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CBI GA American Made Guitar Instrument Cable
$9.99 - $41.38CBI’s American Made Guitar Instrument cable is ideal as a guitar cable, patch cord, keyboard cable, or anywhere a 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch connection is required. The 20 gauge CBI Instrument Cable also works great be...h m s
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CBI GA American Made Guitar Instrument Cable 1 Right Angle
$12.99 - $41.38CBI Ga-1 Intrument Cables are ideal as a guitar cable, patch cord, keyboard cable, or anywhere a 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch connection is required. Between processors, pedals, effects, even from a mixer to a power amp. Am...h m s
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CBI BR10 Braided Guitar Instrument Cable One Angled End
$20.99The best-valued overbraid instrument cable available, designed by CBI for American Musical Supply and made in the USA. The braided nylon cloth provides flexibility with no fray weaving, proven to be very durable. CB...h m s
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CBI GA American Made Guitar Instrument Cable 2 Right Angle
$16.99 - $20.99CBI Ga-1 Intrument Cables are ideal as a guitar cable, patch cord, keyboard cable, or anywhere a 1/4 inch to 1/4 inch connection is required. Between processors, pedals, effects, even from a mixer to a power amp. ...h m s
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CBI BR10 Braided Guitar Instrument Cable
$18.99CBI not only provides heat shrink over the nickel 1/4 inch barrel but under as well, ensuring maximum strength for years of satisfaction.This is the best-valued overbraid instrument cable available, designed by CBI ...h m s
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CBI BR15 Braided Guitar Instrument Cable
$24.99This is the best-valued overbraid instrument cable available, designed by CBI for American Musical Supply and made in the USA. The braided nylon cloth provides flexibility with no fray weaving, proven to be very d...h m s
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CBI BR03 Braided Guitar Instrument Cable with One Angled End
$15.99This is the best-valued overbraid instrument cable available, designed by CBI for American Musical Supply and made in the USA. The braided nylon cloth provides flexibility with no fray weaving, proven to be very dur...h m s
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1/4 Inch Instrument Cables
Don't let your sound flop because of cheap cables. AMS carries rugged instrument cables in lengths and styles to fit any setup — whether you need a 25-foot guitar cable for the stage or compact patch cables for chaining effects. With braided, coiled, and flat low-profile designs, you'll find 1/4-inch TS (tip-sleeve) instrument cables that handle everything from guitars and basses to synths and samplers right here.
1/4-Inch Cables for Guitars, Basses, and Everything in Between
An instrument cable is one of those things you only notice when it goes wrong. If your connection is noisy, inconsistent, or flimsy, the rest of your gear never gets a fair shot to take center stage. That’s why American Musical Supply keeps a massive collection of 1/4-inch cable options from the brands players trust to keep the music going.
You’ll find short patch-style runs for tight pedalboards, flexible 1/4-inch cable lengths for practice and rehearsal, and longer styles that give you freedom to move without tugging on your amp. Straight and angled connectors are easy to match to your gear, and construction options range from simple and affordable to rugged designs made for regular gigging. If your setup runs on a 1/4-inch connection, you're in the right place.
Instruments That Use 1/4 Inch Cables
If your gear has a standard output jack, there’s a good chance it runs on a 1/4-inch cable. These connections are everywhere because they’re simple, reliable, and flexible enough to handle a wide range of instruments and playing styles.
Common instruments that use instrument cables include:
- Electric guitars, from solid bodies to semi-hollows
- Electric basses, both passive and active
- Acoustic guitars with built-in pickups or preamps
- Keyboards and digital pianos with line outputs
- Synthesizers and sound modules
- Electronic drum modules
- Pedalboards and multi-effects units
A quality 1/4-inch cable keeps signal loss and noise in check across all of these instruments. Whether you’re plugging straight into an amp or running through a full effects chain, the right cable helps your gear sound the way it’s supposed to.
How to Use Guitar and Instrument Cables With Gear
Getting the most out of a guitar cable or instrument cable often just comes down to plugging things in the right way. Most instruments with a 1/4-inch cable output can hook straight into amps, mixers, or interfaces, but a little know-how makes everything sound better and behave cleaner.
Amp Connections
Plug your guitar or bass into the instrument input of a practice or full-size amplifier with a 1/4-inch cable. If you’re using a pedalboard, run your cable from the guitar into the first pedal, then patch through to the amp.
Mixers and Interfaces
When connecting a keyboard or other line-level instrument, run a 1/4-inch cable from the instrument’s output into a matching line input on your mixer or audio interface. Many mixers and interfaces include dedicated 1/4-inch inputs for stronger signals, which helps avoid distortion and keeps your levels where they should be.
Balanced vs. Unbalanced
Many guitars and keyboards use unbalanced 1/4-inch connections. For long runs to mixers or interfaces, a balanced TRS version of 1/4-inch cable or a direct box can help reduce noise and preserve tone.
Connecting your gear with the right cable keeps your signal strong and your tone where you want it.
Cable Brands That Match How You Play
Every player treats cables a little differently, so American Musical Supply stocks guitar cable brands that cover the full spectrum, from studio perfectionists to road warriors who pack fast and play loud.
- Pig Hog: Known for bold colors, serious durability, and flexible jackets that coil easily. Pig Hog cables are made for players who gig hard and want something that stands out visually.
- Mogami: A favorite in studios thanks to pristine signal clarity and premium construction. These cables are all about low noise and accurate tone.
- Ernie Ball: Designed with players in mind, offering flexible feel and solid tone for practice, rehearsal, and performance.
- CBI: Built tough with clean signal paths, often favored in pro audio and touring setups.
No matter how your rig lives, there’s a 1/4 inch cable here that fits it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Cables
Can a 1/4 inch cable be balanced?
Yes, some 1/4 inch cables are TRS and balanced. Most guitar and bass setups use unbalanced TS connections.
What’s the difference between a guitar cable and a speaker cable?
A guitar or instrument cable carries a low-level signal from your instrument. Speaker cables carry amplified power and use heavier internal wiring. They are not interchangeable (don’t even try it).
I have active pickups. Do I need special cables?
Active instruments still use standard instrument cables. The onboard preamp helps drive the signal over longer distances more easily.
Start Your Signal Strong With Guitar Cables From AMS
A great rig starts with a solid connection. The right guitar cable keeps your signal clean, your tone consistent, and your setup feeling right every time you plug in. Whether you’re refreshing a pedalboard or replacing a cable that’s starting to act up, American Musical Supply has instrument cable options built for real playing. Explore our full lineup of 1/4-inch cables and connect your gear the way it’s meant to be used, so nothing gets in the way of the music.
