How to Build a Custom Guitar Cable with Mogami W2524: A Step-by-Step Guide
Posted on April 2, 2025 by RLC Cables

Whether you’re a gigging musician, a studio engineer, or a hobbyist, a high-quality guitar cable can make all the difference in your sound. Store-bought cables often fall short in durability and signal clarity, but building your own custom guitar cable with Mogami W2524 bulk wire ensures top-notch performance tailored to your needs. At RLC Cables by Redline Connections, we’re passionate about helping you create the best audio solutions. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to build a custom guitar cable using our Mogami W2524 bulk instrument cable—known for its low noise, oxygen-free copper core, and 98% spiral shield. Let’s get started!

Why Choose Mogami W2524 for Your Guitar Cable?

Mogami W2524 is a favorite among audio professionals for a reason. Its 20 AWG oxygen-free copper core delivers crystal-clear sound, while the 98% spiral shield and conductive PVC layer minimize microphonics and interference—perfect for high-impedance instruments like guitars and basses. Whether you’re playing live, recording in the studio, or wiring a pedalboard, this cable ensures your tone stays pure. Plus, its heavy-duty yet flexible design stands up to the rigors of frequent use.

What You’ll Need

• Mogami W2524 Bulk Instrument Cable (sold by the foot at RLC Cables)
• 1/4" TS connectors (mono, for instrument cables—check your local supplier or online)
• Wire cutters/strippers
• Soldering iron and solder
• Heat-shrink tubing (optional, for a professional finish—try our TechFlex 1/4" Expandable Braiding in black or red for added style)
• Multimeter (optional, to test continuity)

Step 1: Measure and Cut the Cable

Decide on the length of your guitar cable—10 feet is a good starting point for most players, offering flexibility without excess noise. Using wire cutters, cut a single, continuous piece of Mogami W2524 to your desired length. At RLC Cables, we sell Mogami W2524 by the foot, so you can order the exact amount you need .

Step 2: Strip the Cable Ends

Using a wire stripper, carefully strip about 1 inch of the outer jacket from both ends of the cable to expose the inner shield and conductor. Inside, you’ll see:

• A center conductor (the signal wire).
• A spiral shield (the ground).
• A conductive PVC layer (for microphonics protection).
  Important: Remove the conductive PVC layer along with the shield—it should not touch the center conductor, or it may cause signal issues. Strip the center conductor’s insulation to expose about 1/4 inch of bare wire.

Step 3: Prepare the Connectors

Take your 1/4" TS connectors and unscrew the housing to access the terminals. Most TS connectors have two terminals:

• The tip (for the center conductor/signal).
• The sleeve (for the shield/ground).
  Tin the terminals with a thin layer of solder to make the connection easier.

Step 4: Solder the Connections

• Solder the center conductor to the tip terminal of the connector.
• Solder the shield to the sleeve terminal.
  Ensure the connections are secure and there are no loose strands that could cause a short. Repeat this process for the other end of the cable.

Step 5: Test the Cable

Before final assembly, use a multimeter to test for continuity between the tip and tip, and sleeve and sleeve, on both ends. There should be no continuity between the tip and sleeve—this indicates a short. If everything checks out, screw the connector housings back on.

Step 6: Add a Professional Finish (Optional)

For a sleek, durable look, slide heat-shrink tubing or TechFlex 1/4" Expandable Braiding over the cable ends before soldering. After soldering, shrink the tubing with a heat gun or slide the braiding into place. Our TechFlex braiding in black or red adds both style and protection—perfect for stage or studio use.

Step 7: Play and Enjoy!

Plug your new custom guitar cable into your rig and test it out. You’ll notice the difference immediately—Mogami W2524’s low noise and high clarity let your instrument’s true tone shine through, whether you’re strumming a Strat or laying down tracks in the studio.

Why Build with RLC Cables?

At RLC Cables by Redline Connections, we’re dedicated to providing premium audio solutions for every project. Our Mogami W2524 bulk wire is sold by the foot, so you only buy what you need, and our TechFlex braiding adds a professional touch to your builds. Ready to start your next project? Shop our full range of audio cables, wiring, and accessories today!