Some guitarists feel satisfied using the cable they got when they first purchased their guitar. Still, instrument cables can make a world of difference in how your music sounds. And once you hear your instruments through a high-quality cable, you’ll never go back to the hissing and crackling of your old instrument cable. If you don’t know where to start, here are the top 5 best instrument cables of 2023.
Included in this guide:
Image | Product | Features | Price |
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Top Pick ![]() |
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Runner-up ![]() |
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Top Pick ![]() | Fender Professional Series Instrument Cable
| 4.8 | Check Price |
Top Pick ![]() |
| 4.7 | Check Price |
Lowest Price ![]() | Amazon Basics Instrument Cable
| 4.6 | Check Price |
Mogami cables are a favorite choice of recording studios, and its Gold Instrument Cable is yet another step further. The cable features an ultra-high-density spiral shield, conductive polymer sub-shield, and an oxygen-free copper core, producing the most precise tones in an impressively silent background. Its PVC anti-static shield layer also stops the annoying handling noise for the best recording and playing session!
The New Bee Instrument Cable is a must-have accessory for guitarists and musicians. Its 22 AWG oxygen-free copper conductor center, PVC insulation, and high-density stranded copper double shield ensure the highest fidelity and the lowest noise. New Bee presents comfortable handling with its 360-degree grip threads, allowing easy plugging and unplugging for its users. Protected with a Black Tweed Woven Jacket, it’s a cable that can surely last you for years.
The Fender Professional Series is a top-notch choice for people looking for a cable that produces accurate and unfiltered guitar tones. Boasting a 22 AWG wire and 95% oxygen-free shielding, this Fender cable provides a seamless sound while keeping unwanted noises from your guitar sessions. Aside from the stellar sound production, its construction also features incredibly sturdy and flexible spiral shielding, which prevents unsightly twists, kinking, or any “physical memory.”
Gig Snake is an instrument cable brand synonymous with quality on the market. Flaunting a cable capacitance rating of 27pF/ft, users can expect unaltered, distinct, and crystalline signal transmission from these cables. Protecting the solder connections is a heavy-duty plug assembly, while a PVC sleeve reduces strain on your plugs. As a final deal-maker feature, Gig Snake’s woven cloth wire exterior prevents twists and kinks for a tangle-free guitar session!
The Amazon Basics Instrument Cable is budget-friendly yet produces spot-on connectivity and sound production. While affordable, this cable features a 23 AWG OFC center conductor for the best and uninterrupted signal quality. On top of its OFC core, the Amazon Basics have conductive PVC shielding, which blocks external interference, producing cleaner instrument tones. Guarding the cord is an outer black jacket protection from the blunt of long-term use, promising a performance that lasts for years.
Related Article: The Top 5 Best XLR Cables For Stellar Audio Quality In 2023
Most instruments require a ¼” instrument cable and have the same audio cords. Accordingly, all ¼” cables are technically universal. However, if you want to get the most precise sound out of your instrument, it’s best to go for a perfectly compatible cable.
Depending on the venue and purpose of the cable, your instrument cable can be any length, from 6 to 30 inches. That said, most musicians will benefit from a 10 to 20-inch cable. This way, they’ll be able to move around freely. Moreover, they can coil the cable if they’re playing in a tight space.
While some instrument cables can double as speaker cables, using them interchangeably is inadvisable. Instrument cables have one wire for carrying out instrument signals. In contrast, speaker cables have two identical wires. Accordingly, using one in place of the other can damage your equipment.
Most mini amps are designed for electric guitars, but there are models available specifically for acoustic guitars. Ensure you choose the right type for your instrument.
Longer cables are better for on-stage musicians for better mobility and reach. However, longer cords can also affect sound quality, as it’s more prone to pick-up noise. So, in terms of quality, shorter cables produce better sound production.
The Mogami Gold cables are an exceptional choice if you want top-notch sound quality and performance from your instrument cable. However, they can be too pricey for novice and amateur musicians. If this is your case, the New Bee instrument cable would be an excellent alternative. But for those on a tight budget, the Amazon Cables offer impressive quality and durability at an incredibly competitive price.
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