Are Expensive Instrument Cables Worth It?

►► Looking to get high quality cables to reduce your noise? Get them here! (this Sweetwater affiliate link supports my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you! 😊)

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Is it worth it to spend 80$ for a cable? In this video I am comparing the equivalent of regular cables found in any music store to some high end Mogami gold plated cables.

This is not a cable shootout or comparison of brands video. It is more to make you reflect on if you would eventually want to upgrade your cables or not and why.

I am focusing on 2 things in my sound clips:
- Noise / hum / buzz
- Frequency definition

Conclusion: I think the Mogami Gold is a fair winner with a smoother sound, lower noise, more definition on the low end and less harsh highs. For me, definitely worth the investment, especially if you already have some high end pedals !

But, is it worth it for you? Tell me your opinion in the comments !

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► Full list of the pedals and gear I use to make music (these Sweetwater affiliate links support my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you! 😊)

[AntoineMichaudGuitarLooping]

►► Looking to get high quality cables to reduce your noise? Get them here! (this Sweetwater affiliate link supports my work at no extra cost to you. Thank you! 😊)

[josefk]

Very helpful, I’ll be sure to get mogamis but first I need to get a job

[michael_caz_nyc]

Nice video. I just switched my entire studio, and guitar rig to: all mogami cables. It is expensive, but worth it. I am happy with the sound and lack of hum and unwanted noise.

[SICMADE]

I heard it. I definitely heard it. The sound is full and complete vs bright emptiness... like playing w/ quality strings vs cheapy light gauge strings. Damn come to think of it, if I heard myself sound that much better it would inspire me to play better too. Great vid! I'm making all my cables Mogami.

[somedudefromohio]

I just ordered enough Mogami Platinum cables to replace all my ¼" cables and while I'd been told that they're far superior to regular cables, this proves definitely that it was the right move. Thank you for the carefully thought out comparison!

[mikeanderson]

There is definitely a subtle difference, but not big enough for me to justify $200+ for 3 cables. I do avoid cheap cables (as in $5-10 for a 10ft cable), but $11-30 for a 10-20 ft guitar cable is just fine. I play bars, mostly. I have played a couple bigger shows here and there, but still never had a big enough issue with noise to justify paying over $30 for a guitar cable. My pedal board has had as many as 12 pedals on it, and I was mostly using gold elbow 1/4 to 1/4, with maybe a few patch cables under a foot long, and they had gold tips, but patch cables are usually cheaper just due to length, and that's affordable. I'll pay more for patch cables and short jumpers, but for a 10ft to 20 ft instrument cable, $11-30 range is fine. Planet Waves (D'Addario), Pig Hog, Stagg are all decent enough cables. Mogami is definitely great, but until I'm getting rich from playing music, it's not worth the cost.

[DuaLeaD]

Lastly, HANDS DOWN, Mogami makes the best audio cables on the planet....
I had even switched from the best Monster cables when moving to Mogami and it was still like someone had removed a blanket that had been covering my amplifier. Couldn't believe the rich, clear tone I was hearing! I fell in love with my guitar/amp all over again <3 Anyways, I hope my comments help you folks before spending your hard-earned dollars. Not just a fanboy here, Mogami cables are the real fucking deal.

[davidfuller]

Most of what I heard was less noise - and the noise affects everything else, a lot.

Shielding is important, kids.

[elianmusic]

ok i want to confirm that the mogami has MUCH more of a rounder sound, due to more low end or low midrange being there. For sure.
The digi cheaper cable had an edgier sound and less low end -- this was with every example.

[brycedadevil]

Been using a 10ft Boss Gold Cable from my guitar to the start of my pedal board for about a week now...and wow.... it’s not Mogami cable but it’s levels - levels above my standard cables, It’s hard to compare the 2 over a video but u did well...definitely less noise all around the board and that, in of itself is a HUGE improvement on the overall sound, plan on getting another one today.. then of course converting eventually to all - gold patch cables

[Hechab]

Wow, the Mogami's have a bit more low end coming through. Glad I got me those!

[sonic]

Definetly not a game changer, but still very noticeable difference. Nice Gilmour influences there!

[guitarsbymetaljay]

I never thought cables make much difference but I am wrong, they do for sure. Mogami wins hands down.

[resisaputra]

one of the best channel (and explanation) on youtube.. seriously awesome!!

[Knoxvillemoto]

There seems to be a slightly better signal to noise ratio. That's about it.

[empireentertainmentevents]

Expensive cable sounded bigger, thicker and with more clarity. The cheaper cable sounded more nasal and with clarity missing.

[piemmetubo]

Great job! Let's consider that if you make cables by yourself you can have the best quality at a fraction of the assembled ones! 😎

[rockngpa]

Playing in my house doesn’t qualify for $200+ patch cables but if I hit open mic circuit yes I get them for nice touch ..
Good video btw ..

[Unplugged]

Wow.. very well explained with good demo. All other channels say cheap vs expensive cables really don't make a difference!  Glad I say this video.

[Mrmre]

curious to compare the planet waves cable