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RockBoard Flat Patch Y Splitter Cable
$8.99 - $11.99The 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
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Pig Hog Hex Silent Instrument Cable Straight to Right Angle 18.6 Feet
$39.95Pig Hog Hex Series Silent Instrument Cables make instrument changes quick and quiet. A unique connector uses an integrated switch that automatically severs the signal when unplugged, eliminating any chance of experi...h m s
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Gator GCWB-INS-RA Backline Instrument Cable
$14.99Gator Cableworks Backline Series 10 Foot Instrument Cable – Straight to Right Angle Gator GCWB-INS-10RA Backline Instrument Cable Features: 10 Foot Instrument Cable 1/4-inch Straight to 1/4-inch R...h m s
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Gator Cableworks Composer Instrument Cable
$25.99 - $32.99The Composer Series Instrument cables are Cableworks professional cable offering, featuring upgraded and well-shielded, low-capacitance conductors, durable PVC jackets for flexibility and reliability, and Cableworks...h m s
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Pig Hog Vintage Series Instrument Cables with 1 Angled End
$27.95 - $39.95Precisely overbuilt construction, the Pig Hog Vintage Series cables can withstand the most grueling tour conditions imaginable. They feature extra-thick tour grade wire, unique high quality woven jackets, performanc...h m s
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RockBoard Flat TRS Cable
$7.99 - $9.99The 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
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Pig Hog Glow In The Dark Instrument Cable with Straight Ends
$28.95 - $39.95The iconic Pig Hog cable with straight ends is tour ready with no signal loss and lifetime warranty. Pig Hog has always looked above and beyond the norm. After watching the night sky and drawing inspiration from the...h m s
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Ernie Ball Instrument Cable
$29.99High-end design, the Ernie Ball cables are made with superior components that are built to last. Ernie Ball Cables transmit a clean transparent signal that is superbly quiet while accurately and faithfully deliverin...h m s
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Ernie Ball Instrument Cable with One Angled End
$98.95High-end design, the Ernie Ball cables are made with superior components that are built to last. Ernie Ball Cables transmit a clean transparent signal that is superbly quiet while accurately and faithfully deliverin...4 Payments of $24.74
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Ernie Ball Flat Ribbon Patch Cable Red 3 Pack
$29.99 - $34.99Ernie Ball flat ribbon patch cables feature a high-quality design made with superior components that are built to last. The flat cable design and low-profile connectors allow for optimized pedalboard layout and cabl...h m s
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Boss BIC-10A Instrument Cable 10 Feet Straight Angle
$27.99Express Yourself with Colorful BOSS Cables These quality BOSS cables preserve your tone while bringing a vibrant look to your rig connections. Available in six colors inspired by some of the most iconic BOSS com...h m s
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Ernie Ball P06224 Flat Ribbon Patch Cable Pedalboard Kit
$79.99Ernie Ball P06224 flat ribbon patch cables feature a high-quality design made with superior components that are built to last. The flat cable design and low-profile connectors allow for optimized pedalboard layout a...4 Payments of $20.00
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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.
