How to Buy a Guitar Cable

Guitar cables might seem like the most simple thing to buy of all equipment. You just need something to plug the guitar into an amp or something else—the amp and the guitar do most of the work. Not always true, a bad guitar cable can ruin the sound of a great guitar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• An electric guitar

1. First decide on length. If you’re using the cable live, you’ll want durability and length—20 feet or more, depending on the size of the stage you usually play. You’ll also need to buy smaller cables to connect effects.
2. Look for a metal head shell—more expensive than injected molding, but it will sound better. You’ll find expensive materials used—such as platinum—which can help sound quality. Some people say they can’t hear a difference, some swear by them.
3. Look for stress relief—especially important if you’re taking the cable on the road. Stress relief will keep the solder in place.
4. Look for heat-shielded conductors—see above. A guitar cable doesn’t just take abuse from being stepped on, but from the power flowing through it. Also, look for two or four-conductor cables, as opposed to single conductors.
5. Low capacitance. The type of conductor will help with capacitance. A solid conductor is recommended.

Tips & Warnings

• Bright colors are helpful to see on stage, or to separate your guitar cord from the bassist, rhythm guitarist, mic cable, etc.
• Cloth cables aren’t as rugged, but they look nice, and normally sound the best (like the CBI Gold Rush).