Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

[Brow]

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of building a new pedalboard and I was wondering what you opinions are on the use of pedal connectors on pedalboards? Are there any Pros or Cons of using these? I know it helps if the pedals are more or less the same height as each other, and have side mounted inputs/outputs, but what other things do I have to consider?

Here are examples of what I mean:

Thanks for any info

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I think the gold one with the offset is the way to go. It will forgive any slight misalignment between the pedals and put less stress on the jacks. Short cables would create even less stress, though.

 

[frankfalbo]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I don't like direct linking the pedals because if you come down with a hard stomp you're putting a lot of pressure on each pedal's jack assembly. You're probably encouraging the tabs inside the jack to get loose. Also, loose or not you have a better chance of hearing a crackle or pop if the jack is stressed off of the contact. The only way I'd use those is if I were totally hard mounting the pedals. (no velcro, no carpet, just a bolted right down to a hard surface) Plus lots of pedals like the Seymour Duncans have the in/out jacks on the back, so you can nestle the pedals right up next to eachother. (They look so cute when they're cuddling up with eachother, don't they?)

 

[RockStarNick]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

yeah, not really worth it. Just get some George L's connectors, and a bunch of extra George L's wire, and you'll be good for years to come, even if you decide to re-do your pedalboard a bunch of times. George L's sound great too.

 

[lex666]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Most of my pedals happen to be Boss pedals, so the straight connector work for me. I like them cuz they look neat and organized. I've compared them with other right angle connector cables and they do take up less room.

Contrary to what somebody said here, they actually help hold your pedals in place. The combined surface area of 2 or 3 pedals linked together helps prevent them from moving around.

I haven't experienced any noise, or loose connections or whatever... But I have warped a couple from stomping too hard. They still work just fine, but they're no longer straight....

 

[grendeltone]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I have switched back from multiple rack stuff to using Boss pedals and the connectors work really well for me... I am using the stock Boss pedal boards and haven't had any problems.

 

[Brow]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Thanks for the opinions guys

There will be several HBE pedals on my finished board, and as they're all in the same size boxes, I thought some of those straight connectors would help keep space down a little (the pedals are big enough on their own!) and maybe even help with signal quality (less cable for the signal to travel through?)

 

[Bludave]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Hey guys.

I'm in the process of building a new pedalboard and I was wondering what you opinions are on the use of pedal connectors on pedalboards? Are there any Pros or Cons of using these? I know it helps if the pedals are more or less the same height as each other, and have side mounted inputs/outputs, but what other things do I have to consider?

Here are examples of what I mean:

Thanks for any info

The cleanest sounding and best versatilty I have found is in the George L cables. You can cut the cable to any length, attach the ends and you are good to go. I have made 3 different pedalboards and am currently reworking my new mai board and I have always used George L cables. I don't use a lot of pedals, but I use 2 amps and this has always made it a little more complicated. I basically use Chorus, Delay, OD a Wah and a tuner. I power everythin using a one spot (now 2). Very quiet and have never had trouble using the George L's.

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This is a shot of my main board that I use now. It is currently being reworked as I am using different amps and a few different effects. This was originally put together to work with a Marshall and a Fender..... it worked great but now I need to make some changes. I have replaced a few of the pedals with different ones and I need to run a few other items into it. It works great. George L all the way for me!

 

[some_dude]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I'd be afraid of pulling/pushing things somehow and accidentally disconnecting them during a gig.

 

[korovamilkdud]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I tried it once. And it broke. and I never tried them again.

 

[Woodcutter]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I used them when most of my pedals where made by Ibanez and they worked well, but now that most of the pedals on my board are made by different companies I prefer using cables. Tone wise I haven't noticed a significant difference between the two.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

If you must, get the offset plugs. I considered this at one time, but the risk of breakage is too high for my taste.

I just ordered replacement cables from Bayou Cables. Of course, as of Friday he was about a week behind. But he custom builds your cables.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I never liked pedal connectors, both in idea and practice.

These, however, are the best patch cables I've ever had on my pedalboard!

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I never liked pedal connectors, both in idea and practice.

These, however, are the best patch cables I've ever had on my pedalboard!

I have one of those. The circular thing at the end presents a problem sometimes. Honestly, I just prefer any 6" or 1" patch chords. I have a 6" Fender electrosocket one and it works great, plus one of those in that link Closed eye provided. If you're going to use pedal connectors, use the offset ones.

 

[Brow]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Hey guys.

I think I'm going to give the pedal connectors a try between my HBE to HBE and BOSS to BOSS pedal connections, but might try the George L stuff for the other connections

 

[baritone]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I have a few Planet Waves connectors. I went with all offset connectors, since I have a few different types of pedals. I also have a bunch of Monster 6" right angle cables for when I hook up pedals with their jacks on the back.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

I have one of those. The circular thing at the end presents a problem sometimes. Honestly, I just prefer any 6" or 1" patch chords. I have a 6" Fender electrosocket one and it works great, plus one of those in that link Closed eye provided. If you're going to use pedal connectors, use the offset ones.

you are correct. If I'm using a wah I use these other Hosa cables with the standard patch cable ends on them.

 

[Fresh_Start]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Don't like the straight connectors, even with identical pedal boxes, due to stress on the jacks. The offset ones work great in some situations though and seem to allow some flex between pedals when working them (I don't try Riverdance on them though ). I've got a couple of the offset Planet Waves connectors that have worked fine. Otherwise, you can't beat George L's IMHO.

Chip

 

[ginormous]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

When all my pedals were DOD die-cast, the brass offset connectors served well; now, however, not all pedals are made of quality casings, and they don't all have good 1/4" jacks.

A good right-angle cable connector keeps things in line, and it also works well going from stompers to wahs and volumes. As for slippage, try Velcro on the bottoms, and line the board with 2 or more tracks of the locking strips.

 

[Fender_Punk]

Re: Pros/Cons of using 'Pedal Connectors'?

Or clean some old wool socks that are in good shape but you don't wear. That worked grat for me!! Velcro locking strips n the pedal and Bob's your uncle!!