Do I need different cables for recording and playing gigs?

We think a shorter cable in the studio makes sense, especially if you are situated close to your computer whilst you record. A shorter cable will keep more of your signal strength and, unlike a live performance, your recordings are permanent documents for your art so you really want to put down the best tones possible. The best case scenario in our opinion is to use a 10ft cable for recording and a longer cable for gigging.

What is the best size of cable for gigging with?

Well, this is a hotly debated topic. Instead of covering every conceivable angle here, we'll simply tell you what we think. If you use pedals, we think a 10-15ft cable into the first pedal is perfect for most stages, followed by at least 15ft between the final pedal and the amp. But what about loss of signal? Yes, yes, we know. You will lose a tiny bit of signal but your audience is going to notice your tiny cable being pulled taught and bringing your amp crashing to the floor much quicker than they'll detect a few dB less gain on your signal, trust us. We don't think you often need more than a 20ft cable though. Whether going straight into an amp or not, 20ft should be the longest instrument cable length you need to buy.

What cable should I use for my guitar?

It depends on your situation, on stage it's always nice to have a longer cable but it may not be needed at home. Do you need a right angle jack or a straight jack for your particular guitar? These are all things to think about when buying a cable.

Do guitar cables make a difference?

Guitar cables can absolutely make a difference in sound. Quality cables will last longer and can encounter less sound degradation as time goes on. Cable length is also an important factor as longer cables can lose some high end frequencies.