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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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Maestro Patch Cables 2-Pack
$17.99Maestro 6" Patch Cables are the perfect length for connecting effects pedals and other signal patching needs, faithfully carrying the signal without the tone-robbing effects of cable capacitance. Using only premium,...h m s
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PRS Classic Instrument Cable Straight to Straight
$19.99 - $27.99Featuring straight ends, the PRS Classic Series instrument cables feature carefully tuned capacitance, designed specifically for excellent signal clarity. The cables’ spiral-shielding provides flexibility and durabi...h m s
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PRS Classic Instrument Cable Straight to Angled
$17.99 - $27.99PRS Classic Series instrument cables, straight to an angled end, feature carefully tuned capacitance, designed specifically for excellent signal clarity. The cables’ spiral-shielding provides flexibility and durabil...h m s
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Audio-Technica ATRINST Instrument Cables 1/4" To 1/4" Phono
$16.95Audio-Technica ATR Instrument Cables are engineered for maximum signal transfer and minimum loss. They feature heavy-duty construction and state-of-the-art professional connectors. A spiral copper outer shield and c...h m s
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RockBoard Sapphire Series Flat Patch Cable
$7.19Even 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
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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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Bad Cat 15 Feet Instrument Cable with Straight Ends
$24.99Bad Cat has produced an instrument cable specifically designed for stage use. Their cable is specially produced for Bad Cat, to yield high durability with ultra-low capacitance and inductance, keeping your signal cl...h m s
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Bad Cat 20 Feet Instrument Cable with Right Angle
$24.99Bad Cat has produced an instrument cable specifically designed for stage use. Their cable is specially produced for Bad Cat, to yield high durability with ultra-low capacitance and inductance, keeping your signal cl...h m s
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Boss BPC Space Saving Pancake Cable
$19.99 - $33.99The BOSS BPC is a space-saving pedal patch cable with slimline pancake plugs. Combining high-quality audio performance with a unique space-saving design, BOSS BPC patch cables help maximize real estate in any pedal ...h m s
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D'Addario American Stage Guitar Instrument Cable with Angled End
$62.99The Planet Waves American Stage Guitar Instrument Cables are designed to reproduce the natural tones of your instrument with zero interference. Made in the USA with audiophile quality wire, the low 28pF/ft capacit...4 Payments of $15.75
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D'Addario American Stage Guitar Instrument Cable
$57.99The Planet Waves American Stage Guitar Instrument Cables are designed to reproduce the natural tones of your instrument with zero interference. Made in the USA with audiophile quality wire, the low 28pF/ft capacit...4 Payments of $14.50
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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.
