Chat with us, powered by LiveChat

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.

View as Grid List

8 Items

  1. RockBoard Flat Patch Y Splitter Cable

    RockBoard Flat Patch Y Splitter Cable

    $8.99 - $11.99
    The RockBoard Flat Y-Splitter cable is an innovative and space-saving solution designed to optimize the real estate on your pedalboard. This cable features an extra flat, slim rectangular body that allows for effici...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  2. RockBoard Flat TRS Cable

    RockBoard Flat TRS Cable

    $7.99 - $9.99
    The RockBoard Flat TRS cable is an innovative and space-saving solution designed to optimize the real estate on your pedalboard. This cable features an extra flat, slim rectangular body that allows for efficient use...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  3. RockBoard Flat Patch Cable

    RockBoard Flat Patch Cable

    $3.90 - $5.99
    The RockBoard Flat patch cables are designed for guitarists who desire a clean natural signal with accuracy. Made with superior components so you can connect your guitar and effects with confidence. RockBoard cables...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  4. RockBoard Flat TRS Cable Straight to Angled Cable

    RockBoard Flat TRS Cable Straight to Angled Cable

    $8.50 - $9.50
    The RockBoard Flat TRS cable is meticulously designed to be extra flat and compact, making it an ideal choice for optimizing the available space on your pedalboard. This cable features slim and angled 6.3 mm jack pl...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  5. RockBoard Flat Power Cable Angled to Straight Cable

    RockBoard Flat Power Cable Angled to Straight Cable

    $3.60 - $4.50
    The RockBoard Flat Power Cables are meticulously designed to provide high-quality power supply for effects pedals, drawing inspiration from the innovative design of RockBoard's Flat Patch Cables. These power cables ...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  6. RockBoard Sapphire Series Flat Patch Cable

    RockBoard Sapphire Series Flat Patch Cable

    $7.19
    Even the best can get better! That is why RockBoard never stops striving for perfection and has developed a flat patch cable that is even better than their popular GOLD series. Audiophile components make the little ...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  7. RockBoard Flat Power Cable Angled Cable

    RockBoard Flat Power Cable Angled Cable

    $3.60 - $4.50
    The RockBoard Flat Power Cables are meticulously designed to provide high-quality power supply for effects pedals, drawing inspiration from the innovative design of RockBoard's Flat Patch Cables. These power cables ...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
  8. RockBoard Gold Series Flat Patch Cable

    RockBoard Gold Series Flat Patch Cable

    $9.20 - $9.50
    The RockBoard Gold Series cables are made with superior components so you can connect your guitar and effects with confidence. Designed for guitarists who desire a clean natural signal with accuracy. RockBoard cable...

    h m s

    free-shipping-icon
per page

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. 

Related Articles

CONTINUE READING
SHOW LESS
Copyright © 1996-2025 American Musical Supply, Inc. All rights reserved