Best
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
-
Overall: The Extra Thick PVC Coating Protects Against Bents
-
Best Feature: Flexible Construction That Prevents Twisting And Kinking And A 90% Copper Coverage Shield.
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
HIGH-QUALITY GUITAR CABLE
-
Overall: Perfect for Any Musician Looking For A Reliable, High-Quality Guitar Cable.
-
Best Feature: Ensuring A Noise-Free Performance With Very Low Picofarads Per Foot (Only 38).
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Best
QUALITY AND CRAFTSMANSHIP
-
Overall: Premium design and quality control
-
Best Feature: A Unique Blend Of Tough Textile Structure, Tangle-Free Movement, And Quality Insulation
-
TedScore™: 9/10
Have you ever gone into a guitar store and felt confused by all the different cables they have? You’re not the only one!
In this article, I’ll show you the Best Guitar Cables of 2024, made to improve your guitar tone and sound quality.
The right cable can make a big difference from electric guitars to acoustic setups. Whether you want super clear sound or a strong cable for gigs, I’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to find out which cables give you the best performance and value for what you need. Ready to find the perfect fit for your setup? Let’s jump in!
Top 15 Best Guitar Cables
1. Fender Performance 10 FT
Fender is a renowned guitar cable brand known for specifically engineered cables that deliver exceptional sonic balance and professional performance during play.
These cables feature a flexible construction that prevents twisting and kinking and a 90% copper coverage shield with an 8-mm-diameter black PVC jacket. The extra thick PVC coating protects against bents and pops while eliminating unwanted noise.
These guitar cables produce a superior tone thanks to their low capacitance levels. The rugged metal connectors make them a popular choice among customers, who appreciate the great customer care and lifetime warranty offered by Fender.
PERFECT FOR: Any Musicians
FEATURES: a flexible construction that prevents twisting and kinking and a 90% copper coverage shield with an 8-mm-diameter black PVC jacket.
OTHER INFO: The extra thick PVC coating protects against bents and pops while eliminating unwanted noise.
Fender Performance 10 FT
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Lifetime warranty
- Flexible construction
- Lifetime warranty
- Straight angle variation
- Cord gets a little stiff during the cold season
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2. Gls Audio 20ft Right
The GLS guitar cable, available in straight to right angle-angle connections, is a 20 ft long cable with a sturdy and flexible tweed jacket.
The company guarantees high-quality sound with this cable, made with Oxygen-Free Copper and a double shield of Conductive PVC and OFC Insulator. GLS guitar cables stand out from the rest with their low Picofarad rating, which makes them superior to other cables.
These cables also come equipped with internal metal clamp strain relief, external and internal shrink strain relief, and a triple strain relief system that ensures years of trouble-free usage.
PERFECT FOR: Any Musicians
FEATURES: a 20 ft long cable with a sturdy and flexible tweed jacket.
OTHER INFO: GLS guitar cables stand out from the rest with their low Picofarad rating, which makes them superior to other cables.
Gls Audio 20ft Right
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Flexible tweed jacket
- Crackle-free connection
- Double shielded
- Looks pale in comparison to the more expensive cables
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3. Hosa GTR-210
Not only do Hosa Guitar Cables sport an impressive appearance, but their performance is also top-notch. With a design that provides reliable service for years to come, their world-class manufacturing and use of premium components make them an exceptional value.
It comes as no surprise that Hosa Guitar Cables are the go-to choice for connecting musical instruments. These cables boast an Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductor and a Hi-density OFC braided shield, ensuring improved signal clarity and superior EMI and RFI rejection.
All in all, this is a high-quality cable that’s well worth its price.
PERFECT FOR: connecting musical instruments
FEATURES: These cables boast an Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) conductor and a Hi-density OFC braided shield.
OTHER INFO: All in all, this is a high-quality cable that's well worth its price.
Hosa GTR-210
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- World-class manufacturing
- Top-quality components
- Enhanced signal clarity
- Straight to Same connectors
- Very affordable
- White plastic sleeves at the jack junctions can bleed from contact and can be difficult to clean.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4. GLS Audio 20FT Straight
The GLS guitar cables are sure to impress any music enthusiast. They’re crafted from top-quality materials and feature a flexible tweed jacket with excellent durability.
The oxygen-free copper conductor and insulator shield ensure the sound remains undisturbed, providing a superior listening experience. These cables are also highly flexible and have very low capacitance, making them a must-have for guitarists.
With a rating of just 38 picofarads, these cables are a dream come true for musicians. Customers have been using them for years and have nothing but positive things to say about their experience. These well-built cables comes with extra protection and a built-in Velcro wrap for easy organization.
PERFECT FOR: any music enthusiast
FEATURES: The oxygen-free copper conductor and insulator shield ensure the sound remains undisturbed, providing a superior listening experience.
OTHER INFO: These cables are also highly flexible and have very low capacitance, making them a must-have for guitarists.
GLS Audio 20FT Straight
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Flexible tweed jacket
- Durable & Flexy
- Very low Picofarad rating
- Built-in Velcro wrap
- May show connection issues
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5. GLS Audio 20 FT Right (Black)
GLS Audio’s 20ft right-angle to straight guitar cables are a must-have if you’re searching for superior sound quality for your guitar. Featuring OFC Insulator & Conductive PVC shielding, these cables guarantee a noise-free performance.
With a super-low Picofarad rating of only 38 picofarads per foot, you can expect nothing but the best from these cables. Customers who have purchased them rave about their durability, flexibility, and low capacitance.
These cables are encased in a braided tweed cloth jacket, which is perfect for working musicians. They’re easy to handle and provide a solid connection, making them an excellent choice for guitarists on a budget.
In short, GLS Audio’s guitar cables are amazing and offer unbeatable value for money.
PERFECT FOR: guitarists on a budget
FEATURES: OFC Insulator & Conductive PVC shielding, these cables guarantee a noise-free performance.
OTHER INFO: With a super-low Picofarad rating of only 38 picofarads per foot, you can expect nothing but the best from these cables.
GLS Audio 20 FT Right (Black)
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Super durable & flexy
- Super low Picofarad ratings
- Very low capacitance
- Very easy to handle
- Some people complain about the signals
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
6. GLS Audio 10 Feet Right
Looking for a high-quality guitar cable that offers both durability and flexibility? Look no further than the GLS right angle guitar cable, available in a 10ft length.
Featuring an attractive and robust braided tweed cloth jacket, this cable boasts an OFC insulator shield & conductive PVC shield, ensuring a noise-free performance with very low picofarads per foot (only 38).
The 90-degree plug offers excellent positioning when sitting on an edge, while the cable’s high flexibility makes it easy to wind without impacting its performance. Plus, the end plugs are built to last, making this cable an excellent value for the price.
With a decent length and strong fabric coating that feels great to the touch, these cables are a must-try for any musician looking for a reliable, high-quality guitar cable.
PERFECT FOR: any musician looking for a reliable, high-quality guitar cable.
FEATURES: an attractive and robust braided tweed cloth jacket, this cable boasts an OFC insulator shield & conductive PVC shielding
OTHER INFO: ensuring a noise-free performance with very low picofarads per foot (only 38).
GLS Audio 10 Feet Right
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Durable & flexy
- 38 picofarads per foot
- Very low capacitance
- Heat shrink makes it harder to assess the connections
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
7. Getaria GWS-8
The Getaria built-in rechargeable transmitter and receiver include high-quality wireless transmission, low noise and latency, and long battery life.
Also, the ability to support multiple devices and transmit to several receivers makes it a versatile and convenient choice for musicians. The USB cable for recharging and the rotatable plug for the input jack also add to the device’s ease of use.
Overall, this is an excellent option for any guitarist looking for a reliable and high-quality wireless transmitter and receiver.
PERFECT FOR: the ability to support multiple devices and transmit to several receivers makes it a versatile and convenient choice for musicians.
FEATURES: The USB cable for recharging and the rotatable plug for the input jack also add to the device's ease of use.
OTHER INFO:
Getaria GWS-8
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Built-in rechargeable lithium battery
- Reliable and affordable
- 30 metres transmission distance
- Transmission distance
- Easy to use, plug and play
- Minimal latency and excellent sound
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
8. GLS Audio 15 FT Straight
The GLS Audio guitar cable is a popular choice among musicians, offering a noise-free sound quality that’s hard to beat. The braided tweed cloth jacket looks great and provides excellent durability.
Designed to provide optimal performance, these cables boast a very low capacitance of only 38 picofarads per foot. Thanks to their innovative design and construction, they’re also highly flexible and durable.
Customers rave about the quality and care that has gone into the cable’s construction, and many reviewed that the sound quality is much better than expected.
The GLS audio guitar cable is a top-notch choice for any musician looking for a high-quality, reliable budget guitar cable.
PERFECT FOR: any musician looking for a high-quality, reliable budget guitar cable.
FEATURES: Designed to provide optimal performance, these cables boast a very low capacitance of only 38 picofarads per foot.
OTHER INFO: Thanks to their innovative design and construction, they're also highly flexible and durable.
GLS Audio 15 FT Straight
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Super durable & flexy
- Very low capacitance
- 38 picofarads per foot
- Great sound quality with awesome clarity
- Sometimes connection issue might arise
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
9. GLS Audio 15 FT Right
With solid metal jacks, sturdy construction, and excellent insulation, these 15-foot guitar instrument cables are a top choice for any musician. The cables boast an insulator shield & conductive shield, and very low capacitance, resulting in a natural sound with minimal unwanted noise.
Made of oxygen-free copper, the insulator shield and conductor ensure superior sound quality. These super-durable and flexible cables are well-shielded and insulated, making them one of the best guitar cables available.
Thanks to the metal housing, there’s no risk of warping or snapping, and if repairs are necessary, all you need to do is unscrew the housing.
PERFECT FOR: any musician
FEATURES: The cables boast an insulator shield & conductive shield, and very low capacitance, resulting in a natural sound with minimal unwanted noise.
OTHER INFO: Made of oxygen-free copper, the insulator shield and conductor ensure superior sound quality.
GLS Audio 15 FT Right
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Soft and flexible
- Very low capacitance
- The sound quality is not that effective
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
10. GLS Audio 10 FT Right (Black)
The GLS 10-foot cable is a top-performing choice for musicians, offering stronger shielding, higher performance, and low capacitance. The braided tweed cloth jacket provides excellent durability, and the cable’s flexibility only adds to its performance and convenience.
With only 38 picofarads per foot, this cable is perfect for use on stage. It comes with varying connector angles and combinations, ensuring high conductivity levels and a crystal-clear sound.
Customers love the modern look of the cable, with its nice colour and design. The metal connectors and shrink-wrapped connections ensure continued endurance, making this cable a reliable and long-lasting choice for any musician.
PERFECT FOR: Musicians
FEATURES: The braided tweed cloth jacket provides excellent durability, and the cable's flexibility only adds to its performance and convenience.
OTHER INFO: It comes with varying connector angles and combinations, ensuring high conductivity levels and a crystal-clear sound.
GLS Audio 10 FT Right (Black)
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Super durable & flexy
- Crystal-clear sound
- Very low picofarads per foot
- Cable only plugs in one way into the amp
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
11. AMBOZ Cables Red Dragon 10 FT
Red Dragon cables are an excellent choice for those seeking high-quality cables with reliable construction. With gold 1/4-inch jack plugs, these cables provide superior performance.
Featuring a unique blend of tough textile structure, tangle-free movement, and quality insulation, these cables offer protection against radio frequency and interferences thanks to the high-density copper serve shield. The polyethylene insulation provides a high level of flexibility, while the OFC core ensures high conductivity.
With a low capacitance design and raw materials, these cables deliver a full spectrum sound. Hand-soldered connectors ensure optimum connectivity and uninterrupted performance.
Expect excellent quality and craftsmanship with a 100% satisfaction guarantee when you choose Red Dragon cables.
PERFECT FOR: those seeking high-quality cables with reliable construction
FEATURES: a unique blend of tough textile structure, tangle-free movement, and quality insulation
OTHER INFO: these cables offer protection against radio frequency and interferences thanks to the high-density copper serve shield.
AMBOZ Cables Red Dragon 10 FT
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- An incredibly cool cord
- Brilliant & pure sound
- High-density shield
- Premium design and quality control
- Lifetime guarantee
- Plugs can get lose
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
12. GLS Audio 10 FT Straight (Black)
The GLS Series is well-known for its range of affordable cables that offer excellent sound quality, and the 10-foot pro guitar cable is no exception.
This flexible cable is also durable and robust, featuring a braided tweed outer cloth jacket, providing tangle-free operation. The super-durable and flexible design makes it a great choice for use on stage.
Thanks to the OFC Insulator & Conductive PVC Shields, these cables offer a very low Picofarad rating, resulting in superior sound quality. These cables require a lot of work and effort, and the triple strain relief system ensures many years of reliable and trouble-free usage.
PERFECT FOR: Stage performances
FEATURES: OFC Insulator & Conductive PVC Shields, these cables offer a very low Picofarad rating, resulting in superior sound quality.
OTHER INFO: The super-durable and flexible design makes it a great choice for use on stage.
GLS Audio 10 FT Straight (Black)
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Super Durable & Flexy
- Triple strain relief system
- 38 Picofarads Per Foot
- Lower price
- Sometimes the cloth jacket might wear off
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
13. KLIQ Guitar 10 FT Straight
For those seeking maximum noise isolation while playing their guitar, the KLIQ Music Guitar cable is an excellent choice. Featuring multiple layers of shields and insulation, this cable ensures a noise-free experience.
The sturdy and flexible construction of the cable ensures a durable and hassle-free experience. With a low capacitance design, pure copper core, and high-density OFC shield, this cable offers low noise and high-fidelity sound.
Professional connectors and 24k gold-plated plugs resist tarnish and increase conductivity, ensuring reliable and high-quality performance. KLIQ cables are guaranteed lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment for any musician.
PERFECT FOR: any musician
FEATURES: multiple layers of shields and insulation, this cable ensures a noise-free experience.
OTHER INFO: Professional connectors and 24k gold-plated plugs resist tarnish and increase conductivity, ensuring reliable and high-quality performance.
KLIQ Guitar 10 FT Straight
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Superior connection
- Low noise high fidelity
- Lifetime Warranty
- Flexible handling
- Very flexible
- Guaranteed for life
- None
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
14. OTraki 10 Ft Right
The OTraki electric guitar cables are popular among musicians thanks to their excellent sound quality and easy handling. The gold-plated plug provides optimal conductivity, while the pure copper protector keeps the soldered connection safe.
Featuring a woven insulated jacket made of nylon material, this cable offers higher safety and no noise. The AWG24 OFC ensures lower attenuation even over long distances, providing a clear and strong signal.
This cable is highly compatible with a 1/4 inch (6.35mm) TS plug that can be used with devices with a 6.35mm diameter. It’s compatible with electric guitars, mixers, bass guitars, studio harmonizers, speaker systems, and more.
Thanks to the double shield, the performance has higher stability and better quality.
PERFECT FOR: Any Musicians
FEATURES: a woven insulated jacket made of nylon material, this cable offers higher safety and no noise.
OTHER INFO: The AWG24 OFC ensures lower attenuation even over long distances, providing a clear and strong signal.
OTraki 10 Ft Right
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Very nice quality cables
- Woven insulate jacket
- higher compatibility
- Quiet with no noise
- Reasonable price
- Not a very professional cable
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
15. SRadio Black/White 10 FT
The SRADIO high-definition black/white tweed guitar cable is excellent for musicians seeking a disturbance-free experience. With a spiral shield over the cable, you can achieve a 100% disturbance-free effect even when the cable is bent.
The gold-plated 1/4 plugs provide excellent electrical conductivity, and the quality inspection and excellent craftsmanship are evident in the cable’s construction.
SRADIO cables are highly durable and long-lasting, and the low capacitance ensures that the cables don’t get heated. The Velcro straps with each cable prevent messy situations and unwanted tangles.
Expect electrifying live performances with clear treble and rich bass thanks to the SRADIO high-definition blue tweed guitar cable.
PERFECT FOR: musicians
FEATURES: The gold-plated 1/4 plugs provide excellent electrical conductivity, and the quality inspection and excellent craftsmanship are evident in the cable's construction.
OTHER INFO: The Velcro straps with each cable prevent messy situations and unwanted tangles.
SRadio Black/White 10 FT
When you check the price above, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Gear4music.
It is the largest music retailer in the UK and fast becoming the most respected online music shop in the US too. Their customer service is excellent, they have competitive prices, really fast shipping, and usually have the longest guarantee.
Most professional musicians use Gear4music, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t too!
- Better elasticity and wear resistance
- Faster transmission and richer sound
- Not so easy to put in and take out
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
What Is Expected From The Guitar Cables?
Screening from noise
The cables can help achieve minimum noise by keeping away any electrical interference, and this is done by protecting the conductor with a braided copper or plastic jacket.
Lower capacitance
Capacitance is measured in picofarads; it’s the responsiveness of the cable to voltage changes. With a lower capacitance, one gets a better frequency response.
Good quality connectors
Any good quality connectors are preferred because of their corrosion resistance and enhanced conductive properties.
Capacitance
There are guitars with low-impedance sources as well as high-impedance sources. For those instruments with active circuitry, the users need not get anxious about cable capacitance and impedance sources.
The Outside And Insides Of A Guitar Cable
Let’s examine the various components that combine to create a good guitar cable first. Essentially, every typical guitar cable comprises the following parts.
Cable Conductor– For carrying the audio signal via an electrical current
Cable Insulation – The insulation material to keep the cable isolated
Cable Electrostatic Shield – To minimize any noise that may develop due to a compressed cable
Cable Braided Copper Shield – To keep away any interference from outside sources
Cable Outer Jacket – To safeguard the internal parts of the cable.
Usually, an instrument wire has two jack plugs on each end that are the same and have a standard diameter of 6.35 mm.
There’s an inner conductor that sends the information and a shield that keeps noise and other things from getting in the way. Between the wires and the shielding is a layer of insulation.
Different brands use different ways and types of materials when making guitar cables. So, not all wires are made at the same level or with the same quality. It can be hard to figure out the best guitar cable deals, especially since there’s so much different information on the Internet.
But there’s no need to be confused; all you need to do is look at the following important things when shopping for guitar cords.
Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Guitar Cable
1. The Length Of The Cable
The length of the wire should be one of the first things you look at. Since the chance of noise increases as the guitar cable’s length goes up, you don’t see many guitar cables that are longer than 25 feet.
The sound would be bad if it went on for longer than that. Longer guitar cabals tend to make sounds that are loud and muffled. So, if you want the best results and a cleaner signal, look for a normal length between 10 and 20 feet.
The length of the guitar cord greatly affects the sound quality as a whole. Longer, unbalanced wires can pick up more noise, so keep the whole cable length under 20 feet.
2. The Material Of The Conductor
From a scientific point of view, the better a wire works, the purer the material that makes up the conductor. Because of this, the best guitar cords often say they have linear-crystal copper or oxygen-free copper conductors, which can make a big difference in the sound.
Most conductors are made of copper or metals that are mixed with copper. Some other materials are linear crystal copper, an oxygen free copper core and-free copper, solid silver-coated copper, and copper coated with silver.
The material of the conductor can affect the quality of the audio signal, and you need high-quality material to send high-quality audio signals without stoppage or loss of quality.
3. How the conductor was made
The way the wire is made is another important factor affecting how well the cable works. You’ll usually find two main types of designs: solid conductors and disconnected conductors. Solid conductors are easier and less expensive to make, but they’re more likely to break. Stranded conductors, on the other hand, are more expensive but are stronger and more flexible.
The solid conductors are made of a single wire, while the branched conductors are made of many strands of copper threads. The AWG unit is the industry standard for measuring the thickness of copper strands and cables. Conductors can range from 18-24 AWG to 40 AWG, with the number of strands increasing as the AWG number increases.
This results in a more robust and flexible cable but also increases the cost. The way the wire is made directly affects how signals are sent, and the more strands there are, the better the cable and its ability to carry the most signals with the least amount of loss.mog
4. How good is the connector
Many musicians think that only connectors with a gold finish are the best. Compared to things like nickel or silver, gold lasts longer and doesn’t rust as easily.
So, you can choose any good-quality connection, whether made of gold, silver, or nickel, because the tone and conductivity of the sound won’t change.
If you want answers that will last, you should pay attention to the quality of the connector. Since there are many different brands and colours, and finishes, look for a connector that fits the instrument and claims to do a good job of sending a signal.
5. The Shielding Of Cables
Since guitar cords don’t have noise-cancelling features and are more likely to get messed up by magnetic fields and radio waves, they’re shielded.
Different types of shielding, such as braided, foil, and serve shielding, are utilized to protect them from any external interference.
If you want to buy the best quality shield, braided protection will cost you the most, but it will keep you safe and strong.
The serve shielding is cheaper, but it can still protect the wires as well as they need. The foil covering is the least expensive, but it doesn’t protect as well.
Some makers put in an electrostatic shield to keep static from building up. Dacron and Conductive PVC are used to make this kind of shield. Dacron is a special type of tape that reduces noise, while C-PVC is thinner, more bendable, and covers and protects more with less friction.
The shield goes all the way around the centre wire, so it protects the signals. You can’t get the best sound quality and gearbox without enough protection.
A guitar cable is considered optimal and should have either high-density braided shielding or served shielding. Served shielding can cover 80-85% of the cable, whereas braided shielding can cover 95-98%.
You will hear a crackling sound if you buy cheap cables with bad copper shielding to save money. This is because static electricity is made when the insulation and copper shield rub against each other. So, you should always look for good braided shielding on wires.
6. The material used for insulation
When two elements send a current through them, they’re separated by an electrical barrier, which makes a capacitor.
The capacitor or its capacitance should be kept very low to achieve the best high-frequency response and minimize triboelectric noise. Therefore, the amount of capacitance has a direct impact on sound quality.
So, if you want the best guitar wires, look for high-quality insulation that gives the capacitor the lowest numbers, which means it has the least capacitance.
Polyethylene and other insulation materials have a dielectric constant of 2.3, while rubber is 6.5. Because of this, polyethylene is increasingly used to insulate guitar wires. Look for high-end cables insulated with special polymers and have even smaller capacitances.
7. How good the jack plug is
The jack plug is another thing you must consider when buying a guitar cord. Choose plugs with metal housings because they’ll last longer.
The efficiency of the moulded plastic plugs is about average, but the metal plugs can handle more weight. You should be able to open the metal plug and solder the connections easily.
The strain release of the plug is another important thing to keep in mind. There are two types: a clamp with metal tongues and another with clamping forceps.
In the case of clamping forceps, the forceps are pushed onto the cable, and the metal tongues clamp around the cable to reduce pressure. The clamping forceps version provides a much firmer and more permanent grip on the cable, so it is the superior choice.You’ll find plugs that are both straight and curved. Straight plugs can get in the way, but curved plugs are easier to move around and place better.
So, choose the plus based on what you like and what you need to play.
Look for special cables that send true tone clearly and without any noise. These cables are made to let the signal through as clearly as possible. The wires and their connections should be made of the best materials and last longer than anything else. The flexible wire should have a modern design that makes it easy to handle and less likely to get tangled up.
Tips for Choosing the Best Guitar Cables
1. Choose a connection that will last, has a good sound, and gives you the best value for your money. A shorter connection is much better than long-coiled cables regarding sound quality and tone.
2. Look for cables that claim 100% shielding and have two shielding layers. Most of the time, shielding of at least 95% or more is suggested. This can be done with a braided copper shield.
3. Before ordering, you should consider how long it will last and read reviews. After all, nothing is more annoying than seeing cables that are broken or don’t work.
4. If you check the quality of the plug, you’ll see that when you plug it in, the wire bends at the plug, which can put pressure on the solder joints inside the plug. Try to make the strain as small as possible and spread it out. Also, look for ones that offer the most relief from strain and are easy to fix.
5. Look for good quality cables with thicker wires that will last longer, have less resistance, and make the tone sound better.
Most guitars have nickel-plated jacks or end plugs, but gold-plated planes are better because they’re more rust-resistant. When gold and nickel touch each other, galvanic rusting can happen, so choose the gold ones.
Best Guitar Cables
Summary
After exploring the best guitar cables available in 2024, it’s clear there are several excellent options. These cables are constructed with cutting-edge technology and superior materials to ensure optimal signal transfer, minimizing any signal loss or interference.
So choosing the right guitar cable can make a huge difference in your music experience.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned professional, having a reliable and high-quality cable is essential for producing the best sound possible. We hope our list of the best guitar cables has helped you find the perfect cable for your needs.
From the braided tweed jackets to the gold-plated plugs, we’ve covered all the details you need to make an informed decision.
So, go ahead and pick the one that suits your style and budget, and start playing your heart out! Remember, a good cable is like a good friend – always there to support you and bring out the best in you.
So, let’s rock and roll with the best guitar cables out there!
Wait, there’s more!!!
Are you a guitar enthusiast looking to take your playing to the next level? Then you’ll want to check out our list of 21 Essential Guitar Accessories!
From picks to capos, tuners to straps, we have everything you need to enhance your playing experience and make your music sound even better, so make sure to check it out!
interesting points about cable length and material, but i gotta point out that there’s way more to cable choice than just the technical specs. How it feels, how durable it is, and even the aesthetic contributes to a player’s preference. I’ve seen too many peeps go for high-end specs only to be disappointed because the cable was stiff or too bulky for their gig setup. It’s all about balance.
GearGuru88 makes a valid point. It’s essential to prize usage experience as much as the technical specs. Yet, we shouldn’t downplay the importance of low capacitance and quality shielding in preserving tone.
Totally agree GearGuru88. I’ve been there done that. Comfort and durability are key for me now.
Regarding the discussion on capacitance, it’s fascinating to consider how such a technical aspect can have a profound impact on tone. It’s important for players at all levels to understand this, as it can significantly shape your sound. I appreciate the depth of information provided; however, I’d love to see more about how different genres may benefit from different cable properties.
hey Hugh Richardson got a question about those gls audio cables u mentioned do they handle high gains well without getting all noisy asking coz my play style leans heavy into distortion cheers
Hey buzzcutter99, not Hugh, but I’ve used GLS for metal stuff, and they hold up pretty decently. No extra noise for me.
Loved the section on cable lengths! Never realized how much it could affect my sound until I read your article, Hugh Richardson. Gonna switch to shorter cables for my home setup. Thanks for the tip!