Carefully selected guitar shields! A thorough explanation of how to choose them and the differences in sound quality
Guitar Cables Are Not "Just Cables"!
"Aren't all guitar cables the same?"
If you think so, that's a big mistake! A guitar cable is the "path of sound" for your guitar, bass, effects pedals, and amplifier. If this path is weak, the rich tone and nuanced performance of your guitar can be ruined.
In fact, cables significantly affect sound clarity, noise reduction, durability, and even playability.
In this article, Onkodo introduces carefully selected guitar cables and thoroughly explains how to choose the right one, sound characteristics, and FAQs to help you find the perfect cable for your playing style and budget.
Reading this will surely elevate your "sound" to the next level!
5 Key Points for Choosing the Right Guitar Cable
First, let's go over the important points for choosing the best cable from the many available options.
1. Length: Not too short, not too long – the perfect distance
Cable length affects both sound quality and handling.
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Short cables (under 3m):
- Pros: Less sound degradation, less noise, easier to handle.
- Cons: Not suitable for live performances or large venues, limited distance between equipment.
- Recommended for: Home practice, recording, inside pedalboards.
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Long cables (5m or more):
- Pros: Allows playing on large stages, freedom to move away from the amplifier.
- Cons: More prone to sound degradation (especially high frequencies), more susceptible to noise, can get tangled easily.
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Recommended for: Live house performances, studio practice.
Guidelines:
- Home practice/desk: 1m to 3m
- Studio practice/small gigs: 3m to 5m
- Stage performance: 5m to 7m (consider wireless options) Shorter cables are generally better for sound quality, but choose based on practicality.
2. Plug Shape: Straight or L-shaped? Match your equipment.
Cable plugs primarily come in two types: "straight (S-type)" and "L-shaped (L-type)."
Straight Plug (S-type):
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- Features: Common and easy to plug/unplug.
- Pros: Compatible with various equipment, stable connection.
- Cons: Protrudes significantly from guitars and effect pedals, making it prone to impact.
- Recommended for: Amplifier input, connecting effect pedals.
L-shaped Plug (L-type):
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- Features: Bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Pros: Less protrusion when plugged into a guitar jack, less prone to impact. Space-saving on pedalboards.
- Cons: May be difficult to insert depending on the jack's shape.
- Recommended for: Guitar input, inside pedalboards.
Note:
We have had cases where customers using an L-plug found it did not fully insert due to the jack being recessed on their instrument.
When purchasing, please consider the shape of the instrument you will be using.
Generally, using an L-shaped plug for the guitar and a straight plug for the amplifier prevents damage to the plug when setting the guitar down and allows for tidy wiring. L-shaped plugs are often essential for pedalboards.
Silent Plugs:
A silent plug is a type of plug for instrument cables (such as guitars and basses) designed to prevent noise (a loud "pop") when plugging or unplugging the cable while the amplifier is still powered on. It's an innovative item.
How Silent Plugs Work
Silent plugs have a small switch mechanism built inside, which is normally open (not conducting electricity).
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Before inserting the plug into the jack: The switch is open (off), and the hot (Tip) and cold (Sleeve) terminals, which carry the signal, are short-circuited. In this state, touching or moving the plug will not generate noise.
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When the plug is fully inserted into the jack: As the plug is fully inserted, the internal switch is pressed and opens, connecting the hot and cold terminals, allowing the signal to flow (on).
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When removing the plug from the jack: Just before the plug is fully removed, the switch reopens, and the hot and cold terminals return to a short-circuited state. This effectively suppresses the "pop" noise that occurs the moment the cable is completely disconnected.
In simple terms, it prevents noise by temporarily short-circuiting the signal path the moment it is plugged or unplugged.
Silent Plugs: Key Points and Things to Know
Silent plugs have a "mechanical switch to temporarily short-circuit the signal during plugging and unplugging" built into them. This switch mechanism gives them certain characteristics and points of caution.
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Beware of wear and tear on moving parts Silent plugs have physical switch components built into them to switch the signal. These are "moving parts." Prolonged use or frequent plugging and unplugging can cause these moving parts to wear out or fine dust to enter, which could lead to malfunction due to aging.
This could result in the noise suppression function no longer working, or in the worst case, sound interruptions. While durability is considered, it's also necessary to recognize that these are consumables.
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Also susceptible to impact... Handle with care Because they contain precise mechanical components internally, they are more delicate to external impacts compared to general plugs. For example, accidentally dropping them or subjecting them to strong impacts could damage the internal mechanism and prevent them from functioning correctly.
In particular, Neutrik silent plugs, renowned for their high-precision operation, are said to be susceptible to impact due to their intricate design. By handling them carefully, you can maintain their performance for a long time.
Our store carries products with a silent plug on one side. We can also custom-make products with silent plugs on both sides. Please contact us via chat for inquiries.
Sound Characteristics: Do Cables Really Change the Sound?
"Do cables really change the sound?" Yes, they do! Subtle differences in sound characteristics arise from the cable's material, structure, and length.
- Clear and bright highs: Emphasizes chord definition and attack, resulting in a brighter sound.
- Thick and warm mids: Creates sticky lead tones or rich clean sounds.
- Strong lows: Ideal for scoop-mid sounds or for achieving a heavy feel with a bass.
While much of this comes down to personal preference, more expensive cables generally tend to be more faithful to the original sound, produce less noise, and cover a wider frequency range. It's best to choose one that aligns with the desired direction of your sound.
Durability: A Tough Cable That Lasts!
Cables are consumables, but if you use them frequently for gigs or in the studio, durability is extremely important.
- Plug robustness: Is the joint solid and designed to prevent disconnection?
- Cable jacket thickness/flexibility: Is it resistant to damage when dragged on the floor or coiled, and does it resist tangling?
- Solder quality: Is the internal wiring carefully done?
Cables with sturdy metal plugs and thick, flexible cables tend to be more durable.
Price Range and Brand: Choose According to Your Budget and Needs
Cable prices vary wildly, from a few hundred yen to tens of thousands of yen.
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Low price range (~2,000 yen):
- For home practice or as a spare. Basic performance, but sound quality and durability are moderate.
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Mid price range (3,000 yen to 8,000 yen):
- Standard price range used by many guitarists. Balanced in terms of both sound quality and durability.
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High price range (10,000 yen and up):
- For professional environments or guitarists who demand ultimate sound quality. Excellent fidelity to the original sound and noise resistance.
【Onkodo's Picks】Recommended Guitar Cables
Here, based on the selection criteria above, we introduce a carefully selected range of guitar cables that Onkodo proudly recommends. Find the perfect one for your needs and preferences.
CANARE / GS-6
Features: A Japanese classic. Clear, uncolored sound. Excellent cost performance and durability. If in doubt, choose this one!
Recommended for: Beginners to pros, all-round use.
Price: From 3,300 yen
MOGAMI / 2524
Features: Adds little color to the sound, faithfully transmitting the original sound of the guitar and amplifier. This makes it easier to shape your tone with effect pedals.
Recommended for: Uncolored, so recommended for all genres.
Price: From 3,200 yen
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MOGAMI / 3368
Features: Minimizes microphonic noise like "crackling" or "rustling" that occurs when the cable is moved or stepped on.
Recommended for: Uncolored, so recommended for all genres.
Price: From 4,700 yen
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MOGAMI 3368 Guitar Cable NEUTRIK S-type/SILENT L-type
Features: Minimizes microphonic noise like "crackling" or "rustling" that occurs when the cable is moved or stepped on. Comes with a silent L-plug, recommended for live performances!
Recommended for: Uncolored, so recommended for all genres.
Price: From 6,700 yen
GOTHAM GAC-1UltraPro
Features: Transmits all information from the input signal without unnecessary coloring. Clearly reproduces the original tone, subtle nuances, and overtone components of instruments and sound sources.
Recommended Genres
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Jazz / Fusion / Blues:
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Reason: Can express the delicate picking nuances of guitar and bass, string resonance, and rich overtones in clean to crunch tones without loss. The clear, low-noise sound prevents distraction during quiet passages, maximizing the player's expressiveness. Excellent compatibility with full-hollow and semi-hollow body guitars.
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General Studio Recording:
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Reason: Ultimate noise suppression and high-resolution sound are the most sought-after elements in a recording environment. Minimal signal loss makes post-processing easier, ideal for professionals who want to record the instrument's original sound at the highest quality.
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Acoustic Guitar / Acoustic Bass (Line Out):
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Reason: Excels at transmitting delicate acoustic pickup signals clearly and without noise. Perfect for sending a natural, transparent sound similar to the acoustic sound to the PA or amplifier.
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Pop / Rock (primarily clean to light gain):
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Reason: Good sound separation and clear sound are essential for pop and rock with delicate playing styles like strumming and arpeggios. Even when distorted, the sound remains punchy without getting muddy, maintaining a solid core.
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Price: From 3,500 yen
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MOGAMI 2791 SWITCHCRAFT
Features: While having low capacitance, it features a relatively thick conductor and unique insulation design, resulting in a powerful and punchy sound with solid mid-low frequencies.
Recommended Genres
The combination of MOGAMI 2791 and Switchcraft plugs, with its balanced sound character, is highly recommended for a wide range of genres. It truly shines in the following genres:
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Rock / Blues / R&B:
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Reason: Ideal for adding appropriate thickness and sustain to the inherent tone of guitars and basses. When distorted, it produces a powerful sound with a solid core without being unruly. The punchy mids make it stand out in a band ensemble. Matches the emotional tone of blues, the drive of rock, and the groove of R&B.
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Jazz / Fusion (especially when using semi/full hollow body guitars):
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- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
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