Cable recommendations.

[AlexDelores]

Apologies if this is something that has already been covered on multiple threads (but hasn’t most stuff?)

 

But, I’m looking for 1/4” cable recommendations, AND XLR recommendations, preferably a company that offers some warranty on the products.

 

We’ve been smashing through Fender guitar leads over the past 12 months and we’ve been having a few issues with XLR’s and I realise it’s probably because we just replace cheap rubbish with more cheap rubbish. 

 

So, I need to upgrade our cables. 

 

Any recommendations appreciated.

 

TIA,

Alex 

[itu]

Calling @Chienmortbb.

 

Basics: any fender, toss it. Use quality silicone cable (Sommer, Cordial...) and Neutrik plugs and XLRs. 

[tauzero]

I've had excellent cables from custom-lynx on Ebay. kenable_ltd on Ebay also do a wide range of cables at assorted quality levels - I've always gone for the higher quality ones and not been disappointed, and it's where I get my phono and 3.5mm jack leads. I also make my own (Van Damme cable and Neutrik/Rean connectors).

[spyder]

I can also highly recommend Custom-Lynx on eBay or if you are feeling particularly indulgent I would go for my favourite cable brand..... Vovox. 

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/vovox_sonorus_protect_a350_kliwikl.htm

 

 

[stevie]

John's @Chienmortbbcables are impeccably assembled in the UK using Neutrik plugs (no Chinese ripoffs or imitations) and high-quality cable. A guitar cable is such a critical component, it's worth buying the best. 

[three]

I've had very good results with Designacable, and especially these:

 

https://www.designacable.com/mogami-ultimate-3368-guitar-cable-all-neutrik-1-4-mono-jack-types-low-capacitance.html

 

Not a cheap option, but flexible, very well constructed and apparently robust.  

 

Vovox look excellent, though if venturing into that kind of territory, Evidence Audio also offer an exceptional range.  The Lyric HG is very stiff and I wouldn't recommend it for general live use (though superb for recording).  The Forte is a heavy cable, but perfectly flexible and again, characterised by exceptional build quality and robustness.

 

Lots of good advice in the posts above too.

[Owen]

Many of my Neutrik/decent cable leads are older than this millennium. There is little point in using anything cheaper. Of course, there are other equally good options, but decent quality costs. But it is always cheaper in the long run. 

 

One question, how are you winding/storing yours?

[Rosie C]

8 minutes ago, Owen said:

... decent quality costs. But it is always cheaper in the long run. 

Sam Vimes Boots theory!

[Matt P]

i'm a klotz fan, bought some ready made ones 20-odd years ago and they lasted very well, i'm now making my own with Klotz AC110 and Neutrik plugs, I've got a few made with Van Damme as well and it's up there for quality (and more flexible than the AC110)

 

the suggestion for using @Chienmortbb is a good one, they have taken over from obbm for custom made leads (my speaker cables are all obbm-made)

 

for XLR I would suggest Lynx, I've had a few from them when i've needed something i've not had the supplies to make myself and they've been top notch.

 

@Owen's question about coiling and storage is an important one, even the best cable hasn't got a chance if it's not properly looked after, and I've had cheap cables last very well with careful handling.

 

Matt

[Chienmortbb]

On 26/08/2025 at 22:23, AlexDelores said:

Apologies if this is something that has already been covered on multiple threads (but hasn’t most stuff?)

 

But, I’m looking for 1/4” cable recommendations, AND XLR recommendations, preferably a company that offers some warranty on the products.

 

We’ve been smashing through Fender guitar leads over the past 12 months and we’ve been having a few issues with XLR’s and I realise it’s probably because we just replace cheap rubbish with more cheap rubbish. 

 

So, I need to upgrade our cables. 

 

Any recommendations appreciated.

 

TIA,

Alex 

Hi Alex,

 

All these recommendations on here will serve you well, however, avoid the Vovox cables. Snake oil at best. 

 

To start with, especially in an instrument cable the most important part is the cable. Whether is low loss or ease of coiling. The other thing to keep in mind is length. I sell three types, Sommer Tricone 2, Sommer Tricone XXL and Sommer Spirit LLX. Over 6 metres I would always use the Spirit LLX, it is very low loss and coils really well. It is a bit thicker than the other two, but that is the price you pay for low capacitance, low loss. The upside is it is so easy to coil. 

 

Up to 6 metres, you can choose either of the other two. The Tricone 2 is a nice cable and recommended for general use, the Tricone is slightly stiffer and as a result does not twist or tangle as easily as others. Connectors, for instruments, if you want a cable to last, use Neutrik Jacks. They use conductors that are made from a single piece of metal. One of the biggest failures in jack plugs/cables is riveted plugs. If you are going to be a bit rough with your cables, chucking them about etc, avoid Silent Plugs. 

 

XLR/ Balanced cables. By using balanced cables, you avoid many of the issues of the ones noted above for instrument leads. Again Neutrik make the best XLR connectors, although the choice of make is not so crucial here. For cable, I stock two types, Cobra, a budget cable and Sommer Stage 22 thinner than the Cobra and slightly better specified. 

 

I will send you an instrument lead price list later, and can give you a quote for XLR cables once you tell me your exact requirements.

 

[Stub Mandrel]

After two leads failed at one gig due to jack disintegration, my three main cases all have cables with Neutrik connectors in them (switching type at one end).

 

I have couple of Sommer cables but also happy to upgrade favourite well-perfming cables with Neutrik connectors if the old jacks are dodgy.

 

I have a Chienmort cable which is very nice and noiseless, but use it at home as the braided cable is rather stiff for stage use (he does more flexible ones).

 

For less critical uses such as on my practice amps or even for pedal board to amp, I use less expensive cables: Kirlin gel are nice. The more expensive incarnations of Tourtech and Stagg using 'Neutrik-like jacks' are usable but not as durable.

 

I have a couple of Fenders but wouldn't trust them for stage use as the stress relief seems very poor.

[AlexDelores]

Thanks for everyone’s suggestions and advice. I’ll take a look over the weekend. @Chienmortbb I’ll drop you a DM now.

 

Very good point from everyone regarding storage. Up until a couple of months ago. All cables were stored (squashed) into our Stanley lead (tool) box.

 

I’ve now made a point of splitting out our vocal XLR’s in a hard case with the vocal pedals. And guitar leads are now stored in guitar gig bags. Mine are stored in my box with my B6.

 

The newer XLR cables with vocals are coiled in a circle and Velcro wrapped, as our my bass leads. But, the other (and all up until recently) are figure of 8 and wrapped around themselves. I was taught this was the correct way of doing it when i was younger. But, recently, working with some Stage management companies, they all seemed to circlular coil theres.

 

Thanks all.

Alex

 

 

[itu]

38 minutes ago, AlexDelores said:

And guitar leads are now stored in guitar gig bags. Mine are stored in my box with my B6.

My first bass lesson was a shout: 

"Where's your cable!" 

 

Now I carry at least one in every gig bag I have. And one for the g-word player who... 

Edited 45 minutes ago by itu