Guitar cables do a critical but thankless job of getting your signal from your guitar to the rest of your rig. Here’s exactly what to consider when shopping and five great options for a new cable to plug in to the jack and have the piece of mind it will reach your pedalboard and amp with integrity.
DisclosureAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.This guide is supported by Sweetwater and contains links to their product pages, however the recommendations below have been made independently by us at Gearank.Further information is in our.A guitar rig is only as strong as its weakest link, so it pays to get the right patch cables for the job. Here we present you what the market considers to be the best guitar patch cables, covering a variety of price ranges and bundles - updated for 2018. Our list of recommendations includes detailed descriptions of each one, along with noteworthy feedback from real world users.Also included are top-rated guitar pedal couplers, to provide you with a cable-less approach to linking pedals together, along with a market favorite DIY solderless patch cable kit, if you want more control over the specific lengths of each patch cable.
List Of The Best Guitar Patch Cables. With ever increasing demand for space saving pedalboards, manufacturers are racing to build the smallest pedals and even patch cables. The EBS PCF-DL10 joins this arms race for pedalboard space with its flat cable and right angle plugs.
With its compact profile, positioning pedals and patch cables are easier, and reduces unwanted clutter. But it's not just about being compact because the EBS PCF-DL10 is currently the top rated patch cable in the market, beating out those from more popular brands by a small margin. Features:. Plug: Flat Right Angle 1/4'. Conductor: Flexible Copper. Cover: PVC. Shield: Copper Twisted Shield.
Length: 3.9'. Variant: 8, 28 and 58 cmMarket response to the EBS PCF-DL 10 continues to be overwhelmingly positive! With many claiming that it is the best patch cable that they have ever tried. Most users commend it for its quiet operation, while others rate it highly because of its space saving form factor. Reliability and build quality are two other traits that gets a lot of thumbs up.There aren't any noteworthy or consistent complaints, other than a few users who wish that it was available as a cable kit - so they can customize the length of the cables. Thankfully the EBS PCF-DL10 is available in other length variants, so you can achieve a cleaner look with careful planning.With its incredibly high ratings and good price tag, the EBS PCF-DL10 gets our top recommendation. Most discussions about premium quality cables end up mentioning Mogami at one point.
So it is not surprising to see the company joining this list with the Mogami Gold Patch Cable, bringing over the same reliability and transparent sound as their popular Gold series of regular sized cables, only this one is shorter and features two right angle plugs for easy setup. Like its longer siblings, each Mogami Gold patch cable features OFC (Oxygen-Free Copper) that is wrapped in double shielding that includes a high density spiral shielding, and conductive polymer sub-shield. Finally, both right angle plugs feature gold contacts. Features:.
Plug: Right Angle Gold Plated. Conductor: Oxygen-Free. Cover: Carbon-Impregnated PVC. Shield: High Density Spiral Shield, Conductive Polymer Sub-Shield. Length: 18'. Variant: 10'The response to the Mogami Gold patch cable is overwhelmingly positive, with many pointing towards its quiet operation, reliability and lossless sound as its best traits. And its not just the average guitar guy that's impressed because even pros like Richie Kotzen, Laurence Juber and others trust the quality of Mogami made cables.
There were some who found the toughness of the cable to be a bit overkill, limiting its flexibility, but this is a minor issue since patch cables are usually set in place for a long time anyway.With its impressively high rating, the Mogami Gold patch cable is very easy to recommend, especially for those who are willing to invest in premium gear. The PG-10 Premium Gold is another highly rated patch cable from EBS Sweden. The name itself is an easy giveaway of its main feature, which is the use of premium 24-karat gold plating on the contact housing and 1/4' plugs, both of which add to its overall look and performance. The EBS PG-10 also comes with a flat profile cable and flat right angle plugs, which makes this patch cable easier to position, and if implemented properly, can save you some precious pedalboard space. Features:. Plug: Flat Right Angle 24-Karat Gold Plated Plugs. Conductor: 20 x 0.12 mm copper conductor.
Cover: PVC. Shield: Double Copper Shield. Length: 3.9'. Variant: 18, 28 and 58 cmThe first thing that most users appreciate is the EBS PG-10's compact profile which opens up space. Many also describe the flat cable design to be very easy to work with, cutting down setup time and cable checking/maintenance by a considerable margin. Some even go as far as recommending the EBS PG-10 over more expensive cables that they have swapped out.There are very few complaints to worry about, and the few that it gets are from ill-prepared users who find out that they need one with longer cables - and this is quite unfortunate given that longer versions of this patch cable is available.Whether or not you fancy its gold aesthetics, the EBS PG-10's high ratings warrants a closer look. The GLS Audio Patch Cable 3-Pack is the cheapest to make the list, but it's not just about affordability because it continues to get high ratings - high enough to make the cut in this short list.
This is a straightforward bundle, just 3 pieces of 6' patch cable cords with right angle plugs. But what makes it stand out is its reliability and simplicity, which ups its value for money further. This reliability and simplicity is achieved via its molded plug design, which makes for a stronger structure at the cost of being harder to repair. Features:. Pack: 3 pcs. Plug: Right Angle Molded Plugs. Conductor: 21 AWG Copper.
Shield: 90% OFC Spiral. Length: 6'A lot of users were surprised at how well these cables performs, specifically commending their quiet operation, which is impressive for its price point. Some even found it to be more transparent and noise-free than more expensive cables.There were some who complained about the right angle plug being bulky, especially when used on smaller boards.Still, it is a great buy, especially for those who are looking to setup a pedalboard without spending too much on patch cables. The Hosa IRG-101 patch cable continues to win over guitarists world-wide with its distinct low-profile plug design. The thinner profile of the plug lets you save on precious pedalboard space, and makes setup a bit easier.
And since it's made by Hosa to be affordable, buying them in bundles will not hurt your budget as much. These plugs are also configured to be user serviceable via soldering, which extends longevity and value for money even further. Features:. Plug: Right Angle All-Metal. Conductor: 24 AWG OFC.
Shield: 80% OFC Spiral. Length: 12'. Variant: 6'Many users are pleased with the space they save by using this patch cable, especially when using smaller pedalboards where every inch counts.
It is also commended for its cable flexibility, which is important when setting up pedals, and more importantly many feel that they got more than what they paid for in terms of quality.Still there are a few who have experience with premium cables that were not impressed with its build quality. Keep in mind that the thin 'pancake' style plug is a bit wider than usual, so it may block jacks that are close to each other, like on some stereo output pedals.If you're looking for an affordable patch cable for your small/nano size pedalboard, then get the Hosa IRG-101. Fender's Performance Series Patch Cable continues to receive high ratings and recommendations. This patch cable is thicker than many at a 0.31' diameter, with two right angle 1/4' plugs and a flexible PVC jacket that protects the inner conductor and prevents cable memory and kinking.
It also features 90% OFC spiral shield for interference free operation. Features:. Pack: 2 pcs. Plug: Right Angle Metal Plugs. Conductor: OFC. Shield: 90% OFC Spiral. Length: 6'Most of the users were satisfied with the Fender Performance Series Patch Cables' performance, with some even using adjectives like 'excellent' and 'perfect'.
Many found the cable to have just the right balance of flexibility and strength for easy setup and maintaining their position on the board.There were some users who wanted more colorful options, while there were a few who found the cable to be little too stiff.Other than those, the response is generally positive and well worth the extra investment compared to cheaper alternatives. The Mooer PC Z coupler is designed to simplify the setup of multiple Mooer pedals with its two 1/4' plugs which are directly connected to each other in a 'Z' shape without a cable component. Since it doesn't use any cable, signal quality and stability is improved, and it also saves considerable space. On the flipside, it does restrict pedal placement to match its Z profile. But it does work really well with similar size/configuraiton pedals, or with pedals from the same brand, even more so when used with Mooer pedals.
Features:. Pack: 1 pc. Plug: Metal Plugs. Conductor: No Cable. Length: Not specifiedSimple and effective are two adjectives that users use to describe the Mooer PC Z coupler. Build quality and signal reliability also gets a lot of thumbs up.There are a few who caution that stepping on a pedal can sometimes cause strain on the plugs if the pedals are positioned improperly.
So do take the time to get the pedals properly lined up before taking them on stage.This Z shape coupler is ideal for minimalist pedal users, especially those who use Mooer pedals. The Creanoso pedal coupler is as straightforward as it gets, just two 1/4' male plugs connected back to back so you can save as much space as you can on your board. The obvious downside of this design is that it will only work if the pedal jacks are of the same height and aligned properly, which limits its use.
Still it is quite practical to have, especially since it is affordable. It is expected to work well with pedals of the same make and configuration, like those from Boss, Mooer, DigiTech, TC Electronic and more - as long as the pedal jacks you want to connect are aligned.
It can also be used sparingly in conjunction with patch cables, so you are not too limited by them, and still benefit from its simplicity and space saving design. Features:. Pack: 5 pcs. Plug: Metal Plugs.
Conductor: No Cable. Length: Not specifiedThe Creanoso Guitar Pedal Coupler is well received for its practicality. Reviewers are happy with how it opened up their pedalboards, some even had enough extra space for another pedal. Other reviews also commend its solid feel, which lets you make music without worrying about the connectors.Because the space between pedals are drastically reduced, there is an increased chance of hitting wrong pedal switches.
Those with wide feet will also want to stay clear of this coupler, unless they have ballerina like precision to avoid stepping on two switches at once.Even with its limitations, its practicality and affordability makes it a good tool to have for any pedalboard user. The Lava Tightrope Solder-Free kit makes their brand of quality available for pedalboard owners who want to use custom sized patch cables. It features 10 feet of their Ultramafic solid silver plated 20 gauge cable (32 pF/ft capacitance), which you can cut to your preference.
The cable is paired with 10 right angle plugs, all of which allow for convenient solder-free connectivity. So with this kit you are getting up to five Lava quality patch cables to get your pedals connected. Features:. Pack: 10' Cable, 10 Right Angle Solderless Plugs. Plug: Right Angle Solderless.
Jacket: Double Insulated. Shield: Braided Copper. Length: 10'Ease of setup are consistently mentioned in reviews, even those with experience in making patch cables are impressed with how convenient this kit is. Build quality of the plugs and cables are also highly regarded, to the point that some notice improved clarity in their overall sound.There are a few who find that the 10' cable is not enough for their pedalboard, so you'll have to do the math properly to know if you'll need to buy two kits or more. Some users also caution that getting the cable inside the plug properly is important. Unfortunately, there are some users who improperly rate this kit lower due to problems that they themselves caused due to mistakes or lack of experience.If you're looking for a premium patch cable that you can custom cut to your preference then the Lava Cable Tightrope Solder-Free Kit is for you.
Things to Consider when Buying Patch Cables. Cable LengthPatch cables come in different lengths, usually 6', 12' or 18' long. Since they are pre-cut to specific lengths, it is best to plan and measure the position of your pedals prior to selecting the right sizes. Patch cable kits like the one we recommend above are ideal if you want to have detailed control over how long each patch cable should be on your board. We've also included pedal couplers in this list in case you're connecting pedals of the same maker to save even more space.
BundlesMany patch cables are available in bundles, and most of the time they are cheaper to buy compared to when buying them one by one. We also recommend keeping a few spare patch cables, for quick swapping out of bad cables. Plug TypeMost patch cables come with right angle plugs because they conveniently connect to the side and saves space. There are also thin-profile right angle plugs that allow you to position pedals closer to each other. Note that right angle plugs can block ports that are positioned close to each other, so do look out for those when planning your pedalboard.You'll notice that some cables have gold-plated tips, this is because of gold's inherent corrosion resistance. Nickel or chrome plugs corrode faster when exposed to humidity, and is often the reason you hear crackling noise on plugs with older tips.
Jacket and ShieldThe cable jacket serves as the cable's outer protection and is usually made of sturdy yet flexible PVC. On the inside of the jacket, the copper conductor is wrapped in a special 'shield' that blocks interference. Foil shielding is the most affordable, but it offers the least protection. Reliable cables usually come with Braid shielding, because of its inherently flexible and sturdy design, while blocking more EM (Electro Magnetic) and RF (Radio Frequency) interference.
Reliability and AestheticsSince patch cables don't move around much, they don't get as beat up as the cables that you plug to your guitar. Still, it pays to get ones that are durable in case you misstep on them, or when pedals become loose during transport or while performing. Patch cables are usually expected to be discrete looking because pedals are the stars on pedalboards, but there are a few who want their patch cables looking a certain way. And if you think aesthetic qualities inspire you to play better, then invest in good looking ones. Best Patch Cable Selection MethodologyOriginally published on June 27, 2017 and last updated on July 25, 2018.We first looked at all the top rated patch cables that are available on the market, and gathered relevant reviews and ratings. For this 2018 update, we ended up with over 4900 rating sources which we processed with the Gearank Algorithm.
The resulting scores were then used to narrow down the list to just the cream of the crop. We've also decided to process the scores of pedal couplers and solderless patch cable kits that are doing well in the market, and picked the best ones from them to give you more options to choose from. For more information about our methods, see.
There are a lot of parts of being a musician that you never really consider when you’re first starting out, because odds are that you’re likely to be the first musician in your immediate family. Things like cables, matching ohms between a head and a speaker cabinet, and finding the best patch cable for your needs aren’t really explained to you until you run into a situation where you need to figure these things out for yourself.Luckily for you our articles are aimed at exactly that.
If you’ve ever run into issues trying to figure out how to select the best patch cables for your needs you’ve come to the right place. The sections below will give you all the information that you need to make an informed purchase. So without much further ado, let’s get into the meat of the article.What Is A Guitar Patch Cable?For those of you who weren’t already aware, a patch cable is a small cable that is typically used to connect effect pedals to one another. Patch cables shorten the amount of total length that you’re signal needs to travel through.Think of it like this: your guitar, your pedals and your amp form a circuit. The more cable your signal needs to pass through the weaker it will become.
This is why you’re going to sound a bit different if you use a 50 ft. Cable as opposed to a 12 ft. As your signal becomes weaker the top end frequencies are the first to go, so if you’re using too much cable eventually your tone is going to become muddy and inarticulate.This is where the patch cable comes in. Rather than using a full cord (generally the shortest full sized cord commonly produced is still around 6 ft. Long) utilizing a patch cable allows your signal to maintain integrity and a full frequency response. Most patch cable are between 6 and 12 inches long. The more pedals you have the faster this difference adds up.Patch cables are also significantly cheaper than full sized cables, which if you have four or five pedals could easily save you $40 or $50.What Should I Look For In A Guitar Patch Cable?Unlike a lot of other musical accessories, shopping for instrument and patch cables is really easy.
Contrary to what some would have you believe, you really don’t need to invest in expensive components to get better results. You don’t need cables made from gold (not the entire cable, just a piece of it) or anything else absurdly expensive. Basically, if you can’t immediately understand the real world applications of every part of your cord odds are they’re trying to sell you something that you don’t really need.Really, the most important things you should be concerned with are durability and quantity. There are manufacturers that sell a six pack of patch cables for roughly $10 bucks. These patch cables should last you a year or two so long as you don’t excessively abuse them. If you go this route make sure to buy a spare pack in case they start going out at an inopportune time. Higher quality cables are a bit more expensive, but they do last longer under normal conditions.
Both choices are going to end up costing you roughly the same amount, so it’s really a matter of personal preference.Top 5 Guitar Patch CablesAs always, our recommendations are selected with widespread applicability in mind. Ideally, every musician reading one of our articles should be able to find a product that is realistic for their needs and budget. So while we recognize that more expensive instruments and instrument accessories are generally objectively better, it doesn’t matter how good a piece of equipment is if you can’t afford it. So just try to keep in mind that the best choice for you may not be the best choice for your neighbor, and vice versa.Planet Waves Classic Series Patch CablesA little-known fact about Planet Wave is that they actually started out just producing guitar straps. The company was founded in 1994 by Howard and Robert Silagy in Hicksville, N.Y. Unlike a lot of independent companies they actually focused on producing simple and utilitarian options for working musicians, that while inexpensive were still up to the rigors of live performance and consistent practice.Planet Waves as we know them today wasn’t truly established until the company was acquired by D’Addario in 1996.
D’Addario envisioned the brand as a line that would be able to fully service musicians of all kinds. They stuck to the original ethos of the company (providing inexpensive yet quality accessories) though they expanded the scope of the company to produce a wide array of different products.One of the more notable products produced by Planet Waves while under D’Addario was their innovative cables. For the majority of the guitar’s history the impact of the materials used in cables was overlooked, with no thought given to the tonal qualities they could impart. Most companies were actually just using stock cables and connectors, which while serviceable had a tendency to reduce clarity.By researching the effects of different alloys and metals in instrument cables Planet Waves ended up sparking a new line of innovation in the market, which in turn led to a huge upswing in the amount of choices available in regards to instrument cables.The company continues their trend of innovation and a commitment to sleek utilitarian designs with the Planet Waves Classic Series Patch Cables. The most notable feature of these patch cables is the In=Out technology. Essentially, this is a design feature which emphasizes low capacitance.
The lower the capacitance the less of an affect the cables will have on your signal, which helps to maintain clarity and the tonal characteristics of your instrument.These cables are also shielded, which reduces the amount of signal interference that’s introduced. Because of certain properties inherent to electric guitars, certain frequencies can interfere with your overall sound. A good example of this is 60-cycle hum in single-coil pickups. While the overall impact this is going to have depends on a wide variety of factors, it is a nice feature if you plan on gigging or recording.These cables are also right-angled, making them ideal for use on a pedal board. If you’ve ever used straight-angled plugs in conjunction with pedal boards you known how much space is wasted. If you happen to use more than one or two pedals this becomes very inconvenient very quickly, and it makes wiring up your pedal board a true hassle.Lastly, Planet Waves Classic Series Patch Cables have molded plugs. This helps to reduce strain on the cable, which enhances the overall lifespan of the product.These cables also have a limited lifetime guarantee, so should you happen to receive a lemon you won’t be out any money.The Planet Waves Classic Series Patch Cable offers a level of quality to superior to that of many of its competitors, and when you consider the features it boasts and its limited lifetime guarantee it makes purchasing these cables a no-brainer.Hosa IRG Patch CablesSince the company’s inception in 1984, Hosa Technology has been synonymous with quality.
This Buena Park, California based company’s dedication to consumer-based innovation has made them one of the preeminent manufacturers of a wide variety of musical instrument and professional audio products.Hosa is actually one of the leading producers of live sound connectivity solutions, and since its inception has expanded to include full lines of audio, video, and computer products. Everyone from the burgeoning basement guitarist to the dedicated audiophile can find a great solution to their needs, and judging by the company’s track record this isn’t likely to change any time soon.Cables are kind of a funny product. Some musicians believe that anything but the bare minimum in regards to features and materials is nothing but snake oil, while others swear by positive effects they receive from investing in quality cables. While this review isn’t going to settle a debate that’s been raging for decades, hopefully it helps to inform your purchase one way or the other.First and foremost, these cables use a lot of technical terms to describe their design.
To have a good understanding of what they mean would require a lot of independent research, but put plainly all they’re saying is that these cables are relatively resistant to electronic interference and boast a superior signal quality when compared to cables that don’t have these features.Terms like Oxygen-Free Copper and OFC Spiral Shielding aren’t really much more than techno-babble intended to make the cable sound like it’s utilizing advanced technology. Which to be fair, companies do have to sell their product. This is doubly true when considering the amount of competition most manufacturers face in a global market place, but it’s really not important that you have an in-depth understanding of the processes involved.On the other hand, something that is really important to know if you’re considering buying this cable is that it features all metal plugs. All metal plugs are great because they help to enhance the durability of sensitive areas on a cable, which means you won’t have to be buying a new set of patch cables every few months because your other ones broke. Ideally, cables with all metal plugs should last you for several years. They are more expensive however, so you may or may not benefit from them depending on your situation.
For example, if you only have two pedals you’ll only need one patch cable. You can buy a six pack of generic patch cables for $5-$7 which will last you for a few months per cable, so it really just depends on your needs. They are more expensive than other options, but they’re also more durable and utilize higher quality materials.The Hosa IRG-600.5 Low-Profile Right-Angle Guitar Patch Cables are made for musicians who require a lot of durability out of their patch cables. They are more expensive however, so musicians who don’t gig or travel with their equipment consistently might be better off going with a cheaper product.Mogami 1.5RR Gold Patch CableA high-end manufacturer of instrument and pro-sound cables, Mogami is arguably one of the names when it comes to cables for musicians. Mogami’s story begins decades ago, when the company’s R&D division began researching the causes of audible variance within different signal cables. Much like other high-end cables, the results of Mogami’s research were dubbed controversial as the majority of engineers at the time believed that the majority of cables (provided they were properly made) were the same.However, as they say the proof is in the pudding.
There’s a wide variety of notable professional musician who use Mogami cables exclusively, some of which include: Peter Frampton, Slash, The Blue Man Group, Dave Mustaine, Imagine Dragons, Crosby Stills and Nash, Jerry Horton, and Nick Raskulinecz (three-time Grammy award winner and the record producer for Alice in Chains, Deftones, and Rush).Mogami undoubtedly owes a large portion of their success to their design philosophy. They’re goal is to produce a wide variety of products that solve different issues faced both by musicians and audio engineers.
They’re aware that there’s no perfect choice when it comes to recording because there are so many factors at play, so they dedicated themselves to producing a wide enough array of products that they’d be able to alleviate most of the problems commonly encountered in live sound, performance, and recording.The first thing you need to know about this cable is that it’s aimed at professional musicians who require a crystal-clear sound quality. As such, they use the finest materials that are commercially viable. However, it’s arguably that a lot of musicians wouldn’t really benefit from this. Unless you’re working a professional recording studio or gigging to large audiences you may not notice the effect that this cable will have on your signal.
Problems like this are amplified tremendously in a professional setting and not readily apparent if you’re playing a smaller show or just jamming out in your room.That’s not to say that the cable is all snake oil however. There are a lot of really great features packed into this product. The inclusion of a gold-plated plug isn’t really going to affect the majority of musicians, because the difference between a gold plug and a standard plug is relatively minimal.The real utility of this cable is the quality of the shielding and the durable construction. Shielding is the most important part of a cable because it helps prevent the introduction of different frequencies into your signal. This helps to reduce unwanted noise and buzz, which depending on the situation may actually turn out to be a very noticeable change in your rig.The durability of the cable is also widely lauded among professional circles, which likely plays a heavy role in their adoption in a wide array of major label studios. In fact, most people cite the durability of Mogami as the main reason why they chose to invest in these cables. The only concern is that the cable can tend to be a bit inflexible, but this is obviously going to depend on the situation it’s used in.
For smaller pedal boards a shorter cable may be more ideal than this 18” model.Lastly, all Mogami cables come with a “No Excuse” warranty. This means that at any time if you’re experiencing trouble with a cable that you purchased from a licensed reseller you can receive a replacement. You have the option to either swap out your cable at a participating Mogami dealer or to ship your cable back to Mogami and have a replacement sent back.This cable is definitely more expensive than similarly outfitted products, which isn’t ideal if you’re on a tight budget. However, the no questions asked warranty makes this cable way more attractive at its price point because regardless if it becomes damaged or you happen to receive a lemon you can get a replacement for free.Donner Pedal CouplerPatch cables are so ubiquitous in the eyes of modern guitar players that many of us forget that there is even another option available. While patch cables may inherently be more flexible, they do create a lot of waste space.
They’re also not known for being the most durable piece of equipment around, which requires musicians to constantly be repurchasing cables to ensure that they’re always going to be able to use their pedals without fear of any technical mishaps.Thankfully, there is another option available: couplers! Couplers are kind of like patch cables, except they aren’t really cables. They’re just the two male ends of the patch cable sandwiched together, which while they aren’t as maneuverable as patch cables they are definitely way more rugged.A notable producer of couplers is Donner, who with their Donner Pedal Coupler ¼ Inch For Guitar Effect Pedal Connector has given musicians a great option that many probably weren’t even aware that they had.So the first thing you need to know about these couplers is that they’re arguably one of the best options available for those of you with a lot of pedals. Pedals tend to be arranged in rows, so rather than sacrificing valuable real-estate on your pedal board by using patch cables, use these to take advantage of the layout of your pedals.And though this type of accessory may not be incredibly common, it really does perform the same function of a patch cable.
This coupler in particular is guaranteed to be compatible with Boss, Marshall, Korg, Dunlop, and Fender effects pedals. This also means that it should work with the majority of pedals on the market today, as the vast majority of them use the same inputs and outputs.Another thing to note about couplers when compared to patch cables is that they dramatically shorten your signal chain. Basically, the more cable you run the more high-end frequency response you’re going to lose, which in turn results in a lack of clarity.
This can be especially frustrating in large venues, where because of the size you need an excessively clear and articulate tone in order to be heard by your audience.Even better, it means that you don’t have to invest in as large of a pedal board. With the space you save by using couplers you could easily squeeze another pedal or two onto most reasonably sized pedal boards, which can help to increase the overall flexibility of your rig without necessitating a large investment.Because this coupler is straight it works best with pedals of the same height, so if you happen to use pedals with a higher than average casing you may not get the best results. However, if you happen to predominately use pedals from one manufacturer you’re not likely to run into problems.Because couplers are less popular than patch cords, you wouldn’t be remiss in being hesitant to try them out. However, they’re only going to cost you $10 bucks (so long as prices remain consistent).
So while you obviously can’t be sure if they’re going to work for you until you try them, considering the low price they’re at least worth a shot if you’re trying to save space on a cramped pedal board.Pedal couplers are an important addition to the rig of any guitar player, and the ones made by Donner are incredibly affordable and just as well made as any similar product.Lava Cable TightropeIf you’re a musician, odds are that you already know what your dream instrument is. And what your dream amp is (if you use an amp). We think about what kind of band we’d like to play in, the songs we’d like to write, how if we work hard enough one day we’ll be able to travel the country playing our music.One thing we never think about is patch cables. They’re really not an exciting subject, and many of us just purchase what’s cheap and hope that it lasts long enough to get us through a few gigs. We never stop to consider the effect it may be having on our tone, or the results that we’d get if we invested in even a moderately better cable.So if you think you’ve hit a plateau in your tone and the clarity of your instruments signal, it might be time to invest in a higher quality patch cable. Thankfully, Lava Tightrope’s Patch Cable with Premium Gold Plating has got you covered.The defining feature of these cables is the company’s commitment to utilizing both high quality components and a low profile design. It’s not that these cables use unheard of technology, it’s just that the designs implemented are done so with a higher degree of fidelity and a more astute attention to detail that what you’d find with a budget minded option.The cables themselves are professionally hand soldered with a proprietary 4% silver solder blend, which was developed in house by the company World’s Best Cables.
They also use a proprietary nitrogen assisted soldering process, which is exclusively used by the company and works to create a cable with an impressive amount of joint integrity. The company exclusive process ensures that the cables exceed the highest industry standards, which results in a cable which is many times more durable than many of the products offered by its competitors.The low profile of the cables will also come in handy if you happen to use a large amount of pedals, because once you get to the point where you’re using even five or six pedals it can be a bit overwhelming to make sure they’re all properly hooked up and still fit on your pedal board. That’s why the cables utilize a pancake design, which helps to limit the amount of space that they take up.If you’re gigging professionally and you need a cable that delivers a great performance regardless of the situation you’re going to get a lot more value out of these than someone who generally plays at home. You can also rest assured that these cables are incredibly unlikely to let you down at inopportune times, which also helps to offset their cost. By being more reliable than your standard cable they can actually end up saving you money, because you won’t have to worry about your professional reputation taking a hit due to technical problems.These cables are great if you’re a professional musician, or if you have the money to afford a cable that you know is always going to perform well. However, while they are a great product the majority of weekend warrior musicians and bedroom guitarists likely are not going to be getting their money’s worth with this purchase because they require less from their gear.
So in short, they’re great if you can afford them or if you’re a professional but there are cheaper options available for hobbyists.