Guitar Cables - Do they matter?

**Klatu** · 09-25-2012, 12:10 PM

Here is a sound clip for those interested:

**HighSpeedSpoon** · 09-25-2012, 06:18 PM

FWIW I cannot tell the difference between GLS Audio (low price) and Monster (high price). YMMV.

**Gabe** · 09-25-2012, 06:33 PM

I think the difference in tone between two cables is usually so subtle that the only considerations I take into account are price, durability and a lifetime guarantee. I use Planet Waves Custom series (the one above the bottom of the range), they're more durable than the Classic series. I also use the Classic series cables too, but as they're a bit more fragile I don't use them quite as much.

The only time I've really noticed the difference between two cables was when I was using a cleartone cable, it was really high capacitance and sounded akin to having my tone control down a notch or two.

**medblues** · 09-25-2012, 06:36 PM

Yes, are there any comparisons or rankings of cables based on noise rejection and durability ? I don't care about tone and volume either.

**Source** · 09-26-2012, 01:21 AM

I don't want to ruffle any feathers here because, obviously, you can spend your money how you see fit but I find a lot of this boutique cable nonsense to be pure snake oil. First of all, in a guitar rig, it makes very little difference. Secondly, even if you were running miles of cable between you and your amp, the key is low capacitance.
Do yourself a favor and get some quality, low capacitance cable, (I suggest checking out redco's website) and some quality connectors like Neutrik and solder them together. You have a great cable that will last forever and if it doesn't you can a.) Fix it or b.) Make another one because you didn't break the bank on the overpriced ones.
Tonz for everyone

**Uncle Meat** · 09-26-2012, 06:34 AM

Monster Cables face off against Coat Hangers

**Flyin' Brian** · 09-26-2012, 11:56 AM

I just try to imagine Kenny Burrell, Wes, Joe Pass or any guitar into the amp with no effects sitting around and discussing cables, and I can't picture it.

**FRB** · 03-31-2013, 02:36 AM

I run a very simple guitar to amp setup, rarely any effects, and I just realized that I've always used relatively cheap cables.

But now that I think about it, it seems kind of important, especially considering how clean and simple my jazz tone is.

Call me an idiot for never thinking of this, but sometimes you get so preoccupied with guitars and amps and playing techniques that you just want to pick up a cable that "works". I'd like to maybe check out a higher end cable for my setup. As clean and clear as possible, and very durable. I don't need much length - no more than 12 feet. I want at least one angled plug.

**Hammertone** · 03-31-2013, 04:35 AM

Evidence Lyric cable - stiff but fine if you don't move around a lot while you play.

**Gabe** · 03-31-2013, 06:27 AM

I just got a Planet Waves American Stage cable sent to me by D'addario and I must say I am very impressed. It's a very nice cable.

**jorgemg1984** · 03-31-2013, 07:42 AM

A lot of people state that as long as a cable has low capacitance (this means it will not mud your tone) and is resistant than it's all the same. I have never played really expensive cables (Vovox or Evidence) but my cables are George Ls and Sommer Grindycop Beast (around 30€ for a 3m cablem which is acceptable to me).

In theory they should sound the same but they don't, unless I am crazy. The George Ls have a bass cut which leads to a brighter sound - which guys like plain steel guitar players love, and they were the first clients of this cable. With the Sommer I have a fuller sound, not night and day, but fuller. The Sommer is supposed to be as good as the really expensive cables but much cheaper although it's really hard to solder... my tech went crazy with them.

When I changed my patch cables from George Ls to Sommer Spirirt XXL on my boards I also got slightly louder and fuller sound.

Lava Cable - Let Your Signal Flow

This guy has some affordable cables. both from Lava and other brands (custom store). I wouldn't go much higher than 30 or 40 bucks for a cable myself.

**jorgemg1984** · 03-31-2013, 12:42 PM

Patch cables. Pedals don't all have the jacks on the same place and can't always be side by side on a board... I bought some meteres of Spirit XXL cable and Amphenold plugs. The cable is affordable and very good and the plugs are much cheaper than Neutrik and so far so good. My tech then made all the cables to my two pedalboards - much cheaper than buying patch cables from George Ls for example.

**Jimmy Mack** · 03-31-2013, 01:33 PM

Buy the more flexible Evidence cable. The stiff one didn't work for me and Tony at Evidence suggested the flexible version.

I've had it for 2 years and use it regularly with no problems. The lifetime guarantee is a good thing too.

With Evidence cables, you get more. MORE tone. This helps with dynamics and feel, your amp sounds better, a bit fatter!

Hated the George L 's. Tinny and bright.

**cosmic gumbo** · 04-01-2013, 01:20 PM

I use 12' Mogami silver series cable...light and cheap, and no other brand cable has superior audio quality, even though some different jacks, soldering techniques and solder formulas can improve performance. And if you want to try an experiment, many audio cables sounds better going in one direction than the other. If you can hear the difference, there is a difference. Many home stereo audiophiles have been aware of this forever.

**msr13** · 04-01-2013, 03:50 PM

I have also had trouble with George Ls lasting. I will assume user error rather than quality control, but it has happened several times.

I really like Whirlwind cables. They seem indestructible, last forever, are inexpensive, and I like my tone.

These are the ones I use:

Amazon.com: Whirlwind L10R Leader 10-Feet Instrument Cable - Right Angle: Musical Instruments

**jorgemg1984** · 04-01-2013, 04:17 PM

Actually my Goeorge L's have been with me for years and years and so far so good. But they are very thin / bright which I hate.

**wizard3739** · 04-01-2013, 04:47 PM

I use a hand made low impedance flexible cable that came from a guy in Simi Valley, Ca. It is the best cable I have ever found, I have had it for seven years and use it daily. My only problem is: I lost his contact info and would like to buy another one.

wiz

**Jimmy Mack** · 04-01-2013, 08:27 PM

A lot of good info here, I may get some inexpensive cables for other players to use at our jam sessions instead of mine. Belden cable is great too, but I don't know who makes guitar cords with it. I bought two at a flea market at $3 each, with Switchcraft metal plugs. Great.

And yes, all of my cords are marked for directional use. I used to wonder why my guitar would sound great one day, and the next day, not so.... I used to think it was the weather! Turns out nothing changed but the cord being reversed in direction.

**cosmic gumbo** · 04-02-2013, 01:08 AM

Originally Posted by Jimmy Mack

Belden cable is great

35 years ago I got a 100' spool of gray Belden cable at Radio Shack for $14.99, I had salvaged four of these brass Whirlwind ultrasnake brass plugs, and I was all set for cables for the next 25 years.

**docbop** · 04-02-2013, 01:23 AM

Originally Posted by cosmic gumbo

35 years ago I got a 100' spool of gray Belden cable at Radio Shack for $14.99, I had salvaged four of these brass Whirlwind ultrasnake brass plugs, and I was all set for cables for the next 25 years.

Back in my roadie days I alway had a spool of Belden cable and Switchcraft jacks to make all the cables for whatever tour I was doing. A few nights work but a lot of peace of mind on the road.

**FRB** · 04-02-2013, 05:06 PM

Interesting thoughts. I came across a guy on another forum a few weeks ago who swore by this $2500 a piece cable that was supposed to make you sound a thousand times better or something. I don't mind spending some cash on a cable, but think about what else you could get with $2500! I've been using a $9 Planet Waves cable for the past year, which has never once given me a single problem, but I'd like to see what else is out there.

Another thing is, the best cable really shouldn't flavor your sound at all. I laugh when I hear guys saying they prefer Monster Jazz cables because of the mid boost, or Monster Rock because of the treble increase - a cable shouldn't change your sound. If you want more mids, you should work on your EQs. And once you start getting into four figure cables, are the jacks on your amp, pedals, and instrument even worthy of them? I don't know, I'm no expert.

I also don't like odd, special order cables that'll be hard for me to get. If a cable craps out on me, I don't want to be troubled having to find the same one again or having to re-EQ my setup. (go ahead, raise your eyes, but I've had a cable change completely mess up my sound.)

I'm looking into trying Mogami Platinum, which is quite pricey but I've received several recommendations for them, so we'll see.

Any more input would be great.

**Tom Karol** · 04-02-2013, 05:11 PM

I haven't tried a whole bunch of different cables, but I've used Spectraflex pretty much exclusively for a long time and expect to continue to do so.

**marcwhy** · 04-02-2013, 10:38 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Karol

I haven't tried a whole bunch of different cables, but I've used Spectraflex pretty much exclusively for a long time and expect to continue to do so.

I use their speaker cables for my extension cab. great stuff.

**mikeSF** · 04-08-2013, 01:00 AM

I went with George L cable (no plugs) several years ago and it has been great sounding cable at a really good price. I solder in the Neutrik straight plugs. I even yanked out the wiring inside all my guitars and replaced it with the same GeorgeL conductor and those improved markedly too. In probably almost 10 years of use, not a single cable has ever failed.