instrument cable preferences

[El Tookay]

I no longer own anything new enough to use the stupid-choice-barrel-jack.

Problem solved.

No barrel jacks on top-loaders.

 

[Ken Baker]

I too have heard all this stuff about monster cables, I use them, bought them used for like half price. and have had them for about 10 years, and they continue to perform well and be maint. free. I use them on my G&l basses and never had an issue, It is certainly possible that I got lucky, but it is funny how some people have "big brand hate". You know hating on Blockbuster, Exon Mobil, Walmart, etc. The brands that you associate with any activity. Like ordering a softdrink, you ask for a coke, instead of asking for a tissue, you ask for a Kleenex. Monster cable was probably the first (as of late) high end cable manufacturer and every smaller cable manufacturer has to come in and tear down the big guy to get his foot in the door. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ANYTHING REALLY, just my brain at work

It goes something like this:

There are a lot of folks out there who believe that a good snug fit on their guitar/bass cables means that the connection is good, and in the case of the standard 1/4" jack found in Strats and other instruments this is indeed the case. Mostly.

However, the deep panel jacks found in G&L basses, as well as many other brands, are different. Here are the big differences:

1. The internal contacts aren't held as tightly to the inserted plug as would be optimal.

2. The metal of the internal contacts isn't as beefy as standard "Strat style" jacks because there isn't room for it to be beefy.

The most important of the two is the second and here's why:

1. If you use a cable that has a slightly-larger-than-standard plug (Monster), you cause accelerated wear through abrasion. This wear will be on the sleeve of the jack (producing metal dust & chips) and on the tip and ring contacts.

2. If you use a cable that has a slightly-smaller-than-standard plug (cheapies), you also cause accelerated wear through abrasion because the plug wiggles excessively in the jack. This wear will be on the sleeve of the jack (producing metal dust & chips) and on the tip and ring contacts.

Because of their design, the deep panel jacks aren't going to last as long as the standard type - even under the best of conditions. You can, however, help keep the thing alive as long as possible. Use good quality cables and always belay your cable through your strap.

Ken...

 

[eknivsnikta]

this got interesting!

thanks, chef, for the heads-up on the g&l output jacks and getting tru 1/4". there was debate on this, but in my understanding i see how it could be possible.

also, thanks to El Toolkay, for corroborating on the ouput jacks, and for the info regarding the monster 21 pro link. that is what i want: wide open sound spectrum, and extended high end. i play a LOT of harmonics, and like to slap and funk, as well as play more traditional fretless style. i use roundwounds, and try to work WITH the string zing, kind of like a bonus sound!