet function works as advertised, including using an extra jack to switch basses with no pop, yet somehow the magnets hold together when needed.

Cons: Other people think they're neat, too. My first one got stolen. I'm still annoyed, and I replaced it first chance I got. That's it. That's the only negative, really.

I know I'm sold, and I'm going to buy more.

baalroo · #5 02-17-2009, 12:30 PM

The guy that does all my band's tech work can't keep them on the shelf and has a hard time getting more. He seems to think they're the greatest thing since sliced bread and keeps saying as soon as he gets more in he'll make sure we get a few to try out, but it's been months now and still no cables.

::::BASSIST:::: · #6 02-20-2009, 12:59 AM

Hmm... might have to pick me up one of these here cables...

Nino Valenti · #7 02-20-2009, 05:38 AM

I can see these "snapping off" at the most inopportune times.

The Golden Boy · #8 02-20-2009, 10:57 AM

So this is sort of like the power cable on Mac laptops?

Cool.

Pilgrim · #9 02-20-2009, 12:16 PM

Seems rather unnecessary to me in most situations. All you normally need to do is take a bit of care with cables - or go wireless. I suppose that in a high-traffic or extremely congested situation they might be a good idea. Of course, there's always the option of securing each end of the cable.....

The Golden Boy · #10 02-20-2009, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nino Valenti

I can see these "snapping off" at the most inopportune times.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

Seems rather unnecessary to me in most situations. All you normally need to do is take a bit of care with cables - or go wireless. I suppose that in a high-traffic or extremely congested situation they might be a good idea. Of course, there's always the option of securing each end of the cable.....

When I first thought of Nino's post, my first thought was "well you don't have to worry about them coming unsnapped if you wrap your cable around your strap and around the handle on your cab/amp/rack...." Then it occurred to me- if you're trying to prevent the thing from coming unplugged in the first place, why would the magnetic connectors be desirable in the first place???

MadMan118 · #11 02-20-2009, 04:08 PM

I bought a few out of interest. I use them on my rig as it allows wiring flexibility.

sixway · #12 12-06-2009, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nino Valenti

I can see these "snapping off" at the most inopportune times.

I see this is an old thread, but just finished looking at their website, and they now have a locking ring that fits over the snap jack. Check it out here in case you're interested....
http://www.zzyzxsnapjack.com/std-snapjack.html

it's the third picture down....

Steve · #13 12-06-2009, 11:59 PM

So, you pay $45 for a quick release cable...then another $18 to make it a standard cable?

I'm with Nino. I think something like that is far more likely to screw me at the wrong time then save me at the right time.

It does have a serious neet-o, keen, looky here factor going for it. I bet he sells a million of 'em.

wideyes · #14 12-07-2009, 12:10 AM

For me this is an obvious evolution of the cable. Like the mac power connector (or the bicycle clipless pedal, or an electrical fuse), the success of it will depend on it having the right amount of give. As long as it does (and I'm guessing it does), I'm sold!

Jefenator · #15 12-07-2009, 01:05 AM

That video has that "not available in stores" infomercial vibe all over it. ("Don't risk damage to your equipment" yeah, whatever!!

)

Do I get a free bonus mini-peeler (that's a $20 value) if I order in the next 30 minutes?

I do admit though: it could be real dandy for certain app's (just like my Ginsu knives

).

Steve · #16 12-07-2009, 01:45 AM

If my guitar player ever buys one of those, I swear to God I'll be right behind him with some crazy glue. It'd be worth the $50 just to see him try to figure out what happened.

sixway · #17 12-07-2009, 02:10 AM

I don't know about Steve and Jefenator, but I play through several "cheap" Analysis cables that cost $130 each. Snap Jack cables can be found online starting at $35, and even with the extra cost for a bag of additional connectors, $50 or so for a cable that gives you options is not expensive these days, unless you like playing through bargain basement cables that cost less than $20, and sound like it as well.

Obviously this a cable system that you have to decide is worth the investment, and will work in your onstage gear setup. Considering the option of being able to go from a straight jack to a right-angle jack, or to a wireless extension cable, or the ability to quickly change pedal configurations, makes this a very adaptable cable system. Think about it, having one cable and multiple connectors for additional guitars, and to change them out quickly without the popping from disconnecting the cable either from the guitar or amp, sounds like a professional way to treat your gear, cables and amps. And these cables and connectors are made with first-class materials, so they're starting out with quality right from the start

Of course, I took the time to look at their website, and a couple of videos on youtube, to learn more about the products they make, and how many options the cables and connectors give a musician. The endorsers list is very impressive too. I think you guys have dismissed this cabling system too lightly, without really looking into it before passing judgement. Even Honda started out back in the 60's with a couple of small, seemingly insignificant cars, and we all know where that ended up.

This is a well thought out product, and not some flash-in-the pan product like Ginsu knives, which by the way, are one of the best knife sets on the market, and have the various design awards to back that up. I suggest doing a little more research before offering up cynical jabs at products you know little about.

I guess the old addage "to each his own" can apply here. These are obviously not for everybody....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw7bSqq4mds

T-Bird · #18 12-07-2009, 02:16 AM

Hi.

If I'm not mistaken the "original" use of those magnetic connectors was in military aviation and armoured vehicle headsets/helmets. And on electrically heated clothing power-conns.

On those areas they work really well and if I ever get my winter MC gear up and running again, I sure will use such a connector. Even though they cost a lot. The added convenience is priceless, just like the ad says

.

For instrument cable use, I for one can't see why the quick detaching would be beneficial, or even desirable. And this is coming from someone with a degree in engineering

.

Regards
Sam