What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Nacho8807

Nacho8807

New member
I really hate to do this. I don't want to start a debate over how much cables effect tone, how overpriced Monster cables are, or anything like that. I'm just looking for user testimonials.

I've been using mostly Livewire cheapo cables, no name randoms, and a Monster Performer 500 20-footer. Some of the cheaper ones have started to go bad so I'd like to replace them all and have them be of the same brand, for my own OCD reasons.

I'm looking for something that:

1. Lasts a long time
2. Is quiet (no or minimal microphonics)
3. Isn't prone to tangling/ is reasonably flexible.

Price isn't that important if #1 holds true. Thanks fellas.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Keep in mind that most of those cables have lifetime warranties. If they stop working you can take them to GC and they'll swap them out without a receipt. I like the Mogami golds the best but I'll use pretty much anything as long as it doesn't make any noise. When recording it makes at bigger difference than live.


Guitar->pedals->amp
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I've been using Spectraflex cables (18' and 21') for about a year now and they're excellent. They've very sturdy and they sound fine. For ~$30 a pop, they can't be beat IMO.

I did just get two 10' Planet Waves cables and they seem nice.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I currently own and use 2 Whirlwind Leader Elite 18.5" cables and they have been great so far. My guitar teacher has a lower end model and he's had it since the 80's I believe. The one I have is the top of the line model and I got em for $20 each.

Best bang for buck IMO and they come with a lifetime warranty.

This is the model I have the Leader Elite
http://whirlwindusa.com/catalog/pre-wired-cables/instrument/leader-elite
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

thespricket said:
Keep in mind that most of those cables have lifetime warranties. If they stop working you can take them to GC and they'll swap them out without a receipt.
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Yeah I should have said I've been doing that for a few years now. It's nice, but I'd rather buy cables that aren't crap shoots. Plus I don't like how stiff they are and how they tend to bind up. I'm breaking up with that brand.

Do you use the Mogamis with high gain?
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

DiMarzio cables are very nice. Armor Gold and Rattlesnakes are amazing too.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Guitar Center recently stopped carrying Monster Cables!!! That takes away some of the instant warranty replacement appeal, but I haven't played a cable that sounds better to me than the 500. I am totally happy with Planet Waves American Stage however, and they are a lot cheaper.

I can also easily hear a difference between generic grade speaker cables and Monster, etc. It really does improve the sound. When you get to the high end, differences between them is much less, however.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Lately either Whirlwind or Planet Waves, very happy with both
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

MkIII Renegade said:
Guitar Center recently stopped carrying Monster Cables!!! T.
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That is pretty shocking. My cable of choice was Monster Studio Pro 1000, but now I doubt I'll buy another.

Ive been wanting to try Mogami Platinum, & Spectraflex Fatsoflex , which is a pretty solid cable.

Ive also wanted to pick up a Boutique high end cable in the 200-300 dollar price range, but that will have to wait.
 
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Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I use anything and everything. I have a Monster Cable that I was able to steal from my high school's auditorium, but I would never pay that much for one. I use a 10 footer that I got from Radio Shack to connect my guitar into my pedal board which then goes into the amp with the 20 foot Monster.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I am a long time George L user but I do use a Lava coil from guitar to board and love it too!


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Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I also have a cloth covered DiMarzio cable I've had for well over 10 years that is rock solid!


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Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

I use the Bullet coily cable or the one's with the silly plugs (grenades, spark plugs, crosses). I'm not sure they make them any more bu they work for me.
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Divine Noise for me. I was introduced to Gil when I reviewed a cable for TGP. TGP editorial policies don't allow reviewers to keep the items they review so I paid full price for it. Great components, dead quiet, and you have to love a builder whose warranty reads like this:

If you ever have a cable of mine that fails you--hasn't happened yet--just ship said accursed item back to me and I'll fix it, or, if it is un-fixable, I'll send you a new one for free. There are exceptions, like if you try using it underwater or using a cable of mine to tow a semi-truck and it breaks--I still might replace it. Maybe. Other than that, as long as you are not taking sharp objects to the cable, not submersing it in liquid, not setting it on fire or any other ludicrous action, we will forever stand behind our product.
Click to expand...
 
Re: What instrument cable brand do you prefer?

Canare with Neutrik jacks. I had Planet Waves for about 3 months then the plug (which is the molded one) failed and could not be replaced. Stay away from those. Try also Klotz cable, which is German.
 
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