Are Fender Original Cables Good? A Complete Review
A high-quality instrument cable is essential for preserving your tone, avoiding interference, and ensuring reliability during performances or practice. The Fender Original Series Cables are among the most popular choices for guitarists and bassists—but are they actually good? Let’s break it down and find out!
What Are Fender Original Series Cables?
Fender’s Original Series Instrument Cables are designed to deliver clear signal transmission, durability, and a vintage-inspired aesthetic. These cables come in multiple lengths (10ft, 15ft, 18.6ft) and colors (Surf Green, Daphne Blue, Fiesta Red, and more), making them both functional and stylish.
Key Features of Fender Original Cables
* 22 AWG copper conductor – Delivers a pure, noise-free signal.
* Spiral shielding – Helps reduce interference and unwanted hum.
* Durable PVC jacket – Protects against wear, kinks, and damage.
* Classic Fender colors – Adds a retro aesthetic to your setup.
* Multiple length options – Perfect for home, studio, or stage use.
* Straight & right-angle plug options – Flexible for different setups.
Build Quality & Durability
A good instrument cable should be able to withstand constant plugging, unplugging, and stage use.
How durable are Fender Original Cables?
Thick PVC outer jacket – Prevents cable damage from bending or tangling. Heavy-duty metal connectors – Reduces the risk of wear and corrosion. Reinforced cable ends – Less chance of fraying over time.
Potential Downsides:
The cable can feel a bit stiff when new. Not as flexible as braided cables.
* Verdict on Durability: Fender Original Series Cables are built to last, but they may not be as flexible as premium braided cables.
Sound Quality & Performance
A great cable should maintain your instrument’s natural tone while avoiding unwanted noise.
* How does the Fender Original Cable perform?
Clean and clear signal – No noticeable tone loss. Low interference – Spiral shielding helps reduce hum. Works well with electric & acoustic guitars.
* Does it color your tone?
No, the Fender Original Cable does not affect your guitar’s tone—it delivers a natural, transparent sound.
Comparison: Fender Original vs. Other Cables
How does Fender Original Series compare to other instrument cables?
| Feature | Fender Original | Braided Cables | Cheap Generic Cables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability |  ☆ (4/5) | (5/5) | ☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Sound Quality | (5/5) | (5/5) | ☆☆☆ (2/5) |
| Flexibility | ☆☆ (3/5) | (5/5) | ☆☆ (3/5) |
| Aesthetic | (5/5) | ☆ (4/5) | ☆☆ (3/5) |
| Price vs. Value | ☆ (4/5) | ☆☆ (3/5) | (5/5) |
Best for: Players who want a solid, stylish, and reliable cable without breaking the bank.
Not ideal for: Players who prefer ultra-flexible braided cables.
Pros & Cons Summary
Pros:
Great signal clarity – No noticeable tone loss. Durable build – Thick PVC jacket and strong connectors. Retro color options – Looks cool on stage or in the studio. Low noise and interference – Spiral shielding works well. Affordable – Great balance of quality and price.
Cons:
Slightly stiff when new. Not as flexible as braided cables.
Final Verdict: Are Fender Original Cables Good?
YES! If you’re looking for a high-quality, stylish, and affordable instrument cable, the Fender Original Series is a fantastic choice. It’s durable, low-noise, and provides a clean signal, making it perfect for home, studio, and live use.
Rating: ☆ (4.5/5)
Would you use Fender Original Cables? Let me know in the comments!