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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.

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  1. Hosa GTR518R Tweed Guitar Cable Straight 1/4" to Right Angle 1/4" 18'

    Hosa GTR518R Tweed Guitar Cable Straight 1/4" to Right Angle 1/4" 18'

    $33.95
    The Hosa GTR518 Tweed Guitar Instrument Cable is designed to provide years of dependable service. High-quality components and world-class manufacturing combine to deliver products of exceptional value. Hosa...

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  2. Hosa HGTR Pro Guitar Patch Cable REAN

    Hosa HGTR Pro Guitar Patch Cable REAN

    $20.95 - $46.95
    The Hosa HGTR Straight Rean Pro Guitar Instrument Cable is engineered to deliver years of rock-solid reliability. Combining REAN connectors by Neutrik AG with world-class manufacturing techniques, the Hosa HGTR st...

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  3. Hosa CGK Edge Guitar Cable with One Angled End

    Hosa CGK Edge Guitar Cable with One Angled End

    $51.95 - $85.95
    Hosa Edge Guitar Cables are designed to provide a lifetime of outstanding performance. Genuine Neutrik plugs combine with world-class manufacturing techniques to deliver the most neutral, dynamic tone in their class...

    4 Payments of $12.99

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  4. Hosa HGTR-010LE Pro Series Guitar Cable

    Hosa HGTR-010LE Pro Series Guitar Cable

    $27.95 - $32.95
    Limited Edition Pro Guitar Cable REAN Straight to Same This Limited-Edition Pro Series Guitar Cable celebrates Hosa’s 40 years of innovating and supporting the needs of musicians. In collaboration the Save ...

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  5. Hosa Guitar Instrument Cable with One Right Angle Plug

    Hosa Guitar Instrument Cable with One Right Angle Plug

    $14.95 - $29.95
    The Hosa Guitar Cables with one right angle plug are designed to provide years of dependable service. High-quality components and world-class manufacturing combine to deliver products of exceptional value. ...

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  6. Hosa 3GT-18C Cloth Guitar Cable

    Hosa 3GT-18C Cloth Guitar Cable

    $28.95
    Hosa 3GT-18C guitar cable provides rock solid reliability with exceptional performance.  Hosa 3GT-18C Cloth Guitar Cable Straight to same Blue/green/white 18 foot Serviceable, all...

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  7. Hosa Guitar Instrument Cable

    Hosa Guitar Instrument Cable

    $13.95 - $28.95
    The Hosa Guitar instrument cables are designed to provide years of dependable service. High-quality components and world-class manufacturing combine to deliver products of exceptional value. Hosa Guitar Inst...

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  8. Hosa Tweed Guitar Cable

    Hosa Tweed Guitar Cable

    $32.95
    The Hosa GTR518 Tweed Guitar Instrument Cable is designed to provide years of dependable service. High-quality components and world-class manufacturing combine to deliver products of exceptional value. Hosa...

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  9. Hosa CPE-411 Guitar Patch Cable 6 Pack

    Hosa CPE-411 Guitar Patch Cable 6 Pack

    $59.95
    The CDE-411cable is designed to interconnect electric guitar pedal effects. Right-angle plugs allow close spacing of pedal effects on pedalboards. Hosa CPE-411 Guitar Patch Cable Features Serviceable...

    4 Payments of $14.99

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  10. Hosa IRG Guitar Patch Cable Low Profile Right Angle

    Hosa IRG Guitar Patch Cable Low Profile Right Angle

    $9.95 - $13.95
    The Hosa IRG100 series patch cable is designed to interconnect electric guitar pedal effects. Low-profile, right-angle plugs allow close spacing of pedal effects on pedalboards. Hosa IRG100 Guitar Patch Cabl...

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  11. Hosa 3GT-PAK Cloth Guitar Cable

    Hosa 3GT-PAK Cloth Guitar Cable

    $252.95
    Hosa 3gt series guitar cables are cloth covered in various colors, 18' Long, and conform to the same high quality levels as the rest of the Hosa guitar cables. This Hosa 3gt Series cloth guitar cable Pack consists o...

    6 Payments of $42.16

  12. Hosa CGK Edge Guitar Cables

    Hosa CGK Edge Guitar Cables

    $50.95 - $84.95
    Hosa Edge Guitar Cables are designed to provide a lifetime of outstanding performance. Genuine Neutrik plugs combine with world-class manufacturing techniques to deliver the most neutral, dynamic tone in their class...

    4 Payments of $12.74

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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.

guitar cable

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:

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.

Instrument cable

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. 

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