Selecting guitar cables can be a daunting task with so many cables to choose from, but just about anyone can do it. It is important to first define your needs and budget before going shopping, and gain an understanding of the differences between cables and connectors. Expensive is not always better, but inexpensive cables will almost always fail in the future. Select guitar cables from the middle of the price extremes for quality and value, and choose one of the the many brands that offer replacement warranties. A mid-priced, well-constructed cable with quality connectors will provide many years of reliable performance with normal use.

1. 1

   Evaluate your cable length needs by measuring the distance between your typical amplifier placement and your position on stage with a tape measure. To avoid loss of high-end sound frequencies and decrease the possibility of radio interference (RF), your maximum total cable length should no longer than 20 to 25 feet.

2. 2

   Evaluate your connector needs. Guitar connectors, devices used at the ends of the cable to plug into the guitar and amplifier, are made in either straight or angled varieties and are known as 1/4-inch phone plugs. Which type to use is largely a matter of preference, but some guitarists prefer angled connectors at the guitar end to save space, and straight connectors at the amplifier end.

3. 3

   Read as much information as you can about cables (see references and resources) to help in making an informed decision free of advertising and marketing claims before you shop.

4. 4

   Visit your local music store to browse their cable selections within your price range. Narrow your search to mid-priced cables with full-replacement warranties, and shy away from expensive “boutique” cables with claims of better sound unless your budget warrants the added expense.

5. 5

   Try as many cables as you can using the same guitar and amplifier settings in the music store. Sound is highly subjective, so if a cheaper cable sounds as good as an expensive cable, save some money and go with the cheaper alternative.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose connectors that are made of metal rather than molded plastic. Metal connectors stand up to abuse and are more easily repaired or replaced if necessary.
• Avoid the added expense of gold-plated or brass connectors unless price is not a concern. Most music industry standard connectors by Switchcraft, Nuetrik and other top brands use nickel-plated copper tips with excellent and reliable results.
• Thicker cables are not necessarily better. Some cables use extra-thick insulation or fabric on the outside to give the illusion of quality. While thick outer insulation may provide extra durability, what really matters is the wire inside the cable and the connectors it employs.
• Wrap cables after use in a loose circular formation and secure with wire ties or Velcro-type fasteners to extend life.
• Clean cables regularly by rubbing the length of the cable between a damp rag.
• Purchasing cables online may save money, but you will not have the advantage of comparing cables in-person as you will at a local retailer.
• Guitars are high impedance instruments, requiring shielded cables. Do not use unshielded speaker cables (which are similar in outward appearance), as extreme radio interference (RF) and buzzing will occur. Conversely, only use unshielded speaker cables to connect amplifiers to speakers.
• Never place cables underneath heavy objects or in the way of foot traffic to extend cable life. Cables and connectors can be easily crushed by heavy objects and the warranty may be voided.
• Never bend a cable at a sharp angle or tie it in a knot. The internal wires may become damaged and void the warranty.