• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Instrument cables rated and compared. A buyers' guide!

#141
TedH said:
So I've just broken a second Live Wire Elite angled jack and I'm not sure what's causing it. Both had the wire sheer off going into the jack, so exactly at the L bend. I wrap my cables loosely by hand to avoid kinds when packing, but this happened on 2 different cables; one that goes from my pedal board to my amp, and one is my instrument cable to the pedals. The instrument cable has a headphone extension cable mated it to it with mesh sleeving for wired IEMs, so not sure if that is causing some twisting or something.

Any ideas what I'm doing wrong, or are right-angle plugs more susceptible to damage? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I've been using the Live Wire Advantage cable, which is the "entry level" cable offered by GC.

309qb0o.jpg


I've had a few cables for a couple of years with no failures. The blue shrink wrap goes into the plug, and surrounds the connections. They've held up fine so far. I can imagine though, if the cable were twisted enough, especially on the right angle side, it might break the connection.

For what it's worth, generally speaking, I've had right angle connections break more than straight jacks, but I like the right angle cables for certain applications, like going into and out of my pedal board, and for basses such as my Precision, which kind of needs it. So I just carry a few extras with me. They're easy enough to fix if they break.
 
  • Like
Reactions: TedH
#142
mapleglo said:
I've been using the Live Wire Advantage cable, which is the "entry level" cable offered by GC.



I've had a few cables for a couple of years with no failures. The blue shrink wrap goes into the plug, and surrounds the connections. They've held up fine so far. I can imagine though, if the cable were twisted enough, especially on the right angle side, it might break the connection.

For what it's worth, generally speaking, I've had right angle connections break more than straight jacks, but I like the right angle cables for certain applications, like going into and out of my pedal board, and for basses such as my Precision, which kind of needs it. So I just carry a few extras with me. They're easy enough to fix if they break.
Click to expand...

I liked the right angle going into my bass to keep it nice and flush (bottom mounted input), but wonder if that's really been the issue and I can flip it around and just send the angle into my compressor instead. After unscrewing the Neutrik head and looking at the straight jack and the angled, the straight seems way more sturdy.
 
#144
I've been using the Phil Jones cable for a few years. I didn't pay the price it is now, but it's been rock solid, no hiccups, etc. I've gone through my share of cables over the years, and while expensive, this one has proven very durable and sounds good. [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#146
fwiw:
I tried one Rapco Horizon "Roadhog" cable based on the reviews above, and really like it. Soft, flexible, nice ends. I bought 6 more and put one in each bass and amp bag. Recommended.
 
#148
Opinions/experience with Lava Retro Coil cables? I see the ELC Tweed and Magma listed on @bongomania's site but nothing for the Retro Coiled. I think they look really cool.

I'm currently using Planet Waves, no problems there, just want to try something different.
 
#152
bongomania said:
I just added a note to the site clarifying that I haven't added any cables to it since 2011.
Click to expand...

I was being a bit sarcastic and a bit...something. Anyhow, "my cable" is Canare, and I still use the pair I bought in 1985, no noise, no issues ever. And they have been gigged hard. But I've only seen them in a store once, and they never show up on anyone's radar and I was not at all surprised that they weren't on your list. They're never on anyone's list. At least it is sold in bulk so I can whip up a batch whenever needed.
 
#155
Ive used many different leads over the years , from Fender to Planet waves and Monster to Livewire but by far my favourite is Van Damme cables , a 20ft with Neutric ends in one angled , one straight costs £15 from Hotroxuk . Ive gigged one for over a year on my acoustic guitar and now on bass and so far no issues . They also come in some neat colour combos . I am at the moment considering going wireless but undecided as yet to which one .
 
#156
Purchased a VoVox 12' instrument 1/4" cable. It's a very unusual wire design feels and looks well protected. Very light, but very stiff. No lifetime warranty. With bass, there's no sound difference no volume difference. But with some guitars, mainly strats and teles, you can hear clarity vs, the standard $15 cable. I use it for studio recording only.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back