When it comes to live performances, guitarists need a lot of equipment to help project their sounds to the audience. Without amplification equipment, it becomes difficult for the audience to hear our instruments. One of the most important pieces of gear we need besides an amplifier is a guitar cable. A cable is a cord that plugs into our guitar pickup and then into our amps. There are many cords out there by different manufacturers, and each player has different preferences. In this article I will provide a few popular choices for guitar cables I have tried in performance that I recommend for live musicians…
Before Buying
When looking for a new cable, it is important to know that not all cables are created equal. Cables can be made of various materials and can be different lengths. With many brands, also come many different prices. When buying a cable, I don’t suggest buying the cheapest cord you can find. If you buy a cheap cable, you may find yourself going to the guitar store within the next couple weeks trying to purchase a new cord!
If you already have an amplifier, you might want to start by looking into the same brand of cable. For example, if you have a Fender amp, start with a cord made by Fender.
A cheap cable can also impact the sound of your instrument when plugged in. You may hear crackling or muffled notes when there is an issue with the cord. Do as much research as you can before purchasing, and I also recommend asking a store representative if you can try their various cables on your instrument.
D’Addario Planet Waves American Stage Cable ($29.99)
My first recommendation is the Planet Waves cord made by D’Addario. D’Addario is a trustworthy brand used by many guitarists, and this cable is an affordable one that is also great quality. What makes this cord so useful is that it is made with a slightly flattened tip on the end. This tip allows it to easily fit into most jacks without making unnecessary noises. This cable is available in multiple sizes ranging from 10-30 feet. If you are looking for an affordable cable where you won’t break the bank, then this is the best cord to get you started!
Ernie Ball Braided Cable ($20-$40)
Ernie Ball is another well-known brand known by many electric guitarists. The Ernie Ball cable is made to be tangle-resistant, meaning you won’t have to waste time before your gig trying to untie all of your cords. Because of the braid, you will be able to easily stuff this cable into your gig bag. With the braided patterns, the cable is durable and difficult to rip. This cable comes in 3 different sizes; 10-, 18-, or 25-feet lengths. The jack is made of copper which helps to resist corrosion and rust. I would say this cable is my number 1 pick for beginner performers who want good sound, durability, and affordability.
Evidence Audio Lyric HG Cable ($115-$170)
I wanted to include a cable that is a little pricier if you are able to afford it. The Lyric cable is the cord of choice of guitarists including David Gilmour and John Mayer. The sound quality of the cable is noticeable, and that is why the price is much higher than the others. The special copper end jack has been shown to create a pure sound without distortions. The inside of the cable is also made of a copper core, which makes this cord much more durable compared to the others, However, the copper core makes the cable stiff, making it not as easy to store in a small gig bag. I would not recommend investing in this cable if you are an absolute beginner. However, if you plan on doing many live performances, then the investment might be worth it!
Think of Your Needs & Requirements
As you can see, there are many cables out there on the market. There is a big price range between various brands and cords, and there are many different lengths to choose from. The cable for you depends on many factors, and I recommend trying out as many cables as possible.
The type of live performances you will be playing can also influence your decisions to purchase certain cables. For example, if you plan on doing live performances in outside settings, you may choose to purchase cables with copper jacks to prevent humidity form corroding your equipment. If you are a performer who likes to move around on stage, you also may prefer to purchase a longer cable. If you are a musician always on the run, then perhaps the flexible Ernie Ball cable will become your best friend.
Check out this link that covers some of the guitar cable information I mentioned here, as well as some other cables that you can research and compare. Remember to do your research and create your budget, and find the best cable for your needs as a performer!
Zach Deyo