When it comes to guitar cables, there are numerous options out there – but which should you purchase? This article outlines all of the important considerations when purchasing one.
These cables are extremely rugged and well-designed. Utilizing a carbon-infused polymer sub-shield and dense braided shield to reduce handling noise and interference, they come in various lengths with optional angled jack options for improved signal reception.
Conductor
Conductors in guitar cables serve to transmit signal from your guitar to its amplifier. They typically consist of an inner wire that acts as positive signal, plus an outer shield conductor and various insulators; material and thickness choices of conductors may have significant bearing on sound quality.
Plugs that terminate cables are another essential factor in how they perform. To maximize performance, choose strain relief plugs with gold-plated contacts that offer greater reliability over time and will not degrade with usage. It may also be worth purchasing sets of strain relief plugs to prevent loose cables – these will prevent future replacement costs as well!
If you’re searching for a durable cable that will stand the test of time, look no further than Mogami Gold Series cables. Rated highly by professional musicians, they come in various lengths to meet any situation or situational requirement and even come with a lifetime warranty! Its quality and durability speak for themselves!
This cable is constructed using oxygen-free copper and features a black and gold Neutrik plug – making it the ideal choice for musicians looking to enhance their tone. The high-quality design ensures clear sound reproduction, while its low capacitance prevents interference from hindering signal quality.
Vox’s vintage-style coiled cable has an exquisite vintage aesthetic and has proven a favorite with Slash and Zakk Wylde, both of whom appreciate both its looks and quality. While suitable for short runs, longer ones might need an interference filter because cell phones and amplifiers may cause interference issues along the route.
The Planet Waves American Stage offers excellent value for its price point. Featuring strong braiding and low handling noise levels, its unique tip design fits all types of jacks snugly for optimal performance and is made even more robust by featuring an indestructible heavy-duty shield frame with low picofarads levels.
Shielding
Shielding can play a pivotal role in the quality of guitar cables, providing separation between their core conductor and dielectric insulator. Shielding can have a tremendous effect on tone, so it is vitally important that it plays its part when selecting your cable. A good shielding will block out noise and interference while poor quality shielding may allow them in.
Shielding also prevents static electricity from building up within the cable, which could alter your tone by picking up on different frequencies in audio signals. Therefore, it is crucial that any cheap cables without shielding be avoided in order to preserve your audio quality.
Keep the thickness of the cable itself in mind when shopping for guitar cables. Although thicker cables tend to be more durable, they may reduce sound quality of your instrument. Thicker cables tend to be heavier and bulkier which could result in losing some clarity; this should not be a major concern for most guitarists.
There are various guitar cable options available to you depending on your budget and needs, with popular options including:
Mogami Gold series cables are an excellent starting point for beginners, constructed of oxygen-free copper with gold-plated Neutrik connectors for maximum durability and longevity. Available in multiple length options for both live and recording applications.
Planet Waves American Stage cable is another fantastic choice, constructed of high-grade oxygen-free copper and featuring gold-plated Neutrik connectors. This flexible yet durable cable boasts low capacitance with low leakage rate of 28 Picofarads per foot for ultimate reliability and versatility.
If budget is an issue, the Ernie Ball Professional Series cable may be your perfect option. Made with heavy-duty framed shielding to block microphonic noise and featuring a coil design for ease of use on stage. Plus, its vintage aesthetic adds extra character!
Cable Length
A guitar cable transmits an unamplified signal from a guitar to an amplifier for further amplification, where it becomes usable. A good quality cable should do just this without losing signal to ground or picking up external electromagnetic interference, and must have sufficient capacitance. Capacitance measures how well electricity in its core (which carries audio signal) stays contained and doesn’t leak out to ground; lower capacitance ratings indicate better cables but are often difficult to gauge based solely on price alone.
One of the key factors affecting capacitance in cables is length. Shorter cables often perform better due to less chance of signal leakage; longer ones also tend to roll off some top frequencies, altering your tone negatively.
An important consideration when purchasing a guitar cable is its construction and material. A high-quality guitar cable should have a solid copper core to transmit signals precisely; furthermore, dielectric insulators should keep any metal from touching its copper core which could interfere with electrical current; gold dielectrics are best but cheaper ones could use steel or other materials instead.
An ideal guitar cable must feature a tangle-resistant and durable jacket to provide optimal performance, and strong connectors, which connect directly to an amp or guitar and can make an impactful statement about sound quality. Gold connectors would be preferable, though other high-grade materials could suffice.
The Ernie Ball American Stage guitar cable offers excellent performance and durability, featuring two conductors which deliver ultra-clear tones with crisp highs and tight mids while its multiple shielding design helps reduce handling noise and hum. Many musicians recommend it, making this cable an affordable solution that stands the test of time.
Price
Many guitarists don’t realize it, but a guitar cable is one of the most essential accessories a guitarist needs to own. It serves as the conduit between your amp and instrument and should always be of premium quality to ensure signal transfer between amp and instrument, thus justifying additional spending for premium cable purchases; but your premium purchase will pay dividends with superior sound transfer and long lifespan benefits.
Quality cables feature a core conductor surrounded by copper shielding to reduce electromagnetic interference that could distort your tone, as well as an outer braided jacket made of tangle-resistant material and strain relief plugs to avoid splitting under stress; additionally, choosing plugs that feature gold plating is recommended in order to improve their electrical contact and enhance electrical conduction between ends of the cable.
Mogami Gold series cables are among the highest-rated cables on the market, frequently appearing on best-of lists and offering outstanding sound transfer, quality connectors and lifetime coverage. Their price may be somewhat steep; however, considering they will outlive most other cables. Additionally, their lifetime guarantee ensures peace of mind should something go wrong!
Warm Audio Pro Silver cable is an excellent value for the money and features low capacitance, an extremely flexible construction, dual shielded conductor design and multiple colors to match your rig. Plus it’s tangle resistant!
Other considerations also play an integral role when selecting the ideal cable to purchase, including your personal preferences and what length and color suits your lifestyle. All these questions must be asked of yourself prior to making any definitive decisions about what cable to purchase.