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By Monica | Product Reviews
Some people think that a guitar cable is just a simple accessory. In fact, some would not even pay attention to this component at all. However, if you want to boost the sound quality of your instrument, you got to have the best guitar cable.
A guitar cable (also known as 1/4-inch cable or instrument) is not the least part of your rig and setup. If you go to multiple guitar forums today, we can guarantee that you can see a discussion regarding this cable. In short, it is the most scrutinized aspect of your guitar. Nobody can just get over with it.
In this article, I will feature some of the best options you can have for a guitar cable. Of course, we couldn't just hide our excitement also, because it was our first time to test these accessories.
We thought that they are just the same. But during the testing phase, we were proven wrong. Just like your rig, guitar cables come in variety as well. There are for amateur applications, and there are for advanced practitioners as well.
Moreover, we also enumerated some important aspects that you have to know about a guitar cable. In this way, you won't get tangled by the assumption that "all guitar cables are good." But for the meantime, better check out these six guitar cables that left us impressed.
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Before we go down to the specifics, let us highlight one of the most heated topics that revolve around a guitar cable. Specifically, we are talking about how price can affect the quality of the tool. Does the cost determine the overall performance of the tool? Or it is just another marketing pitch that you should avoid?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not absolute. Some would say that the price doesn't even matter. If you'll ask a couple of guitarists, they would instantly recommend that you should go with the pricey ones. That's how varied the opinion of people when it comes to this device.
But on the other hand, guitar players have to agree on this single statement: bargain cables won't give you any benefit. Even if it is true that your budget is not that high, you should still avoid buying a guitar cable that is on a sale. Never expect that a $5-cable is as majestic as those that has standard price tags. That's not how things work. Chances are these units have weak or substandard components.
So does it mean that an expensive cable works better? Well, it is not always the case. However, we can assure that most of them feature impressive design and technology that makes their sounding awesome! But in the same manner, we are not saying that you should go with overpriced units. There are cables out there that have decent pricing, and their performance isn't too shabby as well.
At this point, you should know that a quality tool is a cost-effective investment in the long run. Since they have an ergonomic and sturdy build, their lifespan doesn't wear off easily!
Of course, there is no such thing as a guessing game when it comes to a guitar cable. This tool has been manufactured in compliance with the standards of the guitar industry. Therefore, there are mechanisms that work behind the wire. Although it is not the most palpable amenity on your setup, it still contributes to the overall sound quality that your instrument produces!
The shielding of a guitar cable serves as a wall to prevent any interferences from penetrating the copper conductor. The latter is the passage of the signal. Interferences such as radio signals will disrupt the flow. It can result in the production of annoying buzzes and hums.
The ends of your cable are also important aspects that you should not ignore. These components are very prone to damage because you always put them on strain (since you always plug them all the time). At this point, you should be wary about how the connecting end of the cable connects to the actual cable of the guitar.
Noticeably, most manufacturers are using connecting ends that are made by third-party companies. For example, the brands like Amphenol, G&L, and Neutrik are among the most trusted producers of these components. If the jack came from any of these companies, there is a good chance that the guitar cable will work decently.
Your guitar cable is not the most protected part of your rig. Most of the time, you will just let loose this tool. In fact, we are pretty confident that you'll just roll over the cable with your feet. In short, the cable will always be subjected to abuse, regardless how you want to avoid it. Therefore, make sure that the unit you choose can withstand these detriments. Choose a flimsy one, and you will have a bad time!
Another aspect that you should consider is the length of the cable. You can have more mobility in playing if the cable itself is lengthy enough. If you are just playing inside a room, then a 15-feet cable might already sufficient. However, if you are doing some live performances, the length should be doubled. In addition, we have to remind you that the length of the cable is also a factor that contributes to its price. The longer the cable, the more pricey it becomes.
However, it doesn't mean that guitar cables that are too long are the best choice. The latter is susceptible to signal loss. We have already proven this during our test. Therefore, you should always be wise when it comes to this physical aspect of a guitar cable. Ideally, we recommend that you should use guitar cable that has a maximum length of 20 feet.
These are the important things that you learn about guitar cables. With this simple guide, we are hoping that you can get the right guitar cable for your setup. And if you are looking for any ideal option, then we shall present these following tested-and-proven cables. Read on!
Just as its name tells, the Fender Performance Series is a guitar cable that has colossal capabilities throughout any application. This particular unit has a size of 10 feet, which is pretty enough for closed-room practices. The guitar cable comes with a transparent reproduction and pliable qualities. With the combination of these features, the instrument can create professional-level sounding.
The metal connectors of this guitar cable are absolutely rugged. Therefore, you can guarantee that they have a long lifespan. The durability of the Fender Performance is also due to its 8mm PVC jacket. The latter protects the internal wires from damages and other detriments. This cable also offers a flexible construction to minimize the wear-and-tear.
You will certainly love the fact that this guitar cable has a 90% copper shield. As a result, you can assure that external interferences won't be able to compromise the signal integrity of your rig. Moreover, this cable offers various types of connection, so that cater the needs and preferences that you have for your setup.
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The Hosa GTR-210 is a guitar cable that can offer reliable service for many years. This one runs via high-quality selection of materials, which is exceptional and truly worth trying. Specifically, this device comes with an OFC or Oxygen-Free Copper conductor. The latter optimizes the signal integrity and clarity that travels to your instrument.
Moreover, there is also a series of OFC shield braided on the cable. Through this, the guitar cable can reject various types of external interferences. Therefore, your playing would always be smooth! The Hosa GTR-210 comes in different sizes. You can choose from 5-feet to 25-feet models. Just choose which one can suit the setup of your rig.
When it comes to durability, there is nothing that we can say against this guitar cable. It has a sturdy and flexible exterior shell that can resist potential damages from constant usage. Of course, with its quality, the Hosa GTR-210 is an excellent guitar cable for recording and live performances.
The George L has huge followers in the guitar community. It is not a far-fetched idea that they are among the pioneer makers of premium guitar cables. Their tools have been in the industry for a long time already. Despite this, we are still yet to hear something negative about their products.
Specifically, the George L is a 10-feet rugged cable. It can produce transparent and clean sounds, thanks to its high-quality signal transfer mechanism. Moreover, it has a 90% copper shielding as well, that makes it immune against interferences. We can say that this one is a reliable choice for various applications.
Another great thing about the cable is that you can fix its ends easily without any soldering involved. It is an ergonomic feature that further optimizes the quality of this device. Of course, you can expect that this one can last for a long time, thanks to its and sturdy design. It can perform smoothly. But we can say that is quality is screaming out!
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The American Stage offers a premium performance that most of it competitors would fail to do. The cable itself is very solid. In fact, it is the most durable instrument cable that we tested. Particularly, it has a Helio Fused soldering that enables it to have a bulletproof body. This particular innovation gives the cable a reliable strain relief. But take note. There are no sacrifices made in the tone, despite the presence of this feature.
Unlike most of the cables here, the American Stage offers a 95% copper braid shield to ensure that no signal interferences would happen. Moreover, the latter is combined with a PVC jacket that can reject electromagnetic interferences. Therefore, you can assure that its signal transfer is clean and pure!
Another impressive feature of the American Stage is its Geo-tip. Specifically, it is a patented connecting end that ensures that the cable would fit on any jacks. Notable, Neutrik collaborated with the construction of the Geo-tip. With this, there is a guarantee that your connection is always free from cracking signals.
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Missing the Spectraflex Original Series on this list is impossible. After all, it is among the most proficient guitar cables when it comes to signal delivery and integrity. Many guitarists own several pieces of this cable. Therefore, it is not a surprise if a lot more would pay more just to get this!
One of the best selling features of the Spectraflex Original Series is its fabric covering. Most of the time, guitar cables comes with a rubber coating. But this one just veered away from the conventional standards. It makes the cable look aesthetically pleasing. At the same time, the woven fabric ensures practicality in the cable. Specifically, it is very easy to untangle and unwind.
Meanwhile, the jack connectors of this cable are pretty solid. But somehow, it seems that the connectors of the other guitar cables here have better "feel" than this one. However, that's just our perception. On the other hand, you will certainly enjoy the lifetime warranty that the Spectraflex Original Series. It just gives you the peace of mind that you need!
The Mogami Gold is not the least of this list. As a matter of fact, many considers this one as a premium guitar cable. Therefore, if you are ready to invest in a high-end instrument cable, then you should go with this one. The Mogami Gold offers a smooth and silent operation. It doesn't produce any clicks and crackles when you plug it. Moreover, it has an absolute defense against signal interference.
This guitar cable can provide a high-definition signal transfer. Furthermore, the signal it sends is "neutral." As a result, it can work well with various setup and instrument. Of course, this one has a rugged construction as well. The body has protective coatings against scratches and breakages. Meanwhile, the copper plugs of this cable don't break easily unlike those that have ordinary design and construction.
Investing in this one is not a bad move. With its sturdy and durable construction, we can guarantee that it would last long. And if that doesn't satisfy you, then Mogami Gold will just offer its lifetime warranty.
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At the end of the day, a guitarist should get the best guitar cable for his/ her rig. It is not an optional tool that you can just shrug off. If you are using an electric guitar, you will definitely need a good cable that can assure transparent and clean transfer of signal. Otherwise, you can't unleash the full potential of your instrument.
Among these guitar cables, we deem that the Planet Waves American Stage just outshines the rest. Aside from its premium construction, it also has a solid defense against interferences. Moreover, it is a solid piece of instrument that can last for a long time. Since it is available in multiple sizes, you can choose which one can serve your setup perfectly.
But of course, we still recommend that you should try any of these guitar cables. You will never know which one can maximize the performance of your rig until you haven't tried all the possible options yet!
Did you learn from this article? Did we miss any guitar cable that is worthy of being mentioned? Tell us in the comment section below!
Hi everyone! Im Monica and I am an avid lover of guitars and everything in-between. My current profession is not really music-related. It is quite discouraging but I just don't want to drop my zeal--especially not to guitars! I created GuitarTrance.Com so that I can keep up with my hobby. Of course, I want to engage with the community as well! Hope we can all get along!