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What is the perfect guitar cable length?

At Rattlesnake Cable Company, we often get asked, "what is the perfect guitar cable length?" That is a difficult question to answer without knowing some of the critical variables and applications for the musician. But before we get started, let's start with some of the common questions.

Are long guitar cables bad?

Yes and no. Typically, extremely long guitar cables can be a problem due to cable capacitance. The longer the run, the more capacitance can be encountered. Cable capacitance will darken or muddy your tone. The rate of that capacitance has multiple factors, including the length of the cable, the gauge of the conductor, and the how much internal insulation separates the signal conductor from the shield.

Long cables can be remedied with a signal buffer to get that original signal back. So if a long cable is required, we recommend using a buffer somewhere in the signal chain.

Does guitar cable affect the sound?

Absolutely, the guitar cable can affect the sound. As I mentioned above, capacitance can be an issue. This is highly dependent on the cables you purchase and how they are built. Shorter run cables in the 10-15 feet range are ideal and going 20 feet and longer, you may begin to experience some tone or signal loss. Our cables are engineered to be low capacitance, with the sweet spot being in that 15' range, and 20' still sounds clear and natural.

What is the perfect guitar cable length? Cable from spool

Are thicker guitar cables better?

Thicker guitar cables tend to indicate durability (beefy, as they say). But thicker cables also mean a more significant gap between the signal conductor and the internal shield. This gap is critical for maintaining lower capacitance over distance. Thinner cables will have a smaller gap, and high-end frequencies will bleed to ground with shorter lengths. The only way to compensate for that is to go with a thinner signal conductor, resulting in breakage over time. Our cable uses a 20AWG center conductor and spacing for low capacitance 20-25pF/foot at 15-foot length.

Now that we have some of the basics of how length can affect your tone and overall signal, let's talk about length requirements for performing.

Guitar cable length for gigs.

There are a couple of rules of thumb here.

What is the size of the stage?
What is the required movement needed?

If you're performing on a large stage with your rig WAY behind you, you need longer cables. Gigging musicians often carry a short set and a large set for the run between the pedalboard and amp. I usually recommend having an Instrument Junction Box to tie cables together for super long runs. If you're playing in most ‘bar' stages and don't want to be standing on your cables, then I would recommend 10' cables.

The other factor, which can be a significant issue, is where your beverage is during a performance. If you put a drink on your amp, you must ensure your primary instrument cable can return to the pint glass or can. If you use a mic stand to hold your beverage or keep it by your feet, then it's not an issue.

Movement is something to consider as well. Do you stay in your zone? Do you wander around? If so, then a large cable might be required.

For a typical to average stage, I would recommend a 15' to 20' Standard Cable from pedalboard to amp and a 10' or 15' Snake Head or Standard from board to instrument. If you encounter a large stage, I would recommend carrying a 20' Standard as emergency bonus cable and a Junction Box to double your length from pedalboard to amp.

Guitar cable length for recording.

When recording, you are very much in control of your tone, playing area, etc. Length is generally not an issue unless isolation booths are a long way from the playing area. If so, you can dial the proper tone while sound checking and compensating for cable capacitance with the amp or at the console. Starting with the best-desired tone is the way to go, so finding that perfect length for your ear is ideal but not necessary. Also, the opposite can be helpful; in some cases, you may think your tone is too bright, and an extremely long cable might help with that. That is one of the reasons some players like coiled cables to get that added cable capacitance with guitars with exaggerated highs.

In summary, what is ideal cable length for guitar?

Essentially, where it matters the most is live settings. Understand your average stage size and account for that, with backups lengths and the ability to lengthen if needed. Understand how you navigate your playing area (i.e., grabbing drinks, interacting with your band, etc.). Typically, 10-15 foot length cables are ideal for most stages and ensure excellent tone. Anything over 20 feet might require some adjustments.

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Reviews on Google

William Clements
8/31/2020
Hands down the best guitar cables you will find, virtually indestructible. Built to your specs, color and size.

Maynard Raguine
10/10/2024
I’ve been playing guitar for over twenty years, and in that time, I’ve always bought and used cables from places like Guitar Center. I never gave cables much of a thought, until a former teacher of mine enlightened me on just how important they are. Your cable is what connects your guitar to the amplifier after all, so if it’s not a good quality cable, you won’t get a good connection, you won’t get a good sound. I was on Reddit not too long ago, and saw Rattlesnake Cables being mentioned in the guitar related subreddits I follow. I did a bit of research, liked what I found, and bought my first Rattlesnake cable. Honestly, it is the best cable I’ve ever used! Barely any hum, the cable itself is heavy and solid, and above all, my guitar sounds amazing! It sounds clear and articulate, while the tone is so defined. It’s awesome to hear, how much of a difference a cable can make. So if you’re looking for a good quality guitar cable; American made, and American built, look no further than Rattlesnake Cable Co. Awesome customer service, lightning quick shipping, great packaging. I will never buy any of the mainstream cable brands again.

Mike Link
4/9/2021
Well first of all, I've been dying to purchase cables from Rattlesnake for a long time. Finally I was able to purchase a purple 15' Snakehead with gold jacks (one angled) and one red 15' Snakehead configured the same as my purple cable and I was blown away when the package arrived. Not only did the packaging seem like opening a Christmas present, I was shocked at the presentation of opening the box and all the awesome 'goodies' inside. My first thought was, 'Wow! This is the kind of company I can get behind!' ...and the superior quality of the cables are second to none! There was just that certain killer tone I got from my first gig with my first Rattlesnake Cables. We as musicians know how important it is to have confidence in our gear and Rattlesnake Cables deliver time and time again. Thank you Rattlesnake Cables for making the best cables in the planet!

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What is the perfect guitar cable length?