1/4" connectors

Any of you guys use 1/4" connectors like these
http://static.musiciansfriend.com/derivates/18/001/208/125/DV016_Jpg_Large_330079_R.jpg

any downside to them? I'm thinking I'd be able to put my pedals closer together for a smaller pedalboard footprint. Thoughts?

I wouldn't use them. Unlesss you have all of the same brand of pedals like Boss and you can align them in a perfect straight line. I would get these (http://www.amazon.com/Hosa-IRG100-5-Right-Angle-Guitar/dp/B000068O3Y/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1335210631&sr=1-2) instead

Not all pedals are standardized and built the same. The above adapter would require that the two pedals are perfectly "in sync / aligned" with one another so as to not cause a short.

Seems fragile.

so they're fine if you have a number boss pedals in a row. they also sell them with an offset. i guess that's to help for those pedals that don't line up.

i already have some little pedal cords. just figured this could be easier, cleaner, take up less room, and have less wire for my signal to travel through. so far it seems none of y'all like them. hmmm.

so they're fine if you have a number boss pedals in a row. they also sell them with an offset. i guess that's to help for those pedals that don't line up.

i already have some little pedal cords. just figured this could be easier, cleaner, take up less room, and have less wire for my signal to travel through. so far it seems none of y'all like them. hmmm.

They can damage the input/output jacks also because of no strain relief.

so they're fine if you have a number boss pedals in a row. they also sell them with an offset. i guess that's to help for those pedals that don't line up.

i already have some little pedal cords. just figured this could be easier, cleaner, take up less room, and have less wire for my signal to travel through. so far it seems none of y'all like them. hmmm.

You are thinking about this quite clearly. The offset ones are to offset the pedals, but not to make up for variances in the input/output of the pedals. If the Boss is input is 5 cm off the floor and the MXR is 4cm off the floor, all you will be doing is stressing the jacks. The offset will not make up for variances. Trust us - there is a reason why these aren't in widespread use.

Even with all the same brand pedals, there is stress on both sides' connections when you stomp on one of the pedals. Yes, they look neat and take up little space, but best to go with short (3-inch) patch cables to avoid this potential problem.

I would never suggest using those connectors. If you look at most enclosures, the sides are never 90 degrees, there is always some angle. That little angle, in conjunction w/ stomping on the pedals to engage and disengage, will cause stress not only on the plugs of that connector, but also on the jacks themselves. So, no to the connectors.