One of those things where everyone's got an opinion.
Me: I use Musician's Friend cables, 'cuz I don't gig and my cables don't move around much. Either the plain black ones, or the colored woven-jacket ones. They're cheap, decent quality, very good plugs, and hold up well if you don't use 'em hard.
If you're gigging, and they're getting stepped on, twisted up, yanked, etc...spend the dough and get good ones. Get the heaviest guage conductors you can, and pay special attention to the plugs. They should be Switchcraft or comparable quality, and don't go for the pretty-but-crappy \"integrated\"-looking ones.
At the very least, get good ones for the cords that move around a lot - your guitar -> GNX, GNX -> amp/PA, etc. Patch cables and the like are not so critical.
I also recommend against right-angle plugs; while often convienent, they're rarely of decent quality and more subject to damage from being yanked out, as are the jacks they're in.
You don't need to spend zillions on cables - you can spend as much as $75 on a 18-footer :shock: - but read the specs carefully, and if you're buying online, it often helps to read the user comments. Good luck!
I've switched to using Monster or Mogami almost exclusively. They're expensive, but both pretty durable, reliable, and with a convenient lifetime warranty even if something does go wrong. I use the Planet Waves circuit breakers for main guitar->GNX (or guitar->amp) connection, as it allows to unplug the guitar without turning everything down. Never had a problem with those either, I have four at this point.
For sound in long cables (and fixability) I love the low capacitance George L's and similar from Core & Bill Lawrence. (good point on using short cables for best sound)
For toughness I like the cloth covered stuff from Horizon, Spectraflex, Fender, etc.
Monster and DiMarzio both make good stuff, but I can't support those companies due to their disgusting legal antics.
Basically, any good belden, canare, or mogami cable with switchcraft or neutrik ends should work well. ProCo, Rapco, generic - there's lots of good stuff. And learn how to clip & solder.
Also, if you make your own, double shrink wrap both inside around the hot and outside with larger tubing for strain relief. If you practice a little that home studio will be doable. A battery cable checker saves time on the road to tag cords for repair.
Speaker cords can be made using braided #14 gauge and twisting the pair with a drill. They hold up well without an outside jacket for short runs. If longer than 100 ft the amps work too hard and should be moved closer to the speakers, use a guitar wireless, or run 70.7V system for the horns and use powered subs. Don't be bound by tradition. Outside stages make one's amp a small monitor in a hurry. The best brand name is what works for you. The rest is unpaid endorsement.
Comments
Me: I use Musician's Friend cables, 'cuz I don't gig and my cables don't move around much. Either the plain black ones, or the colored woven-jacket ones. They're cheap, decent quality, very good plugs, and hold up well if you don't use 'em hard.
If you're gigging, and they're getting stepped on, twisted up, yanked, etc...spend the dough and get good ones. Get the heaviest guage conductors you can, and pay special attention to the plugs. They should be Switchcraft or comparable quality, and don't go for the pretty-but-crappy \"integrated\"-looking ones.
At the very least, get good ones for the cords that move around a lot - your guitar -> GNX, GNX -> amp/PA, etc. Patch cables and the like are not so critical.
I also recommend against right-angle plugs; while often convienent, they're rarely of decent quality and more subject to damage from being yanked out, as are the jacks they're in.
You don't need to spend zillions on cables - you can spend as much as $75 on a 18-footer :shock: - but read the specs carefully, and if you're buying online, it often helps to read the user comments. Good luck!
George L's
Core X2
Planet Waves
For recording, use the best you have, shorter cables when possible
For toughness I like the cloth covered stuff from Horizon, Spectraflex, Fender, etc.
Monster and DiMarzio both make good stuff, but I can't support those companies due to their disgusting legal antics.
Basically, any good belden, canare, or mogami cable with switchcraft or neutrik ends should work well. ProCo, Rapco, generic - there's lots of good stuff. And learn how to clip & solder.
Speaker cords can be made using braided #14 gauge and twisting the pair with a drill. They hold up well without an outside jacket for short runs. If longer than 100 ft the amps work too hard and should be moved closer to the speakers, use a guitar wireless, or run 70.7V system for the horns and use powered subs. Don't be bound by tradition. Outside stages make one's amp a small monitor in a hurry. The best brand name is what works for you. The rest is unpaid endorsement.