Connectors take the most strain when plugging and unplugging cables, so it is vital to have high quality Neutrik connectors, among the best available in the industry.
These cables feature low capacitance to ensure a clear guitar signal is transmitted, as well as being well shielded to reduce noise pollution and ensure silence during use.
1. Gold-Plated Connectors
Gold-plated connectors are relatively new additions that first began appearing on guitar cables during the late 1980s and in electrical hardware shops like Tandy (Radio Shack in the US). Gold is renowned for its beauty, rarity, durability and nonreactivity; making it perfect for use in electrical connectors as they won’t rust or tarnish like its counterparts copper, brass and nickel plating would. Gold offers superior corrosion resistance when compared to these options.
As opposed to more budget-oriented cables made of nickel-plated brass and minimal gold plating, Gibson instrument cables feature premium, high-purity copper conductors encased by a gold-plated outer jacket for maximum performance and durability. When coupled with right-angle connectors they ensure optimal signal transmission while minimising cable capacitance and noise interference.
These premium cables have been engineered to withstand the demands of professional performance while offering exceptional tone with an inaudible background noise level allowing your guitar to shine through. Their durable construction and sheath, RoHS compliance, reflect Gibson’s dedication to environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.
Jack plugs play an indispensable role in sound quality when connecting guitar cables to amplifiers or pedals, since they connect them directly. Poor-quality jacks may lead to distortion or noise in the signal; while those made with silver plating last far longer while providing optimal signal transfer.
Many guitarists opt for two guitar cables: one between their guitar and amp and pedals and one running from there to them. Each should be approximately 10-20 feet in length so as to allow free movement on stage while moving seamlessly from point A to B without needing to unplug and replug cable each time.
Although budget guitar cables can be found for under $25, their lower cost means the quality of wiring and sheathing may be inferior compared to more costly models. To extend their lifespan and ensure they last as long as possible, take care to coil them neatly without leaving kinks, avoid direct sunlight or heat sources for too long and protect from heat sources or exposure as much as possible.
2. Spiral Shielding
A cable’s shield protects against interference from outside electromagnetic signals, making your guitar signal clearer and cleaner. Common materials for shields include copper and braided or foil wrap options – with braided shields offering greater shielding efficiency while foil wrap being less costly but less effective.
The center conductor of your cable is charged with intercepting and transmitting your guitar’s signal, while transferring it to its intended destination. A good core can be made of solid or stranded copper; solid cores tend to be thicker and require insulation with high-grade jacketing.
Thicker gauge wire can accommodate higher current loads than thin cables, as well as transmit more stable signals over longer distances. Furthermore, their resistance to bending reduces chances of them breaking over time.
When purchasing cables, ensure they offer adequate insulation and thick jacketing that can withstand abrasion and nicking. Also look for one with corrosion-resistant connectors that won’t become stiff over time.
Connectors used in cables also play an integral part in how well they perform, so look for ones made of gold (the best choice) or copper. Furthermore, choose cables with durable high-grade plastic or rubber coating that’s smooth to reduce tangling.
Most people use their cables for gigs, which requires them to withstand frequent yanking, tight curves, and repeated bending. Spiral shielding is less prone to breaking than braided shielding while foil foil can handle twisting more effectively than spiral.
3. Wide Gauge
As its name implies, this cable is specially constructed to be as thick and flexible as possible without becoming bulky. This helps avoid tangling problems associated with longer cables while giving more rigidity for ease of coiling at nighttime.
Connectors on guitar cables experience the highest stress, so it is crucial that they be of high-quality. Neutrik connectors, known for their durability and superior sound quality, are an ideal way to do this; their corrosion-resistance means your cable should outlive other plastic connectors for years if cared for properly.
Consider capacitance when purchasing guitar cables. Capacitance refers to the amount of electrical charge carried by cables, with higher capacitances potentially diminishing your guitar tone clarity. High-quality cables tend to use polyethylene insulation which has significantly less capacitance than thermosets or other cheap materials.
Guitar cables typically fall within a 25-foot limit for good reason; any longer may become increasingly noisy over time and degrade your signal and tone quality. Although high-end manufacturers may offer longer cables at an increased price tag.
Gibson offers this high-quality yet budget-friendly cable as an excellent solution for providing sound quality on a tight budget. Featuring heavy duty framed connectors that can withstand considerable pressure while the angled jacks help minimise tangling, the cable itself is made from durable materials that easily coil back up after use, and each connector has an enjoyable “click” when slotted into an output jack.
4. Authentic Connectors
Neutrik’s premium audio cables use connectors from the same manufacturer, so you can trust that this one lives up to their high standards. Cheap cables often feature cheap plastic ends that don’t stand up well against wear and tear; in contrast, this cord’s metal connectors were built for longevity – plus, their decreased likelihood of corrosion can help your tone travel from guitar to amp or pedals more efficiently.
Thick-gauge construction gives this cable an unwaveringly solid feel, helping prevent unwanted tangling. Plus, its reasonable price makes it ideal for anyone on a tight budget or who just needs extra cables for practice or gigs. Choose between length options of pedalboard-friendly 10 to 20 feet to find what best fits your rig.
This dual-conductor design cable with 95% oxygen-free copper helps eliminate “tone suck,” an issue common to coiled cables. Furthermore, its protective outer shield reduces vibrational impacts to inner conductors.
If you prefer vintage styles, this cable may be perfect. Built to work with vintage amplifiers and constructed with high-quality materials like those found on vintage guitars themselves, it has long been used by guitarists on stage and stands the elements and tough treatment associated with daily performance. It is extremely durable too; standing up well against frequent use on stages around the world.
One telltale sign of an inferior guitar cable is its use of plastic ends that don’t last, which can compromise signal integrity and decrease dynamic range and high frequencies. When purchasing new cables, make sure they feature solid metal connectors like those found here.
A standard 1/4″ instrument cable features two conductors – with TIP1 carrying positive signal and SLEEVE2 providing negative ground. A TRS (also known as stereo) cable builds upon this design by adding an extra conductor, ring 3, which allows one cable to carry two channels of audio – perfect for connecting guitars to pedalboards or effects devices.