In the life of a practicing guitar player, the instrument cable can be a seemingly small decision that makes a lot of difference. If it’s not getting in your way or shorting out at the worst possible time, the instrument cable should simply do its job -- connect your electric guitar to the loudest thing you can find.
There are thousands of choices out there, but whatever you choose, rest assured that you can’t screw it up as long as it works. Just make sure it fits your sound, style, and budget.
The most important factors in choosing new cables are the price, the sound quality, the durability, and the style. Occasionally you will want a cool color, a unique wrap, or a high performance sound, but not always. Strip away all the bells and whistles and the cables you choose simply need to connect your gear.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Guitar Cables
- OUR TOP PICK: GLS Audio 20 Foot Guitar Instrument Cable
- Mogami GOLD Guitar Cable
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Jolgoo 1/4 Inch Cable Guitar Cable
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Guitar Cable
Here is a blurb from an article courtesy of Ultimate Guitar Tabs The Truth Behind Guitar Cables that really sheds some light on the finer points of a quality cable:
Shielding
To keep interference from reaching the "hot" center conductor where the signal is passing, the copper "shield" covers the conductive core. The shield is usually formed of braided copper, and a low transfer impedance to the ground is the sought-after quality.
Insulation
The copper conductor must be insulated to preserve signal quality, and of course to protect the user. Most insulation is made from thermoset (rubber and neoprene) or thermoplastic (polyethylene and polypropylene) materials spread over the conductor, then vulcanized. Insulation doesn't affect signal quality and is usually standardized across cables. The thickness does, however, determine cable flexibility.
Protection Against 60-Cycle Hum
Many cables, especially higher-priced ones, advertise a strong protection against electrical hum. The sad truth though is that this hum (sourced from 60 and 120Hz frequencies from power sources) are usually low enough in frequency to be stopped by anything but a ferrous metal component. The best defense against hum is to keep coiled-up excess cable stored away from power sources such as amplifiers and power splitters.
Connecting Ends
We've all seen the attractive gold-plated connectors on some big-name brands. And of course, if it's gold, it's better... right? While many people believe that gold-plated connectors are "better", they don't know why. Gold is an attractive anti-corrosion element, but signal-wise, there is no benefit of having one connector over the other at the frequency range for instruments.
Are All Guitar Cables The Same?
There are many choices when it comes to guitar cables, so you may be wondering if there is a difference. Many factors can impact the overall quality of sound and performance. Even the products that we list below have key differences between them.
Guitar cables can vary when it comes to the jack itself, as you may find different size jack connectors. There is the traditional headphone jack style; you also have RCA connectors, as well as XLR connections. The guitar cables can also differ in shielding. Some will have braided, and some may be foiled. Then there is an electrostatic shield that can cause a considerable difference in quality and durability.
Some other things that may differ from cable to cable are:
Insulation Material
Often this boils down to whether it is insulated with a thermoplastic or good old fashioned rubber.
Thermoplastic (Source)
Conductor Design
There are primarily two basic styles with this factor; you have either a solid conductor or a stranded conductor.
Length
The simplest difference is length. Some may think this has nothing to do with the overall sound quality, but it certainly does. (See Aspects section for more detailed information on most of these differences.)
How Many Cables Do I Need?
It’s always better to make more with less. If you play basement solos with a single guitar and a classic amp, then you might not need more than one or two quality cables. Buy a middle-road option and pick something that you really like.
On the other hand, if you are a member of a larger group of musicians, poor cables can make a small problem into a headache. I recommend choosing a cheap set to keep at home and a flashy, expensive set for the shows. This way, the wear and tear is shared and all your gear is right where you need it to be.
Also don’t forget to label your new cables when playing a public venue. The quick and easy way is to wrap some tape around the connectors with your initials. It’s much easier to keep track of your stuff and avoid awkward conversations with sound guys with sticky fingers.
Comparison of the Best Guitar Cables
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Best Budget Option  |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
 |
| View Latest Price → |
Review of the Best Guitar Cables
Alright, we know it is not the cool part of being a musician, but if you are a musician, you know how vital a suitable cable can be. So, with that in mind, we set about carefully crafting a detailed list of the best guitar cables available. We think we have gotten a pretty comprehensive list that will have something for everyone. So, let’s look and see what you think:
Best Overall:
GLS Audio 20 Foot Guitar Instrument Cable
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The users of this cable seem to love the innovative design that allows for versatility in equipment choice. Built with a durable high-grade design, these cables seem to serve their buyers pretty darn well. That said, there are a few customers that take issue with some of the individual part durability, such as the connectors. It also tends to drive them crazy that it twists and kinks easily.
What Recent Buyers Report
The attention to detail in crafting this cable is what stands out to us. With double shielding to decrease frequency interference and sturdy cloth that will help lengthen the life of this cable, you are guaranteed a high-quality sound. Plus, the innovative convertible plug system means that you have more selection of instrument use with less gear.
Who Will Use This Most
Musicians who use multiple guitars that each have a different plug system will get the best use out of this product. This cord is great for the guitarist that uses several brands and guitars to create their music. This is especially good for touring guitarists as it means less equipment, as well as a more durable cord that can take the beatings that happen when going from gig to gig.
Bottom Line
When you are looking for high quality and return on your investment, then the GLS Audio guitar cable is your best choice. With its innovative design combined with its high-grade materials, you have a high-performing, long-lasting cable that will help produce better sound in the end.
Runner-up:
Mogami GOLD Guitar Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, our runner-up is considered to be a great choice. With its superior shielding and consistent reliability, this cable will only serve to add quality and better tonality to your music. The reduction of noise and the secure fitting plug make this an all-around excellent choice for almost any musician. Some do feel it is a little pricey for what you get, and there are a few that have an issue with attenuation in certain tones. However, recent buyers seem to back our opinion that this is one of the best options around.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best thing is to get a piece of equipment that makes you sound better. Let’s face it, you can be the best player in the world and still have questionable sound without the right gear. Well, not with this cable, and that is why this stands out to us.
Who Will Use This Most
With its limited noise, this model is best suited for the studio musician that wants a durable and versatile cable. The tone of the guitar, whether you are playing acoustic or electric, is improved, which is why this cable from Mogami is an excellent choice for anyone laying down tracks in a studio environment.
Bottom Line
This is a well-rated, high-performing cable that brings a lot to the table, including improved tonality of your sound. So, if that is something that you want, then choosing this as your go-to guitar cable is a great choice.
Best for the Money:
Jolgoo 1/4 Inch Cable Guitar Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
With less interference and noise, this cable is a great steal for the price. Customers also love the addition of the plastic cable jacket for a little extra durability and extension of the cable’s life. Though it seems almost unanimous that this is a great deal, there are some reported issues regarding the flexibility of the cord and the length of the angled tip, which appears to be a bit too long. All in all, though, it is a great choice; that seems to be the sentiment.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Sometimes budget ends up being the only thing you can think about, and that is why this cable stands out for us. Getting such high quality for such a low price means that this is by far the best choice for your money. Though there may be a few flaws, this cable far surpasses them and makes it easy to say yes to this cable.
Who Will Use This Most
The budget-minded studio musician is who we feel will get the most out of this model. With the ability to choose the cable type you need, the heightened sound quality and that low price, even the budget-conscious musician living will be able to afford a great quality guitar cable.
Bottom Line
In the end, the only way the struggling musician will throw off the shackles of the tight budget is by being able to produce quality sound. That is precisely what this cable offers and why it made it on our list of the best guitar cables available.
Best Wireless Guitar Cable:
Xvive U2 Guitar Wireless System
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users love the fact that much like people are doing with television, they can join the masses in cord-cutting. Everything is going wireless, so why not guitar cables as well? The connectivity and range make this product easy to use in a wide range of locations. Though there have been some issues with busy venues causing slight interference, for the most part, this cable is a winner.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Simply put, it is all about wireless today. Having a company develop a wireless guitar cable system means musicians won't have to contend with miles of cables as they perform. That, coupled with the great quality sound, means the world to the modern guitarist.
Who Will Use This Most
This is great for the guitarist looking to minimize their equipment while allowing them to be more free with their movement. A musician who plays small venues where excess cord could be a hazard would also find this a great option. Cutting the cord gives more ability to move and allows for some awesome stage antics.
Bottom Line
This is the way all technology is going, and the introduction of a wireless guitar cable system is not a surprise. It is a welcome addition to the plethora of guitar gear available. It ups the game and sets a new standard that may see traditional cables falling by the wayside. We have yet to see the industry at large leave wired cables behind though, so we still have a few more of those conventional options to discuss.
Best Electric Guitar Cable:
Red Dragon Instrument Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
If you are looking for the best cable for an electric guitar, then recent buyers are saying you've found the right line. Better flexibility and cleaner sounds seem to be the biggest draws. Even with all of its great qualities, there are still a few drawbacks that some customers take issue with. It may not be as long-lasting as other models, and some have experienced some noise when moving around a stage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
To us, the biggest thing that stands out is the overall construction and performance of this electric guitar cable. With the decreased interference using high-quality OFC shielding and the increased flexibility of the cord, this cable is easy to lay without any issues. Many things stand out, but those are the primary factors that led to the inclusion of this cable on our list.
Who Will Use This Most
This cable is great for any guitarist that solely uses electric guitars. With the increased shielding that prevents interference from even the instrument itself, they will be guaranteed a quality sound and an easy to lay cable. The attention to detail in the construction of this cable is impressive.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for the best guitar cable for your electric guitar, then investing in the Red Dragon cable is a good idea. Less tangle and more shielding mean that you will have a nice cable that decreases the risk of interference from surrounding electronics. All of that combined makes this a well-crafted, high-quality option for an electric musician.
Best Bass Guitar Cable:
Mogami Platinum GUITAR-20 Instrument Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers that have already purchased this cable have nothing but good things to say. The high quality of both the interior and exterior materials used is one of the biggest things that most recent buyers love about this cable. That said, there have been a few issues brought up around flatness and attenuation.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It has a strong explosive capability when it comes to the product regarding the music itself. With a nice clarity and purity, this cable stands out for the overall sound quality afforded to the musician that chooses this cable. All these qualities make this cable an impressive option.
Who Will Use This Most
Bassists looking for a high-quality end sound need look no further. The attention to exceptional crafting, this cable has built an option that allows the retention of the deep tones of the bass, and with a clarity and purity to that tone, the bassist will end up with improved sound.
Bottom Line
Making sure your bass has the right sound and tonality is essential. You want to feel the crunch and the vibrations down deep. If you can get a cable that helps enhance and even improve the sound quality of your bass, then why not make that part of your equipment?
Best 1/4 Guitar Cable:
KLIQ Guitar Instrument Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers love the lifetime warranty and the actual performance. This includes the level of noise reduction and the use of high-grade materials. Some may argue with the durability of this cable; for the most part, it is acceptable. There are also some issues reported of amp buzzing when plugged in.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The size of the cable itself and the connector gives it a wide variety of choices. It also allows for better durability and an easier lay of the cable. These are just a few reasons why it stands out to us.
Who Will Use This Most
Any musician will benefit from the durability and performance of this cable. It is excellent for both stage and studio. So, if you are looking for a guitar cable that will end up being a real investment, pick up the KLIQ cable.
Bottom Line
This guitar cable form KLIQ is by far the best ¼ guitar cable for many reasons. It is well-crafted and built with quality materials, both inside and outside. Designed to improve your overall sound, whether you are on stage or in the studio, this cable is a win-win for anyone.
Best Right Angle Guitar Cable:
Pig Hog PCH20BKR Black Woven Instrument Cable
No products found.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There are a lot of things recent buyers love, no the least of which being the availability of the right-angle connector. This is a great, durable, and cool-looking cable that will enhance your performance. This is precisely why this cable is a clear winner of the best right-angle guitar cable. The only downside recent buyers mentioned is concern with the functionality over excessive use and extended times.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This ¼” right angle connector is a great and versatile choice. The overall construction and durability are a great aspect of this cable as well. Then there is the unique exterior design that sets it apart.
Who Will Use This Most
The musician that wants a tight-fitting, highly conductive connector that will help improve the sound will get the most from this cable. This cable will also give the musician less noise, will be easier to store and install, and can last a long time while taking a pounding.
Bottom Line
Considering all that, you can see why we felt it necessary to place this cable on our list of the best guitar cables. With this durable and well-crafted cable from Pig Hog, any musician will feel and hear the difference in the sound quality.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Making decisions that impact the overall quality of your sound and performance when you are a musician is a big deal. This means making sure every part of your equipment is optimal; so, when considering the purchase of guitar cables, care and consideration should be taken. There are certain things that you should consider before buying, and below, we have chosen the ones we think will have the most impact:
Length
Isn't this just about ability too? No. You see, the length of the cable is tied to the noise generated in the end. The more cable you get, the noisier it gets. So, you want to look for the shortest option that will work for you to reduce this risk.
Conductor Material
The transfer of energy has a lot to do with sound quality. With this factor, you have many options, each with its own advantages, but the most common is copper. Even with copper you have multiple varieties like oxygen-free and linear-crystal. With a pure conductor material, you will get better conductivity and therefore a cleaner sound.
Design
This factor has two basic types to choose from:
Solid
This is a conductor that is built consisting of just a single solid wire; it is often cheaper but also less durable.
Stranded
Stranded are designed from several copper threads of the finest size, all twisted together to make one wire. These are stronger in durability, more flexible, and a little bit more expensive.
Shielding
Guitar cables are an unbalanced cable and therefore subject to frequency interference, so you need to include shielding to protect it from that. There are three types of shields:
Braided
This is the best option and works well to cancel out EMI and RFI. It is also the most expensive.
Serve
Still offering excellent protection from those signal interferences, this type of shielding is more flexible and sits in the mid-range when it comes to price.
Foil
This is the least effective and the cheapest option.
Insulation
Without going too far into science stuff, you want a capacitance as low as possible to have a better frequency response and less noise. This is done usually but utilizing one of two materials, polyethylene or rubber.
Popular Guitar Cable Brands
A short list: Conquest, DiMarzio, Fender, Lava, Mogami, Monster, Planet Waves, Premium Audio Cables, Rapco Horizon, Seismic, Spectraflex, World’s Best Cables, etc. The list goes on. Apparently every music brand and their mom got into the business of making instrument cables.
Here is a quick breakdown of some popular choices from Amazon.com. The possibilities are endless, so this comparison is regulated between $10.00 - $100.00. I also decided to limit my choices to 10 foot cables exclusively. By no means is this the only price available, but it helps to highlight the cost trends from company to company.
Planet Waves Custom Series, Right-Angle
Planet Waves represents your most basic choice. It’s composed primarily of plastic with 4k gold-plated plugs. This cable will work for most situations but comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. In my opinion, this is a negative because it implies that the lifespan of the cable is relatively short and will eventually need to be re-soldered or replaced.
A right-angle type connector is ideal for those guitar players with an effect pedal at home. The right-angle works well in keeping cables organized and many players never go back after getting angles.
GLS Audio
This cable stands apart partially because of its braided tweed cloth jacket. It feels much more inviting to the touch and can help your gear stand out in a sea of confusing black cables. This cable has a strong flexibility and durability factor and can even be rolled and stored with ease. For a pricier, objectively cooler option, try the Spectraflex Vintage series.
Dimarzio Instrument Cable
I like this cable because it has a long track record of dependable products and it comes in cool colors. It has few other defining features, but sometimes you just want a red cable to match that candy-apple Fender you just picked up. No judgments.
Mogami Gold
Mogami is defined as a High Definition cable. The price is a bit steep, but it boasts silent handling and a lifetime warranty. That means you could send it back a thousand times and the customer never pays another cent after retail. A quality warranty implies that Mogami created a long-lasting, reliable product in the first place. The cable is made from a unique PVC material that is both flexible and highly durable. Buy if you have the cash to burn.
Divine Noice 50/50 Curly
This unique cable has a heavy-duty, white PVC outer jacket that seems like a balance between curly and straight styles. This cable performs like a champ when playing out because it is designed to lay on top of existing instrument cables. When playing with the full band, it’ll save you the time and hassle of constant tangling.
Conclusion
As you can see, even the cable you use can play a crucial role in the product. This means you want to get the best guitar cable possible for the budget you must work with. Some would even say splurging a bit on the cable would be a great investment. This decision is yours. All we hope is that by giving a good list of potential possibilities and a little knowledge, we have helped you feel tuned in to what you want in a guitar cable.
A good cable cannot make you a better musician; but a bad cable can bring you down. Buy a cable with a full warranty like GLS or Mogami. Pick something that matches your style and preference, and rock on.
