Best good cheap patch cable?

I've just started using Armor Gold Cables, and I love em. I even have an AG patch cable. Now I need more and am wondering if there is a good but cheaper alternative (they're about $14US plus shipping).

Any ideas?

I don't think you can use the words "cheap" and "good" in the same sentence when talking about cabling, especially interconnects.

Don't skimp. These things WILL fail at the worst times, and affect your tone more than you know. You can get the good stuff at a significant discount when buying bulk wire and making your own (takes 2 minutes per cable).

http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/cords/index.php

I use Hosa's. They work just fine.

I use Hosa's. They work just fine.

Me too!! 10-12+ years with the same Hosas (molded plastic ends) on my pedalboard- no issues, no tone suck!( I do have a very simple small board,which helps:wink:)

I get Planet Waves three-packs from amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Classic-Series-Instrument/dp/B001PGXKC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1337710820&sr=1-1) for about $12.

I get Planet Waves three-packs from amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Classic-Series-Instrument/dp/B001PGXKC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1337710820&sr=1-1) for about $12.

+1 ~ have been using PW cables/patches for a while now. The ones I got are the ones with gold plugs. So far, so good...

Thanks for all the advice. Just ordered the Planet Waves 3-pack. I'll report back when they come in.

http://cf.mp-cdn.net/81/cf/e7d9f9e1aca97c6109638110f1f6.jpg

I use these. You can get get 6 packs of them on Ebay for pretty cheap delivered.

GLS

+1 ~ have been using PW cables/patches for a while now. The ones I got are the ones with gold plugs. So far, so good...

+1 Those are the best of the cheap patch cables. Hosa's add some buzz and have more tone loss.

Lava Cables

I just bought the Bullet Cables Slug Connector Kit the other day.

Not really had a chance to put them through their paces but so far it seems like real good, quality stuff.

I also use "hosa's", and am very pleased with them.

The Fender Custom Shop cables are very good. Bought some tweed 6" patch cables from Elderly instruments for $6 a piece.

I use Hosa's. They work just fine.

same here...no complaints.

I get Planet Waves three-packs from amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-Classic-Series-Instrument/dp/B001PGXKC8/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1337710820&sr=1-1) for about $12.

i use those too. and that price is a discount right now

http://www.guitarnuts.com/technical/cords/index.php

Good link.

I think the best cost/effect ratio, if you can use a soldering iron, would be achieved by buying a length of good quality coax and some plugs, and make your own cables. Then the cables will also be repairable, and you'll likely improve your understanding of how these cables work and what's important or not.

I don't think you can use the words "cheap" and "good" in the same sentence when talking about cabling, especially interconnects.

Don't skimp. These things WILL fail at the worst times, and affect your tone more than you know. You can get the good stuff at a significant discount when buying bulk wire and making your own (takes 2 minutes per cable).

So true! Build them right the first time and they will last a long time.

Good link.

I think the best cost/effect ratio, if you can use a soldering iron, would be achieved by buying a length of good quality coax and some plugs, and make your own cables. Then the cables will also be repairable, and you'll likely improve your understanding of how these cables work and what's important or not.

I have been lucky so far as I don't have to repair my cables once I build them. I use Canare bulk cable and Switchcraft Jacks. Some of my cords are 25 years old and sound just as great as the ones I built last week.

Guitar Fetish has a great cable selection, there pretty cheap too .

http://www.guitarfetish.com/GFS-Guitar-Cables_c_10.html

I just use the cheap Hosa cables, I buy them in the 6-packs and they're even cheaper. Never had one fail yet. Haven't tried their recent "better" quality cables with the metal plugs. I have had other brands of cheap molded-end cables go bad, though.

Al

I agree with the 'make your own' crew. I bought a roll of good cable (mti tp 70) and for pedalboards, actually, I use cheap flat plugs, because they require the least space between pedals. Solder 'em up, pump the plugs full of silicone so nothing inside can move, and they're good to go.

steven

I'm a long time fan of the Hosa low profiles here. always sound great and work without fail. my first one - which I still use - is from around 1994 - never had a problem with it.

If you want good and cheap, I suggest buying bulk cable and plugs and build them up yourself. I use Mogami 2319 cable at .40/ft and GLS pancake plugs at $1/each. Do the math, cheap and very good, and in custom lengths.