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The 10 Best Guitar Cables for Serious Musicians
- Alexander
- April 9, 2024
- 6 Comments
For worry-free performances, it is essential to invest in good-quality guitar cables. After all, you have spent a lot of effort perfecting your sound, so it makes sense to get the best guitar cables that are up to the task.
Best Overall
Mogami Gold Cable
Experience exceptional transparency when you upgrade to a Mogami gold cable.
Best Value
Boss BIC-10A Guitar Cable
A tank-tough guitar cable, sturdy and road worthy for actively gigging musicians.
Best Budget Cable
Fender Professional Series Cable
Follows the tried-and-true approach to good build quality, but at a cheap price.
Best in Quality
George L's Guitar Cable
Eric Johnson, a renowned tone aficionado, swears by the clarity and quality of George L's cables.
Best Vintage Style
Vox VCC Vintage Coiled Cable
A vintage style coiled cable, similar to what guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix used on stage.
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When selecting an instrument cable for your setup, it is crucial to choose one that can safeguard your signal against unwanted interference, hissing, or buzzing.Â
Other important factors to consider include transparency, clarity, and tone coloration (which sometimes happen to some degree).
You also want a cable that is aesthetically pleasing, matching your guitar and rig.
Regardless of your preference, getting a quality cable for your rig is essential to have a worry free performance, and to get your sound across as accurately as possible.Â
Additionally, it is always a good idea to have a spare cable on hand in case something goes wrong.
Best Guitar Cables Detailed Descriptions
Mogami Gold Instrument Cable
Best Guitar Cable (Overall)
Mogami Gold Instrument Cable​
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Despite their expensive price, Mogami cables remain popular among musicians. Investing in this cable is rewarded by the exceptional peace of mind and sound fidelity it provides. Transitioning from a regular cable to a Mogami Gold cable will introduce you to its exceptional transparency.
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The Mogami brand stands out as a leading maker of high-end cables, consistently receiving praise for their superior quality.
Slash, Fleetwood Mac, Pearl Jam, Prince, and the Foo Fighters are just a handful of the many pros who use Mogami cables.
Despite their expensive price, Mogami cables remain popular among musicians. Investing in this cable is rewarded by the exceptional peace of mind and sound fidelity it provides.
Transitioning from a regular cable to a Mogami Gold cable will introduce you to its exceptional transparency and high quality sound.
This is due to superior guitar signal transfer, which enhances the feeling of improved tone. Its high-quality oxygen-free copper conductor provides unmatched clarity, leading to precise playing and increased tone richness.
Mogami uses high-density copper spiral shielding with conductive polymer sub-shielding to provide complete coverage against noise interference. Additionally, carbon-impregnated PVC reduces handling noise.
With these advanced characteristics, the cable runs silently and without interference. This makes it perfect for both recording studios and live performances on busy stages. You can rely on its great performance.
Though significantly less flexible due to increased insulation, it comes with a lifetime warranty with no exclusions, demonstrating Mogami’s faith in its product.
While the price may be a consideration, it reflects the cable’s superior quality and durability.
If you’re looking for a high-quality guitar cable and are prepared to invest, the Mogami Gold Series is a clear choice. It provides unrivaled performance and dependability at a professional level.
Pros:
- More dynamics from your instrument
- Efficiently eliminates buzzes, clicks, pops and crackles
- Clear sound
- Lifetime warranty
Cons:
- A bit stiff
- Pricey
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
20 AWG OFC | High-Density Spiral Shielding |
Conductive Polymer Sub-Shield | Carbon-impregnated PVC Jacket |
Available Lengths: 6′ | 10′ | 18′ | 25′ | |
Boss BIC-10A Guitar Cable​
Best Value Instrument Cable
Boss BIC-10A Guitar Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
This tank-tough guitar cable is ideal for musicians who want sturdy and reliable equipment. This cable features a “multi-strand” conductor. This main conductor is shielded by a woven outside jacket (braided copper shielding) and an inside PVC jacket.
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It’s no secret, that Boss is one of the most recognizable brands in music. Their tank-tough products are ideal for musicians who want sturdy and reliable equipment.
Though primarily known for their pedals, Boss also offers accessories like the BIC-10A Boss instrument cable.
This cable features a “multi-strand” conductor. This main conductor is shielded by a woven outside jacket (braided copper shielding) and an inside PVC jacket.
This combination produces durability that can withstand the demands of intense stage performances. This ensures the product is consistent with Boss’s quality and toughness.
Its robust shell is reinforced by braided OFC shielding with 95% coverage and a polyethylene insulator. The shielding and insulator are what keep the guitar cable quiet, even in areas with higher-than-average interference.
The cable’s silent operation, combined with its multi-strand conductor, produces a clean sound quality. This also produces noticeably greater detail than ordinary, inexpensive cable.
This guitar cable’s multi-strand conductor and molded jacks make it difficult to repair and modify. Fortunately, Boss is so confident in the endurance of this guitar cable that they back it up with a lifetime warranty.Â
If you want a sturdy guitar cable that can last a lifetime, consider trying the Boss BIC-10A. It’s hard to go wrong with Boss instrument cables.Â
Pros:
- High-quality build and plugs
- Clear and defined sound
- Quiet operation
- Tough exterior
Cons:
- Easily gets tangled
- Not user serviceable
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Multi-strand OFC conductor
| High-density braided shielding |
Available Lengths: 5′ | 10′ | 15′ | 20′ | Woven Cable Jacket |
Fender Professional Instrument Cable
Best Budget Guitar Cable
Fender Professional Instrument Cable - Best Guitar Cables
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Fender Professional Series cable does not stray from conventional cable design. But it does so at better quality levels. It gets your guitar signal safe to your amp with minimal outside interference. It’s sturdy yet flexes well, which means less cable twisting and kinking.
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Fender is one of the most well-known names in the guitar, amp, and accessory industry. So it’s no surprise that the company is doing well in the guitar cable market as well.
The Fender Professional Series cable follows the tried-and-true approach, with a 22 AWG wire covered by 95% OFC spiral shielding. This provides safe, quiet functioning without interference.
A strong 8-mm outside wire PVC jacket protects everything from the weather. It feels strong to the touch but is flexible, which helps minimize cable twisting and kinking. The only problem is that the thick PVC jacket is quite heavy.
Nickel-plated connections on both ends are long-lasting due to sealed soldering joints.
The Fender Professional Instrument Cable is a reliable and high-quality option for musicians looking for durability and a vintage tone. Its warm sound quality is a testament to Fender’s commitment to producing top-notch products.
Pros:
- Heavy duty yet flexible PVC jacket
- Reliable plugs with sealed soldering joints
- No kinking or twisting
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- A bit rugged and can get easily tangled
- Cable is quite heavy
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
22 AWG | 95% OFC Spiral Shielding |
Available Lengths: 5′ | 10′ | 15′ | 18.6′ | 20′ | Nickel-plated Connectors |
George L's Instrument Cable
Best Instrument Cable – QualityÂ
George L's Instrument Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Eric Johnson, a renowned tone aficionado, swears by George L’s instrument cables for their good quality cables. This sentiment is shared by many discerning musicians looking to upgrade to boutique cables.
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George L’s changed the industry with their clever “no soldering” and “no stripping” designs. This ensures that convenience never comes at the expense of sound quality.
This breakthrough allows customers to create unique cables that are perfectly matched to their rig’s specifications. This provides the previously unheard-of versatility in the cable realm.
Their pre-packaged choices are also popular. It has audiophile-grade quality and easy maintenance. This confirms George L’s position as a go-to choice for artists looking for excellent tone.
George L’s offers a variety of cable alternatives, including gold, nickel, and unplated brass, to accommodate all ear sensitivity levels, allowing customers to better hone their sound.
George L’s, championed by virtuosos such as Eric Johnson, has grown to become a mainstay in both professional studios and live settings. It’s because of its unwavering commitment to audio innovation and perfection.
Pros:
- Nice sound quality
- Quality build
- Customizable
Cons:
- Can pick up some interference
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Solder-less Plugs | Lifetime warranty on Plugs |
Available Lengths: 10′ | 15′ | 20′ | Length: 10′ |
Available Plugs: Straight or Angled | |
Vox Vintage Coil Cable
Best Vintage Style Guitar Cable
Vox Vintage Coil Cable​ for Guitars
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
Hendrix used coiled cables, so it’s no surprise that guitarists nowadays are hunting for them. The Vox Vintage Coil Cable, with its stylish shape and variety of color options, is a popular and affordable option.
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Its distinct appearance alone is enough to entice some to consider purchasing one. But good thing, it is more than just that because it is constructed of audiophile-quality materials.
Far from being a cheap cable, Vox used 99.99% pure oxygen-free copper cable conductors, two independent shields for noise isolation, an abrasion-resistant PVC jacket for longevity, and gold-plated connections to secure signal chain passage.
Although the initial purpose of coils was to lessen tangles, they also naturally lose some top ends. This is because of their intrinsic curls, which allow your audio signal to travel farther than it would with a straight cable.
And the longer the cable, the warmer it sounds. This produces a delicate vintage twist that sounds great on guitars with a sharp top end.
Pros:
- Retro aesthetics
- Tangle free and strechable
- Durable cable
Cons:
- Limited length
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
99.99% Copper cable | Abrasion resistant flexible PVC Jacket |
Goldplated Connectors | Available Plugs: Straight or Angled |
Dual Shielding | Length: 29.5′ or 9M |
Roland RIC-G10A Instrument Cable
Roland RIC-G10A Instrument Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Roland RIC-G10A cable’s OFC conductor core has low capacitance for better frequency reproduction, which means improved transparency. It also features a sturdy, yet flexible cable, balancing durability with convenience.
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Roland is another well-known company that is establishing a strong reputation in the guitar cable industry, thanks to their Gold Series cables.
The audio wires in the Roland Gold Series are designed to precisely transfer the signal. With the help of their personalized 24-karat gold-plated cable, this Roland cable provides uninterrupted or uncontaminated audio signal.
Spiral copper shielding and a woven outer jacket protect the core, achieving a balance of durability and flexibility.
Both 1/4″ jacks include 24K gold-plated contacts, hence the name.
Finally, Roland’s Gold Series cables come with a lifetime warranty. Similar to other premium brands, this reflects the confidence the company has in its product quality.
Pros:
- Transparent sound
- Sturdy materials
- Flexible cable
Cons:
- Not the best shielding
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
OFC conductor | High-Density Spiral Copper Shielding |
Woven Cable Jacket | Available Lengths: 5′ | 10′ | 15′ | 20′ |
Ernie Ball Braided Instrument Cable
Ernie Ball Braided Instrument Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
A closer look at Ernie Ball Braided cable reveals its high-quality outer braiding. The cable feels silky and robust, with excellent flexibility without excessive bending into sharp angles. Rolling it up is simple; it bends softly and is pleasant on the hands. Tangles are not much of an issue, and it’s lighter than imagined, all while providing adequate protection for the internal components.
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This cable’s architecture includes two 16AWG conductors made of 99.95% OFC (oxygen-free copper), which increases corrosion resistance. Dual shielding behind the braided shell provides additional protection against damage and interference.
Examining its appearance, the braiding is nicely done and continues to the smallest details, showing no visible cosmetic defects. For those who aren’t fans of the green and black color scheme, this series offers five color options. It has two (2) additional options if you consider straight-to-straight braided cables. Available in diameters ranging from 10′ to 25′, braids are prone to discoloration, so use caution near food and beverages.
Ernie Ball addresses the issue of solder joints by sealing them with strong rubber jackets and metal coverings. These jackets provide a solid feel, making it difficult to bend the cable at the joints while also reducing unwanted noise and interference. The metal covers offer additional protection and function as plug handles. Notably, the joints are user-serviceable, which is nice and helps extend the cable’s life.
The plugs, while ordinary, are robustly built from nickel and provide a reassuring weight. The right-angle plug fits tightly without any lateral movement, ensuring flawless compatibility with a variety of instruments. Using right-angle plugs reduces the chance of unintentional bending, which is especially useful when wrapping the cable over a guitar strap for a stable setup.
In terms of sound quality, there is no noticeable improvement or loss in tone, but the cable preserves sound integrity without introducing unwanted noise. It is noticeably quieter than other cables and remains free of handling noise and crackling, thanks in part to its double shielding.
Overall, the Ernie Ball-braided instrument cable distinguishes itself with its superior craftsmanship and silent operation, living up to its good reviews at major shops.
Pros:
- Sturdy yet flexible braided exterior
- Easy to roll up and setup
- Low handling noise
- Snug fitting plugs
Cons:
- Average quality Plugs
- Braids are prone to staining
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
16 AWG Dual Conductor | Dual Shielding with Braided Jacket Exterior |
99.95% OFC Conductor | Available Lengths: 10′ | 18′ | 25′ |
GLS Audio Tweed Instrument Cable
GLS Audio Tweed Instrument Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The GLS Audio Tweed guitar cable offers a good balance between high-quality manufacturing and price. For the price, it has two insulator shields, an OFC insulator, and PVC conductive shields, wrapped in a braided tweed cloth jacket.Â
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GLS Audio began as a guitar amplifier builder in the mid-1960s and is now well-known for its reasonably priced guitar cables and accessories. Their Tweed guitar cable, in particular, strikes a balance between high-quality manufacturing and price.
This balanced cable includes two insulator shields (OFC insulator and PVC conductive shields) and oxygen-free copper, all wrapped in a braided tweed cloth jacket, which is reasonable for the price. Unfortunately, shielding specifications are not provided. So, while it is ideal for home usage or small stages, it may not provide adequate shielding in places with heavy interference.
This guitar cable appears more expensive than it is, thanks to its cotton tweed wrap, and it pairs well with older amplifiers. This soft yet robust exterior protects the inner wirings while making the cable easy to twist and store. It also helps to avoid problems like cable kinking and breaking.
And it’s not just the surface; the entire cable, including the plug and soldering joints, is solid and well-made. Speaking of soldering joints, this guitar cable provides simple access to the joints, making them easier to inspect and maintain.
While the original soldering is good, it will eventually give out, depending on how you care for the cable. Fortunately, resoldering is quick and painless.
This highly-rated guitar cable will not disappoint you with its good blend of quality, value, and vintage-style.
Pros:
- Vintage-style tweed wrap
- Easy access to solder joints
- Balance of value and quality
- A reliable cable
Cons:
- Average shielding
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
OFC Copper | Double Insulator Shielding
|
Heat Shrink Strain Relief | Braided Tweed Cloth Jacket |
Available Lengths: 6′ | 10′ | 15′ | 20′ | |
Monster Prolink Instrument Cable - Best Guitar Cables
Monster Prolink Instrument Cable - Best Guitar Cables
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
The Monster Prolink has a distinct design that results in good tone preservation and quiet operation. It features patented time-correct windings, extra-flexible Duraflex, and IsoTec vibration isolation, and others.Â
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Monster’s reputation for high-end audio equipment is constantly expanding. Their move into instrument cables has been received with equal success and enthusiasm from well-known musicians.
Zakk Wylde, Kerry King, and Scott Ian are a few of the well-known artists who use and suggest this cable brand.
Interestingly, they say that these cables “enhance” tone. But what they really mean is that you’ll sound better with them because they have superior transparency and no coloring.
Only those prepared to invest may benefit from this premium cable. If you have the money or are prepared to save for a high-quality cable, this one is worth looking into.
Pros:
- Ideal for high-gain sound
- No buzz and no hiss
- Nice quality plugs
Cons:
- No warranty
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
Patented Time Correct Windings | High-quality copper conductor |
Multi-gauge wire high quality construction | Duraflex outer jacket |
Length: 3′, 6′ 8′, 12′, 21′ | |
D'Addario PW-AMSG Instrument Cable
D'Addario PW-AMSG Instrument Cable
Guitarsite Expert Opinion
American Stage cables ensure that your tone comes through exactly how you want it to. These Planet Waves American Stage Series cables are made in the USA using audiophile-grade wire. I find that this cable preserves the unaltered character of your instrument’s sound.
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D’Addario’s PW-AMSG hit the spot for producing a clear, uncolored tone. Thanks to its low 28 pF/ft capacitance, the 22 AWG oxygen-free copper conductor signal is guaranteed to travel with remarkable clarity. With 100% shielded coverage and 95 %-tinned copper braiding, these cables are very capable of rejecting interference and warding off handling noise.
We all know that the connections on conventional 1/4-inch jacks can occasionally be a little off. Planet Waves, however, addresses this. By working with the people at Neutrik, they devised the patented GEO-TIP plug. Whether you’re connecting the GEO-TIP to your instrument, pedal, or amplifier, its distinctive form guarantees a reliable connection each time.
Speaking of materials and craftsmanship, these cables are excellent. Professional-grade performance is the goal of American Stage cables, which are expertly constructed in the USA using only quality materials. The clear, unadulterated sound that lets your music speak for itself.
At around $50–$60, this cable can be a little expensive. But, considering its quality and the output you can get from it, it’s safe to say that the PW-AMSG is worth the price.
Planet Waves is the best place to get cables for musicians. So, if sound quality is important to you, Planet Waves American Stage cables have you covered.
Pros:
- Clean guitar signal
- Low capacitance
- Durable and Flexible
Cons:
- Premium price
Specifications: | |
|---|---|
22 AWG OFC Conductor | 95% Tinned Copper Braided Shielding |
Geo-Tip Neutrik connectors (Straight or Angled) | Flexible Jacket |
Inline Soldering Process | Available Lengths: 10′ | 15′ | 20′ | 30′ |
Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Guitar Cables
Durability and Shielding
The first thing you have to consider in a good quality guitar cable deals is the cable’s durability and shielding. This is where cheap cables usually fail, but don’t get too hyped up on premium cables either.
If you don’t want awkward silence during your solo, you will want to invest in a cable that offers secure and reliable connection. This is achieved with quality connectors, sturdy cables, and proper shielding.
Take it from me, I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments with cheaper guitar cables, and they’re not good.
Having a good cable tie connection is also important for keeping your cables in place for storage or while performing.
Low Capacitance
The next thing you want to look out for is the cable’s length and capacitance. If you move around during gigs then you have no choice but to get a longer cable or a wireless system, if not then get a shorter but high quality instrument cable.
Shorter cables allow your signal to travel a shorter distance, which equates to lower capacitance that provides better signal chain transparency.
Lower cable capacitance will keep your cable from losing high frequencies. More importantly, by having just the right length, you get less cable tangling and clutter.
High Capacitance
If you are looking for a vintage, analog tone ala Hendrix, then a cable with higher capacitance such as coiled or even a cheap cable becomes a viable option.Â
Because of their high capacitance, these coiled and cheap cables subtly reduce the top end to give you a warmer tone.
Note that capacitance will have negligible effect if you are using active pickups and/or buffered bypass pedals, both of which act as mini power amps that can drive the signal.
Conclusion
Do you know of a guitar cable that was not included in this list? What are some of the best guitar cables for you and why? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
Alexander Briones
Lead Author
Jerome Arcon
Contributor: Research and Supplemental Writing
6 thoughts on “10 of the Best Guitar Cables”
Live Wire cables are pretty good. I’ve been using them for 5+ year now and they’re my most reliable cables. I had one break but it was due to my carelessness but all was good because they have a life time warranty so all I had to do was bring the broken cable back to GC and they gave me a new one, super awesome
Those Vox curly guitar cables are so good!
Same thing with Planet Wave —- Only you can buy 3 or 4 for the price of one Mogami !
The MOGAMI cables have a lifetime warranty, meaning if one goes bad, walk into the nearest MOGAMI dealer (Guitar Center in my area), and walk out w/ a brand new cable! That’s how I justify investing $100 on a cable. They really are great!!!
Great cables. Recently I tried Mogami cables and i like them
This is a nice collection of cables. Great variety. The vox coiled cables are pretty dang cool.