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There are some alternatives at marginally better prices and quality. But for the availability, overall support, and quality, I WILL USE NO OTHER. From the time I purchased my first BASS-specific MONSTER cable, I have since totally rewired my chain with nothing but MONSTER Bass cable. And speaker cable as well.
They sound NOTICEABLY better.
They last MUCH longer. I have yet to wear one out without having damaging it from some form of blatant abuse.
They are 100% guaranteed. NO MATTER WHAT, You can't beat unconditional love.
...and the thing about "memory" and getting all twisted, if you roll them up in loose coils instead of a really small tight coils, they wont get all ******** on you and get in the way
They sound NOTICEABLY better.
They last MUCH longer. I have yet to wear one out without having damaging it from some form of blatant abuse.
They are 100% guaranteed. NO MATTER WHAT, You can't beat unconditional love.
...and the thing about "memory" and getting all twisted, if you roll them up in loose coils instead of a really small tight coils, they wont get all ******** on you and get in the way
+1
Butch's cables also carry a lifetime warranty, but no one uses it, because the cables are extremely high quality.
I read all of the comments about stiff, high-end loss, weirdo plugs, etc. and I look at my own cables (the black-plugged bass cables) and wonder what's wrong, 'cause mine are just dandy-peachy-wonderful (and I've never had to use the warranty either).
I have had my monster cable for 5 years. I had to only replace it once because I ripped it out of my input jack on my head on accident. Does get tangled up in it self on stage, but I have not heard any tone loss. If you can afford it, buy a wireless.
My story:
I was on tour in the Caribbean in 1991 and the Whirlwind cable I brought crapped out. Found a music store on St. Thomas, and the only 20' patchcords they sold were either Monster Cable or some no-name POS. I bought the 21' Monster Bass cable. Been using it ever since.
- I have never noticed any conspicuous treble roll-off (admittedly I've never done any side-by-side A/B testing with it, but in all the sessions and/or through all the rigs I've used I never find myself wondering "eh, what happened to my high end?")
- I have never had any trouble with the 1/4" plugs not fitting a jack
- I don't find it too stiff; it has decent "lay" (the property of a wire to not have a memory & not retain kinks or coils), not great but not terrible at all.
- I have never had to take advantage of the Lifetime Warranty because it has never failed in 18 years of constant use.
Now, having said all that...I will never buy another Monster Cable product (unless I'm once again gigging on a tiny island with very limited gear choices). Because they are the epitome of an Evil Corporation. Their overly-aggressive attempts to protect their trademark are unconscionable. And their promotion of myth, misinformation, and flat out untruth in their marketing and advertising is pathetic.
These days if I need another cable I build my own from quality bulk cable (Mogami or Canare) & Neutrik or Switchcraft plugs. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Monster Cable I got.
I was on tour in the Caribbean in 1991 and the Whirlwind cable I brought crapped out. Found a music store on St. Thomas, and the only 20' patchcords they sold were either Monster Cable or some no-name POS. I bought the 21' Monster Bass cable. Been using it ever since.
- I have never noticed any conspicuous treble roll-off (admittedly I've never done any side-by-side A/B testing with it, but in all the sessions and/or through all the rigs I've used I never find myself wondering "eh, what happened to my high end?")
- I have never had any trouble with the 1/4" plugs not fitting a jack
- I don't find it too stiff; it has decent "lay" (the property of a wire to not have a memory & not retain kinks or coils), not great but not terrible at all.
- I have never had to take advantage of the Lifetime Warranty because it has never failed in 18 years of constant use.
Now, having said all that...I will never buy another Monster Cable product (unless I'm once again gigging on a tiny island with very limited gear choices). Because they are the epitome of an Evil Corporation. Their overly-aggressive attempts to protect their trademark are unconscionable. And their promotion of myth, misinformation, and flat out untruth in their marketing and advertising is pathetic.
These days if I need another cable I build my own from quality bulk cable (Mogami or Canare) & Neutrik or Switchcraft plugs. But there's absolutely nothing wrong with the Monster Cable I got.
1. I find that they are stiff and seldom lay right, I've tripped over more Monsters than any other cable.
2. I find that the plugs are larger than most and have damaged jacks. In fact, some companies will void a warranty if Monster Cables are used with their products.
3. I find their corporate tactics to be hostile and unnecessary.
Needless to say, they have a great warranty. However, I would rather spend five minutes with a soldering iron fixing a cable than a half hour driving to Guitar Center to replace a cable. I'd rather have one that's fixable in an instant, than replaceable for free.
My cables are made by our very own Butch Ammons of Bayou Cables.
2. I find that the plugs are larger than most and have damaged jacks. In fact, some companies will void a warranty if Monster Cables are used with their products.
3. I find their corporate tactics to be hostile and unnecessary.
Needless to say, they have a great warranty. However, I would rather spend five minutes with a soldering iron fixing a cable than a half hour driving to Guitar Center to replace a cable. I'd rather have one that's fixable in an instant, than replaceable for free.
My cables are made by our very own Butch Ammons of Bayou Cables.
Never had a problem with mine so far. Got one 21' 'Monster Bass' and two 12' low end Monster 100's. The lower end ones have straight jacks that I'm using to plug into my pedalboard (jacks face up) causing a 180 degree bend. They've held up well to the abuse of gigging.
The big 21' cable is a bit stiff, but if you're not ******** its manageable. Coil it right, and be aware of your cable during a gig, and you won't have problems. Had it for about 4 years now and about a 600+ gigs (and thousands of practices/noodle sessions) without a problem.
I switched to an X2 wireless recently just so I don't have to keep track of how long my leash is.
If you are the "crazy" type on stage, a cable isn't going to tolerate you for long, no matter how good it is... Get a wireless.
If you are pretty laid back, a "prowler", wireless might not be the best bang for the buck. A Monster should last you a good long time.
The big 21' cable is a bit stiff, but if you're not ******** its manageable. Coil it right, and be aware of your cable during a gig, and you won't have problems. Had it for about 4 years now and about a 600+ gigs (and thousands of practices/noodle sessions) without a problem.
I switched to an X2 wireless recently just so I don't have to keep track of how long my leash is.
If you are the "crazy" type on stage, a cable isn't going to tolerate you for long, no matter how good it is... Get a wireless.
If you are pretty laid back, a "prowler", wireless might not be the best bang for the buck. A Monster should last you a good long time.
To each his own with this cable mash-up. You're never going to get a clear-cut answer. I use 1 monster cable on a practive amp in the home, and use longer, more colorful Fender cables live. I've never had a problem with the Monster, and it is no longer stiff and coils just fine.
I think all cables get knotted and twisted up, and you have to maintain them like anything else. Just my opinion though. I can see this is one of the topics that you will get varying results!
I think all cables get knotted and twisted up, and you have to maintain them like anything else. Just my opinion though. I can see this is one of the topics that you will get varying results!
