Carefully selected guitar shields! A thorough explanation of how to choose them and the differences in sound quality
Guitar shields are not just cables!
" All guitar shields are the same, right? "
If you think so, you're making a big mistake! Guitar cables are the " pathway for sound " between your guitar, bass, effects, and amplifiers. If the path is poor, it can ruin the tone of your guitar and the nuances of your playing.
In fact, the cable can make a big difference in the clarity of the sound, noise reduction, durability, and even ease of playing .
In this article, we will introduce some recommended guitar shields carefully selected by Onkodo, as well as thoroughly explain how to choose the one that best suits your playing style and budget, trends in sound quality, and a Q&A section.
Reading this will surely help improve your sound!
5 points to remember when choosing a guitar shield
First, let's take a look at some important points to help you choose the best shield for you from the many available options.
1. Length: Not too short, not too long, just the right distance
The length of the shield affects both sound quality and handling.
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Short shield (less than 3m):
- Advantages: Less degradation in sound quality, less noise, easy to handle.
- Disadvantages: Not suitable for live performances or large venues; the distance between equipment is limited.
- Recommended for: home practice, recording, and on your pedal board.
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Long shield (over 5m):
- Advantages: You can play on a large stage and move around without worrying about the distance to the amp.
- Disadvantages: Sound quality is prone to deterioration (especially in the high range), noise is easily generated, and the cables tend to get tangled.
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Recommended for: performing at live houses, practicing in studios.
guideline:
- Home practice: Around the desk: 1m to 3m
- Studio practice/small-scale live performance: 3m to 5m
- Live performances on stage: 5m to 7m (consider wireless as well). The shorter the length, the better the sound quality, but choose with practicality in mind.
2. Plug shape: Straight or L-shaped? Choose according to the connected device.
There are two main types of shielded plugs: "straight (S-shaped)" and "L-shaped (L-shaped)."
Straight plug (S type):
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- Features: General purpose and easy to insert and remove.
- Advantages: Compatible with a variety of equipment, stable connection.
- Disadvantages: They stick out a lot from the guitar or effect, making them easy to hit.
- Recommended for: connecting amplifier inputs and effects pedals.
L-shaped plug (L-type):
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- Features: 90 degree bend.
- Advantages: When inserted into the guitar jack, it does not stick out much and is less likely to be hit. It saves space on the pedal board.
- Disadvantages: Depending on the shape of the jack, it may be difficult to insert.
- Recommended for: guitar input, on effects board.
Note:
We had a previous customer who found that the jack of the instrument they used was located deep inside, and the L plug interfered and prevented it from going all the way in.
When purchasing, please consider the shape of the instrument you will be using.
Generally, if the guitar side is L-shaped and the amp side is straight , the plug is less likely to be damaged when you place the guitar down, and the wiring can be done smartly. There are many situations where an L-shaped plug is necessary on an effects board.
Silent Plug:
A silent plug is a type of plug (socket) for musical instrument cables (cables) such as those for guitars and basses.It is an innovative item designed to prevent noise (a loud "click" sound) from occurring even when the cable is plugged in or unplugged while the amplifier is turned on.
How the Silent Plug works
Silent plugs have a tiny switch mechanism inside that is normally open (de-energized).
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Before inserting the plug into the jack: The switch is open (off), and the hot (Tip) and cold (Sleeve) terminals through which the signal flows are shorted. In this state, no noise is generated even if you touch or move the plug.
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When the plug is fully inserted into the jack: When the plug is inserted all the way, the internal switch is pushed open, connecting the hot and cold terminals and allowing the signal to flow (ON).
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When removing the plug from the jack: Just before the plug is completely removed, the switch opens again and the hot and cold are shorted again. This effectively suppresses the "pop" noise that occurs when the shield is completely removed.
Simply put, it prevents noise from being generated by temporarily shorting the signal path at the moment of insertion or removal .
Silent plugs: Here are some important points to know!
Silent plugs have a built-in "mechanical switch that temporarily shorts the signal when the plug is plugged in or unplugged." This switch mechanism has certain characteristics and points to note.
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Beware of deterioration of moving parts over time. The Silent Plug has a built-in physical switch part for switching signals. This is a "moving part." With long-term use or frequent plugging and unplugging, this moving part can wear out or fine dust can get in, causing it to deteriorate over time and stop working properly.
This may cause the noise suppression function to stop working, or in the worst case, sound may cut out. Although durability has been taken into consideration, it is important to remember that these are consumable items.
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Vulnerable to shocks... Because it contains precision mechanical parts, it is more sensitive to external shocks than ordinary plugs. For example, if you accidentally drop it on the floor or give it a strong shock, the internal mechanism may be damaged and it may no longer function properly.
In particular, Neutrik silent plugs, which are well-known for their high-precision operation, are said to be vulnerable to shocks due to their sophistication. By using them with care, you can maintain their performance for a long time.
We carry products with a silent plug on one side. We can also manufacture products with silent plugs on both sides as a special order. Please contact us via chat.
3. Sound quality trends: Does the shield really change the sound?
"Does shielding change the sound?" Yes, it does! The cable's material, construction, length, etc. can create subtle differences in the sound characteristics.
- A type with clear, sharp high frequencies: Prominent chords and attacks produce a bright sound.
- A type with a thick and warm midrange: For sticky lead tones and rich clean sounds.
- A type that produces strong low frequencies: For when you want a boomy sound or a heavy bass feel.
This is largely a matter of personal preference, but generally speaking, the more expensive the cable, the more faithful it is to the original sound, the less noise it produces, and the wider the range it tends to cover . It's a good idea to choose one that matches the sound you want to produce.
4. Durability: A tough product that will last a long time!
Shields are consumable items, but if you use them frequently live or in the studio, durability is very important.
- Robustness of the plug: Is the connection sturdy and not likely to break?
- Thickness and flexibility of cable coating: Is it less likely to get damaged or tangled when running it across the floor or winding it up?
- Soldering quality: Is the internal wiring done properly?
Plugs with sturdy metal plugs and thick, flexible cables tend to be more durable.
5. Price range and brand: Choose according to your budget and needs
The price of a shield ranges from a few hundred yen to tens of thousands of yen.
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Low price range (up to 2,000 yen):
- For practicing at home or as a spare. It has minimum performance, but the sound quality and durability are so-so.
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Mid-price range (3,000 to 8,000 yen):
- A standard price range used by many guitarists. Good balance of sound quality and durability.
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High price range (from 10,000 yen):
- For professional environments and guitarists who are particular about sound quality. Excellent fidelity to the original sound and noise resistance.
[Onkodo's Selection] Recommended Guitar Shield Products
From here on, we will introduce some carefully selected guitar shields that Onkodo confidently recommends, based on the above selection method. Find the one that is perfect for your purpose and preferences.
CANARE / GS-6 
Features: A Japanese classic. Clear, natural sound. Excellent cost performance and durability. If you're not sure which one to choose, this is it!
Recommendation: All-purpose for beginners to professionals.
Price: From 3,300 yen
MOGAMI / 2524
Features: The sound is less colored and faithfully reproduces the original sound of the guitar and amplifier. This makes it easier to create sounds with effects.
Recommendation: It has no particular flavor, so it is recommended for all genres.
Price: From 3,200 yen
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MOGAMI / 3368
Features: Microphonic noises such as crackling and rustling that occur when the cable is moved or stepped on are kept to an extremely low level.
Recommendation: It has no particular flavor, so it is recommended for all genres.
Price: From 4,700 yen
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MOGAMI 3368 Guitar Shield NEUTRIK S-type/SILENT L-type
Features: Microphonic noises such as crackling and rustling that occur when moving or stepping on the cable are kept to an extremely low level. Comes with a silent L plug, making it ideal for live performances!
Recommendation: It has no particular flavor, so it is recommended for all genres.
Price: From 6,700 yen
GOTHAM GAC-1UltraPro
Features: It transmits all the information contained in the input signal without any unnecessary coloration, clearly reproducing the original tone of the instrument or sound source, subtle nuances, and even harmonic components.
Recommended genres
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Jazz / Fusion / Blues:
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Reason: It can fully express the delicate picking nuances of guitars and basses, the sound of the strings, and the richness of harmonics in clean to crunch tones. The clear sound with little noise does not disturb concentration even in quiet passages, and maximizes the player's expressiveness. It also goes great with full-acoustic and semi-acoustic guitars.
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General Studio Recording:
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Reason: The ultimate in noise suppression and high-resolution sound are the most important factors in a recording environment. With extremely little signal loss, it is easy to edit the sound in post-processing, making it ideal for professionals who want to record the original sound of their instruments in the highest quality.
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Acoustic guitar/acoustic bass (line output):
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Reason: It has excellent ability to transmit the delicate pickup signal of an acoustic instrument clearly without noise. It is ideal when you want to send a natural and transparent sound close to the live sound to a PA or amplifier.
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Pop/Rock (mainly clean to light gain):
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Reason: It has good sound separation and is useful for pop music that requires a clear sound, and for rock that requires delicate playing such as cutting and arpeggios. Even when distorted, the sound is not easily crushed and maintains a core sound.
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Price: From 3,500 yen
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MOGAMI 2791 SWITCHCRAFT
Features: Despite its low capacitance, the relatively thick conductors and unique insulator design give it a powerful, projecting sound with a solid mid-low range.
Recommended genres
The combination of the MOGAMI 2791 and Switchcraft plug has a well-balanced sound character and is recommended for a wide range of genres. It will be especially useful in the following genres:
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Rock/Blues/R&B:
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Reason: It is ideal when you want to add a moderate thickness and stickiness to the original tone of the guitar or bass. When distorted, the sound is not too wild, but has a powerful core. The mid-range push makes it stand out even in a band ensemble. It matches the emotional tone of blues, the drive of rock, and the groove of R&B.
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Jazz/Fusion (especially when using semi/full acoustic or semi-acoustic guitars):
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Reason: The clarity of the MOGAMI 2791 and the warmth of the midrange provided by the Switchcraft produce a deep and lustrous jazz tone without compromising the rich resonance and warmth of full-body and semi-body guitars. Picking nuances are faithfully transmitted, and the sound has a strong presence without becoming thin.
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Pop/Funk:
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Reason: The clean sound of the cutting and arpeggios has a good grain and a strong attack. At the same time, the sound is not too harsh and has a good balance that blends naturally into the ensemble. The effector response is also straightforward, allowing for a wide range of sound creation.
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Price: From 2,900 yen
To product page>>
Summary: Take your sound to the next level!
Guitar shields are an important item for maximizing the potential of your guitar and amplifier.
Using the tips for selecting and recommended shields we have introduced here, we hope you will find the one that you think is the one.
By choosing the right shielding, you will get clear sound with less noise, rich tonal expression, and above all, the joy of playing without stress .
