Good patch chord plugs?

I like amphenol plugs, they are soldered.

 

The Lave mini ELC kit is great if you go solderless. Nice, full, balanced signal and the tiniest plugs I've ever used. Contrary to some reviews, I found them simple to construct, getting the hang of it after a couple tries, haven't failed me yet.

 

http://www.speakerrepair.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=genem&Product_Code=32-232x20

 

I dig the skinny plugs..

 

highest recommendations


If not soldered, than I would use Lava Cable.

 

GLS pancake plugs!

 

I am partial to G&H....

 

They can, but it actually depends on the orientation of the plugs. I use the GLS pancake plugs on my boards, and most of my pedals are top-mounted jacks. Pedals such as the Blackstone overdrive have the DC power outlet between the jacks, you do have to consider the size power cable end in this instance. Sometimes you have to use a straight plug for the power cable to accommodate the tight space, or other smaller profile power plugs.

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Yeah, they can. They are also not the best choice of plugs to go into loopers, with those jacks being so darn close together. How you orient the plugs can help you squeeze those power supply adapters in between nicely. But it can be real inconvenient if you don't use risers for your pedals. Aside from this, they are great for tight boards. I've saved quite a bit of room using these plugs.

 

are these the ones that come with the soldered kits?

 

You'll be fine w/ Switchcraft or any similar plug.

 

If you need smaller plugs,the Switchcraft 380`s work really well, although they`re not the easiest to find.

 

Good timing! I want to pick up some of these and some quality cable. Where can I find some instructions or photos on how to put them together? I know.... Newb here.

 

Good small straight plugs. But no cable retainers like the 280 plugs, you really need to make sure you use some heat shrink tubing.

They are hard to find, when I order them, I usually order much more than I need for that reason. The prices on the 380 plugs are not the most reasonable, and in most cases, the shipping cost as well. The 380 usually coost @ $4/ea depending on the quantity you buy. I did just order some for $2.80/ea but have to wait a little longer for them to come in from Switchcraft. It's worth the wait for that price.

The barrel length of the 380 plugs are 1" long. As nice as they are short, a good right angle plug works better in most pedalboard situations.

 

Center cable gets soldered to the tip. Sleeve wire(spiral or braided) to the ground lead of the plug.

 

Just ordered 40 pancakes from Orange County... now to find some wire. I'm convinced I can do this... with the forum's help of course! I recall seeing some pics of the process of soldering pancake connectors somewhere before- can anyone help?

Also,
What's the consensus on wires for patch cables. I plan ob buying about 30 feet in bulk to account for the mistakes I'm sure to make. I have a hobby solder set-up....do I need anything else?

Thanks a bunch,
newbie out.

 

Here you go. Just make sure with the GLS plugs, you are soldering the sleeve to the ground lug and not against the wall of the plug. You could go against the wall, but there's no point if there's already a lug for it.

Just make sure you have a good amount of rosin core solder on hand, maybe some desoldering wick in case you mess up, a set of pliers, a third hand, and some peaceful background music and you should be good for the next hour or 2 of soldering patches.

Wires are personal preference. Some like Canare, but some think they are too dark. Some like Mogami, but others think it's too clear. Mogami wires are popular here, especially buying in bulk, due to their transparency and smaller gauge which is perfect for boards. Again, all preference, and you may have to do more research in terms of what you'd like more. There are other bulk wire companies out there but Canares and Mogamis are among the popular ones here.