How to choose the best guitar cables

You’ve probably heard by now that the quality and type of shielding used in both guitar cables and guitar patch cables will play an extremely important role in reducing interference. I’m sure you’ve come across at least one of the hundreds of articles explaining the importance of low capacitance wire as well. However, there are a few other things to consider when choosing the best guitar cables that can help keep your signal as true to the source as possible.

It is usually preferable to choose a shorter guitar cable when possible. Doing so will help to reduce the high end frequency loss. Think about it … a 10 foot guitar cable will have roughly half the capacitance of a 20 foot cable. Now I know what you’re thinking, a 10 foot cable isn’t long enough to reach the back line where your amp is, right? There are instances where that may be true. And in those circumstances there really is no choice but to use a longer cable or go wireless.

However, if your setup includes an effect pedal or stomp tuner, try using a 10 foot guitar cable as the first cable in your setup. This will keep your pedals within easy reach and should still give you enough room to move about. Don’t forget that capacitance is usually not a contributing factor with any cables used after an active effect pedal. Connect it all to your amp or mixing board using a 10, 15, or 20 foot guitar cable as needed.

Your guitar patch cables play just as important of a role as any other guitar cable in your signal chain. Yet, these relatively inexpensive small cables are often overlooked. Guitar patch cables should be long enough to easily reach between all of your effects pedals. Yet, they should not be so long as to become a tangled maze. They should also be of at least the same quality as your best guitar cables.

Of course you will need to have a cable long enough to reach from your last effect pedal to your amplifier or mixing board. Once again, remember that capacitance is usually not a factor with any cable which is connected after an active effect pedal. Using a longer cable last in your signal chain instead of first can make a big difference in your sound.

It should come as no surprise why so many of our customers rank our cables among the best guitar cables on the market. At South Creek Audio we believe we have found a common ground between quality and price. Sure we use Oxygen Free Copper and incorporate a braided shield wire, but the quality doesn’t stop there.

We also continue our attention to detail when it comes down to terminating the ends of the wire. Only premium gold plated connectors are used and they are reinforced with a heat shrink strain relief as well. The outer jacket is a hefty 7mm and does a fantastic job of protecting the full length of the wire. A heavy duty custom Velcro cable tie is also included with every guitar cable. If you are looking to get the best value for your money, a 10 foot guitar cable from South Creek Audio is only $9.95.