What instrument cables do you use?

[D.M.N.]

Vox Coily Cables FTW

 

[lowfreq33]

Planet Waves are good. I have one of theirs that I bought when they were first introduced, and it's still going. I'd estimate I've done over 1000 gigs with it.

GC's Livewire house brand is also pretty decent, and I believe they carry a warranty as well, but I can't be sure because I've never had one fail.

 

[Joe Nerve]

I used to go through cables constantly. A few a year. About 7 years ago a bandmate gave me a monster cable. I've played hundreds of gigs with it, and an equal amount of rehearsals. I'm a fan. If it ever craps out on me, I'll buy another.

 

[ddhm]

I make my own. I get Mogami 2524, some Amphenol connectors, heat shrink and some tech flex. After reading the sticky that's floating around here someplace I'll probably be switching cable brands.

Ps. found it: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f30/instrument-cables-rated-compared-buyers-guide-811691/

 

[esa372]

...no better cable than any other.

Any major brand cable works.

Yup, they're all pretty much the same - especially with an active bass.

Passive bass:

Active bass:

I use Monster, myself. My special magic trick with them is to replace the 1/4" ends with SwitchCraft ends. Once you do that, they'll last forever.

I've got one Monster cable that I have used at every gig and every reheasal for the last 20 years; it has never failed. That's not a waste of money to me - especially since I bought it for $20. I have another Monster cable (purchased many years later for $25) for backup... I have never had to use it.

 

[AstroSonic]

I used Monster for a while. It seemed ok. Then I tried Lava Clear. The difference between the Monster and Lava Clear cables is not subtle. The Lava Clear is ... well clearer. The notes have more harmonic richness, especially through tubes. Notes also have better definition. Overdrive tone is richer. The construction quality is superb.

 

[SirMjac28]

I use Monster Gold cables love them for my pedalboard I don't constantly plug and unplug my cables so I don't have an issue about them being too big and stressing the input jacks? I use Mogami instrument cables for my basses.

 

[worxforme]

Planet Waves

 

[blowinblue]

There is one thing I've learned during my years on this forum. It's best not to comment on cables. I no longer comment on cables, except to state that I no longer comment on cables. My profile lists what brands I use. I think it's best this way.

M. M.

 

[Buster Brown]

What's on sale at Sam Ash this week?

No doubt....I'm using cloth cables that I've had since Moses was a baby.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.....

 

[Hopkins]

Cloth cables with Neutrik end connections.

 

[SactoBass]

With good reason. "Monster" bass cables (besides being WAY over-priced) affect frequency response and have slightly over-sized 1/4" connectors that over-stress input jacks. Store markup last I knew was between 800 and 1200% depending on the cable.

Big +1 on everything B-string just said.

It cracks me up how they claim their Monster Bass cable brings out more low end. It is physically impossible for an instrument cable to "bring out" more of anything. What they did is come up with a design that subdues the higher freqs, making us overly gullible humans believe the bullchit marketing story that their cable brings out more low end, when in reality it's just the higher end missing.

If anyone actually believes that Monster Bass cables increase bass response, I have a Pet Rock that I will sell you.

 

[JimmyM]

Ya, Monster's a great snake oil company. They charge just the right amount of money to make folks think they're getting something of better quality but not so much people will goof on them for being suckers. While there is a little difference in cables here and there, it's totally not related to how much money you spend, so I'll buy cheap but roadworthy cables, get more or less the same sound out of any of them, and save my money for things that actually matter.

 

[JoeVictim]

Live Wire Elite series, are built by Mogami, and are the house cable of guitar center. If it ever fails, guitar center will replace it, no questions asked. Had mine for over a year now without fail.

I don't buy anything else there but cables, and for this reason alone.

 

[jeff7bass]

I've been using a VOX coiled cable now for the last 2+ years and like it a lot. Heavy duty, right angle at one end, stretches for like 30 feet so no stress.

I had a monster and it kinda wrecked the input jack on my Spector.

 

[Jazz Ad]

I bought 3 Schaller circa 1995 and they still work fine.

 

[Sam Evans]

I use Big Black Cables ...

 

[nicopiano]

Digiflex (with neutrik plugs)

 

[cleary]

I use DiMarzio cloth cables. They were pretty expensive (AUD$90 for a 20ft), but have had a lot of use over the years and never hiccupped.

 

[Stone Soup]

Live Wire Elite series, are built by Mogami, and are the house cable of guitar center. If it ever fails, guitar center will replace it, no questions asked.

I have a few. I notice a little noise, with them. One is pretty bad. None are very old. None have been abused.

I like Planet Waves cables. I hate Monster, but only because they're too stiff.