Guitar Cables & Solderless Cable Kits

This section covers the leads a guitarist or bassist actually plugs in: D’Addario instrument, patch, speaker and headphone cables, plus solderless parts for building pedalboard leads to length.

The Classic Series Instrument Cable comes in 10ft (3m), 15ft (4.5m) and 20ft (6m), with a Right Angle Plug version in 10ft and 20ft. Pick the length for the stage rather than the rehearsal room: a 10ft lead is tidy on a small stage or at home, while 20ft gives a player room to move and reach a backline amp from the front. A right angle plug suits guitars with a front-mounted jack, keeping the lead flat against the body, while a straight plug is the safer choice for an end-pin or recessed socket.

For pedalboards there is the Classic Series Patch Cable 3-pack at 6″, or the Solderless Custom Cable Kit with 40ft of cable and 10 plugs for cutting every link to the exact length. Spare Solderless 1/4″ Straight and Right Angle Jack Plugs are also available.

The Custom Series Speaker Cable (10ft) is for amp to cabinet only. Speaker and instrument cables look alike but are built for different jobs and are not interchangeable, as Instrument Cable vs Speaker Cable explains. The Headphone Extension Cable adds 10ft (3m) for practice amps, interfaces and monitoring. Balanced and line level leads are in Jack Cables.

Guitar Cables FAQs

Should I choose a straight or right angle guitar cable? A right angle plug works well on front-mounted jacks, keeping the lead flat to the body. A straight plug fits more reliably in end-mounted or recessed sockets.

Can I use a guitar cable as a speaker cable? No. An instrument cable is designed for a low level signal and is not built to carry amplifier output, so use the Custom Series Speaker Cable between amp and cabinet.