Time for a new cable...

guitarman531 · 05-12-2010, 01:12 PM

So my 0.25" instrument cable for my guitar has died...and suggestions on a new, reliable brand? I was leaning towards Monster just because of the hype about quality and warranties, but can anyone give me any qualitative or quantitative data about their experiences or suggested alternatives?

Thanks guys!
-guitarman531

**thesteve** · 05-12-2010, 01:29 PM

I've used the lower end Monster cables (S100) and LiveWire Advantage cables without any issues. Both have lifetime warranties. The other guitarist in my band swears by Planet Waves cables, which I also think have a lifetime warranty.

**nbfan** · 05-12-2010, 01:33 PM

I usually get livewire cables... I'd get Monster or Planet Waves but I can't afford em.

**tenwatt** · 05-12-2010, 02:26 PM

I bought a cable from Radio Shack that lasted about 12 years of solid gigging before it crapped out. All my other cables (that aren't handmade) are Monster.

Stratopastor · 05-13-2010, 07:56 AM

look no further than...

Roadkills-R-Us Brand Musical Instrument Cables

pooleman0 · 05-13-2010, 08:07 AM

My monster cables have lasted five years now. And I have been pretty hard on them. One cable got crushed once, my own fault, and they still replaced it. I brought it to guitar center and they just swapped it out for a new one. No questions asked. I think it is the same for the Planet waves cables. I know the cost is a little more upfront but to never have to spend money on an instrument cable again is worth it.

**Rainer.** · 05-13-2010, 09:57 AM

I have a couple Planet Waves cables that are pretty nice, but I usually spring for the cheaper cables that have the regular ends that I can repair myself. I'm one of those guys where it bugs me if I can't fix it myself.

Though, I always make sure to strain relieve my cables so they last longer without going under the knife, so to speak.

pooleman0 · 05-13-2010, 10:10 AM

I made a few Instrument cables using the .225 George L cable and Neutrix connectors with strain relief. I used 3" of braised shield over the bacle and then just put shrink tubing over that. Indestructible.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 05-13-2010, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainer.

I have a couple Planet Waves cables that are pretty nice, but I usually spring for the cheaper cables that have the regular ends that I can repair myself. I'm one of those guys where it bugs me if I can't fix it myself.

Though, I always make sure to strain relieve my cables so they last longer without going under the knife, so to speak.

I like my one planet waves cable. Its a stereo to dual mono for my piezo equipped pinecaster.

I have a small box of broken monster cables. My guitar center does not have a replace policy...

My favorite are the Bill Lawrence ones which are pretty much like George L's, only the outside coating does not interact with my allergies.

Cam42 · 05-13-2010, 05:57 PM

I generally speak against Monster Cable, for various reasons I won't go into now.
I've got 1 Monster (bought it with my amp), and another cheap-o cable. I honestly prefer the latter.

ibanez_dude · 05-13-2010, 10:07 PM

my gripe against most monster cables is that I can't just undo the connector and resolder in a pinch. I do like the lifetime warranty, but I prefer the ease of being able to fix it myself.

Stratopastor · 05-14-2010, 01:33 AM

dude, I don't think you can have it both ways.... :-)

**thesteve** · 05-14-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stratopastor

dude, I don't think you can have it both ways.... :-)

Livewires lets you have it both ways.

Almost Enough · 05-14-2010, 12:54 PM

Cheap cables. The local guitar shop (no Guitar Center here!) repairs them if they die on you, or I can repair them myself. I just can't bring myself to pay that much money for Monster cables or the like.

CStephenson · 05-15-2010, 07:07 AM

El Cheapos, with me repairing any issues with them, I've had some last longer than 15 years, then the repairs became too frequent.