What are Guitar Cables?
Guitar cables, also known as instrument cables or patch cables, are essential components used to connect electric guitars, bass guitars, and other musical instruments with an electric pickup or output to an amplifier, effects pedals, or audio interface. These cables transmit the electrical signals produced by the instrument to the connected equipment, allowing you to amplify and process the sound.
Guitar cables are typically constructed with the following components:
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Conductor: The central part of the cable that carries the electrical signal. It is usually made of copper or a copper-based alloy, which is an excellent conductor of electricity.
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Insulation: Surrounding the conductor, there is an insulating material that protects the signal from interference and prevents short circuits or unwanted noise.
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Shielding: To further reduce interference and noise in the signal chain, a conductive shield (usually made of braided copper) covers the insulation. This shield helps minimise the impact of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) on the cable.
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Connectors: The ends of the guitar cable are fitted with connectors, usually 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) TS (Tip-Sleeve) jacks. These connectors are plugged into the guitar's output jack and the amplifier or other audio equipment.
Guitar cables come in various lengths, typically ranging from a few feet to 25 feet (0.9 to 7.6 meters). Longer cables that are more than 25-foot cable may be necessary for larger stages or studio setups, while shorter ones are more convenient for home practice or small performances.
It's worth noting that the quality of guitar cables can vary, and high-quality cables often use better materials and construction techniques to ensure reliable signal transmission and durability. Low-quality cables may be more prone to signal loss, noise, and wear and tear.
In summary, guitar cables are vital accessories for electric instruments, enabling musicians to connect their guitars to amplifiers and other audio equipment, ultimately producing the amplified sound that we associate with electric guitar performances.
How do Guitar Cables work?
Guitar cables work by transmitting the electrical signals generated by the guitar's pickups or output to the amplifier or other audio equipment. Let's break down the process of how guitar cables work:
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Signal Generation: When you play the guitar, the strings vibrate, and the guitar's pickups (or other types of transducers) detect these vibrations and convert them into weak electrical signals that make guitar tones. These electrical signals are very low in voltage and require amplification to produce audible sound.
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Signal Transmission: The weak electrical signals from the guitar's pickups travel through the guitar cable. The cable's conductor, typically made of copper or a copper-based alloy, carries the electrical current along its length.
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Insulation and Shielding: Surrounding the conductor, there is an insulating material to prevent the electrical signals from coming into direct contact with the cable's shielding and causing short circuits. Additionally, the cable is equipped with a conductive shield (usually made of braided copper) to protect the signal from external electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This shielding helps maintain the integrity of the signal as it travels through the cable.
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Connector Connection: At either end of the guitar cable, there are connectors, usually 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) TS (Tip-Sleeve) jacks. One end is plugged into the guitar's output jack, while the other end is connected to the input of an amplifier, effects pedal, audio interface, or other audio equipment.
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Amplification and Sound Production: Once the weak electrical signal reaches the amplifier or other equipment, it is then amplified to a level suitable for driving a loudspeaker or processing through effects pedals. The amplified signal is then sent to the loudspeaker, where it generates sound that we hear through the guitar amplifier.
It's important to use high-quality guitar cables to ensure reliable signal transmission and minimise any noise or interference that could affect the sound. While shorter cables are generally preferred for better signal integrity, longer cables are sometimes necessary for larger stages or studio setups, though they may be more susceptible to signal degradation over long distances.
In summary, guitar cables function as the intermediary between the electric guitar's pickups and the amplifier or other audio equipment, allowing the electrical signals to be transmitted and converted into audible sound.
What types of Guitar Cables are there?
Guitar cables come in various types, each designed for specific purposes or applications. The main types of guitar cables are as follows:
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Standard Instrument Cable: This is the most common type of guitar cable used to connect electric guitars, bass guitars, and other instruments with a 1/4-inch output jack to amplifiers, effects pedals, audio interfaces, and other audio equipment. These cables are usually unbalanced and have two conductors (Tip and Sleeve) for transmitting the audio signal.
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Patch Cable: Patch cables, also known as patch cords, are short instrument cables typically used to connect audio equipment in a pedalboard setup. They have the same 1/4-inch TS connectors but are available in various lengths, often ranging from a few inches to a couple of feet.
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Speaker Cable: Speaker cables are used to connect amplifiers to speaker cabinets. Unlike standard instrument cables, speaker cables are designed to handle higher power levels and have thicker conductors to minimise signal loss. They come with 1/4-inch TS or SpeakON connectors.
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XLR Cable: While primarily associated with microphones, XLR cables are also used in some electric guitar setups. Some high-end guitar systems use XLR connections for transmitting balanced audio signals, which can reduce noise and interference over long cable runs.
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TRS Cable: TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cables are used for certain stereo applications, such as stereo guitar outputs or connecting stereo effects pedals.
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Coiled Cable: Coiled cables are standard instrument cables with a coiled design. They are popular among some musicians due to their vintage aesthetics and reduced cable tangling on stage.
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High-End Cables: Some manufacturers offer premium, high-end guitar cables with advanced construction and materials to provide superior signal quality, lower noise, and increased durability. These cables are often marketed as audiophile-grade or boutique cables.
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Digital Interface Cables: With advancements in technology, digital interface cables like USB, Thunderbolt, or Ethernet cables are also used in modern guitar setups to connect instruments to digital audio workstations (DAWs) or digital modelling systems.
It's essential to select the right type of guitar cable for your specific needs and equipment. Standard instrument cables are the most common and will suit the majority of guitarists' requirements, but other specialised cables can enhance certain aspects of your setup, depending on your preferences and performance needs.
What’s the best Guitar Cables to buy in Australia?
When selecting the best guitar cable, consider factors such as cable length, build quality, shielding, and your budget. Here are some brands that are well-regarded in the guitar cable market:
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CARSON / CARSON CABLE CO: Carson is an Australian cable brand known for producing reliable and durable cables, including guitar cables.
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D’ADDARIO: D'Addario is a popular and well-respected brand that offers a wide range of musical accessories, including guitar cables. Their cables are known for good construction and signal integrity.
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DIMARZIO: Dimarzio is primarily known for its guitar pickups, but they also manufacture high-quality guitar cables that are well-regarded by many musicians.
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EBS: EBS is a Swedish company that manufactures bass equipment, including bass guitar cables known for their robustness and quality.
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FENDER: Fender, a renowned guitar brand, also produces a variety of accessories, including guitar cables. Their cables are commonly used and reliable.
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HOT LINE: "Hot Line" doesn't seem to be a well-known brand in the guitar cable market. It's possible that it's a local or lesser-known brand.
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IBANEZ: Ibanez is another major guitar manufacturer that offers guitar cables among their accessory lineup.
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LINE 6: Line 6 is known for its digital modelling products and effects, but they also offer various audio accessories, including guitar cables.
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MXR: MXR is known for its effects pedals but may also have a selection of quality guitar cables.
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ORANGE: Orange is a reputable amplifier brand, and they also produce instrument cables known for their durability.
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VOX: Vox is primarily recognised for its amplifiers, but they may also offer guitar cables in their product range.
When choosing a guitar cable, consider your specific needs, budget, and the length of the cable required for your setup. Reading customer reviews and seeking recommendations from fellow musicians can also be helpful in making an informed decision. Keep in mind that individual preferences may vary, and the "best" cable for one person may not necessarily be the best for another.
Buy Guitar Cables from Coleman’s Music Store in Melbourne CBD or online in Sydney, Brisbane, Hobart, Canberra, Adelaide or anywhere else in Australia!
When you're looking for Guitar Cables, even on a tight budget, simply buy online today or get in touch with the friendly Coleman's Music team and our stores in Melbourne CBD, with fast Guitar Cables online shipping all over Australia, or give us a call on (03) 9799 5400 with any questions, we’re always happy to help!
