Geni Swing Guitars

Gold Electric

If you own and play the electric guitar, then you own and use an electric guitar cable. This is one piece of equipment many players overlook and don't think about, but it shouldn't be this way. In fact, having the right type of cable can not only make you sound better, but will save you some money in the long run as well.

Most of us start out with a small practice amp and guitar, most likely from a kit. It comes with a guitar, amp, strap, and cable, all included in the box. At the time, we think that the whole setup is the best there ever was and are generally just really excited to have an electric guitar to play that we don't think a thing about the quality of the cable that came with it. After you've upgraded, or had a few of your cables destroyed and broken, you may have started to think about the quality of the cable that you purchase.

A trip to the local music store reveals that there are a ton of cables that are just $10, and also a ton that are $20 and more. There are some noticeable differences, nylon coverings, gold plating, length, etc. etc., but we figure that a cable's just a cable, right? and buy the cheap-o $10 cable.

Some guitarists go through this cycle over and over and still buy the cheap cables at their music store. It's like a yearly ritual where they go and shell out $10 to replace the junky cable that's been rendered useless. Not only is that a horrible way to waste at least $10 a year, but you're also left with a cable that's not performing as well as it could. If you had just spent the $20, you would have gotten more than double you money's worth. Let me break down some of the things to look for in a quality cable, so you know next time your cheap cable goes kaput.

- Length - this is of concern, because the longer the cable, the flatter your tone. Many people don't know this or don't think about it and get 50 feet of cable so they can walk around the house while they play the guitar. If you have active pickups, you don't have to worry about the length as much, but for the rest of us, keep it under 20 feet.

- Thickness - this one is under debate. I've used both thick and thin cables, and haven't seen any noticeable difference. Some of the most highly regarded instrument cable is some of the thinnest in the world, so this is a judgment call.

- Nylon braiding - this is nice, as it gives your cable some visual appeal, but it provides no extra protection or advantage. Only get the nylon braided cables if you really like them.

- Gold plating - this is one thing that you can opt for that will increase the quality of your cable. Gold conducts electricity more efficiently than nickel, and therefore is a better connector. If you can find them, get the cables with the gold connectors.

- Housing - the housing at the end of the cable around the jack does make a difference. Most cables have molded housing that can't be remove, not easily anyway. If you can find them, get the cables that offer the removable housing. It usually screws off and allows access to the soldered parts where the cable is connected. With these cables, if they break you can always fix them. So that $20 cable might be around until your dead, replacing 70 $10 cables. Sounds like a good deal, right?

While you can always get away with the cheap units, buying good quality cables is always a good idea. Look at your local music store for some with the features I mentioned next time yours breaks. If you don't see them, talk to the guy in the store, he'll order it for you. Good luck & have fun!

John T Halbert is a writer who publishes on subjects of self help and human ability. His studies include the human body and mind and the innate abilities that lie within. He recently helped publish a series of websites about the Schwinn 20 Exercise Bike and the Schwinn 860 Treadmill.

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