Instrument Cables, Speaker Cables: What’s the Difference?

Why All Cords Aren’t Created Equal

Consider the common cable: Two plugs, 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch, with a few feet of cable in between. That’s all there is to it, right?

Wrong! Using the right cable at the right time can mean the difference between a crystal clear tone and a humming mess.

In extreme cases, the incorrect cable can even cook your amplifier.

What’s the difference between speaker cables and instrument cables? For musicians on a budget – and what musician isn’t – is there any reason to upgrade to a top-shelf cord?

This informative video from Next Level Guitar will take a bit of the mystery out of how (and why) to choose the right cable, whether you’re attaching a head to a cabinet or a guitar to a stomp box.